Condo Fires Aren’t Uncommon—Are You Prepared for the Aftermath?

Dealing with a fire in your home or on property that you are responsible for can be a nightmare, even after the fire is out and the damage has been contained. Although no one wants to think about what they need to do in aftermath of fire-related losses, it’s important for unit residents and condominium associations to be prepared. Condominium fires are surprisingly common, and it truly can pay to be ready for the insurance documentation, questions of legal responsibility, and repairs that follow. 

All-Too-Real Examples of Recent Condominium Fire Insurance Claims and Property Damage

Think that a serious fire will never happen in your condo? In just the last month, multiple serious condominium fires have been reported across the United States, including the following incidents:

• On Monday, August 11, 2014, a condominium fire in Magna, Utah, affected 18 units. Eighteen families were displaced from Copper Tree Condos after a fire destroyed two units, left four more with damage, and affected the main water line for the complex. 
• Another incident on Monday, August 11, involved a scary condominium fire in Littleton, Colorado. One resident had to be rescued from the burning condo, and four units were heavily damaged. Witnesses at the scene say that the fire broke through windows and may have affected the roof of the building.
• A three-story condominium building in Raleigh, North Carolina, was extensively damaged when a fire broke out on Wednesday, August 6, 2014. The top floor of the building was destroyed, and other floors sustained damage from the fire and smoke, as well as the water used to the fight the blaze. All 12 units in the building were damaged, and it has been estimated that it may be several months before residents can move back in.

The moral of the story is that serious fires can happen anywhere, at any time, and simply carrying fire insurance isn’t always enough to protect you from losses.

Denied Condominium Insurance Claims Are Complicated for Unit Owners and Condo Associations

Although unit owners and condominium associations generally carry fire insurance, many aren’t prepared for the reality of filing a claim for fire damage. Complications often arise when it comes to questions of who is responsible for which damages, especially when damages are severe. The weight of responsibility may be unfairly passed on to residents or property managers, and delays or denials aren’t uncommon in the confusion.

If you have questions about your condominium insurance policy, or if you would like to consult with our fire insurance claim lawyers about handling complicated damage claims, please reach out to us today for immediate assistance. Our team has helped individuals and entities across the United States get the most from their insurance coverage, and we are only a call or click away if you need help.