Fire Damage

Fire Damage

Fire is destructive. In minutes, it can destroy your property and your life. Trying to pick up the pieces and resume some sense of normalcy after the physical and emotional turmoil of fire damage can be challenging, to say the least.

If you have home insurance, you might think that everything is covered, and you’ll receive a check for the damages. However, a fire insurance claim can be quite complex and may not produce the results you hope for.

Insurance companies are dedicated to saving money, so they are not too keen on paying out claims. If you have to file a fire damage claim, you can typically expect a fight to receive proper compensation. Having a Pensacola, FL insurance attorney on your side can level the field and make it a fair fight. Learn more about fire damage claims and how an insurance claim lawyer can help you with your case.

Common Causes of Fire Damage in Pensacola

There are many different potential causes of fires, including but not limited to:

• Candles being knocked over or placed too close to flammable objects
• Faulty appliances
• Cooking or barbecue accidents
• Defective wiring
• Gas leaks
• Lightning
• Arson
• Smoking
• Holiday decorations

Sadly, such things can happen so quickly that you don’t have time to stop them. In the blink of an eye, everything you’ve worked to build can be gone.

While it’s important to take preventative measures to minimize the risk of fire, it can often be impossible to see all threats. For example, even brand-new appliances can be defective. And it’s impossible to know if lightning will strike or a vandal will decide to create chaos. Additionally, it’s been estimated that 63% of Southwest Pensacola homes alone are at risk of being impacted by wildfires.

Simply having fire damage coverage isn’t enough. If you look closely at your policy, you’ll likely notice a long list of causes that are not covered. They tend to be the most common ones. This is what leaves many homeowners confused when the fire damage isn’t covered under their policy.

It’s essential that you review your policy coverage to understand what is and is not covered. A property insurance lawyer can help in this regard.

Steps in Filing a Fire Pensacola Damage Claim

If your home has been damaged by fire, you are likely dealing with more internally and externally than you feel you can handle. Unfortunately, the work isn’t done yet. You have to file a fire insurance claim with your insurance provider. The following steps can make the process smoother.

• Document the Damage
  After you have ensured that your family is safe, get approval to enter your property. This is important, as fire can weaken structures and you want to remain safe. Additionally, you’ll want to gather information about what started the fire.
  Once the inspector has deemed it safe for entry, start documenting the damage with photos, videos, and notes. Capture as many details as possible.
• Inform Your Insurer
  Before filing your official claim, call your insurance provider. Inform them of the fire and any details you have.
• Gather Documentation
  Gather any available information that you have, such as recent receipts or inspection paperwork about the cause of the fire. For example, if the fire was caused by faulty wiring that you recently had installed by a licensed professional, having documentation of that work and that professional can help your claim. The same is true if an appliance is to blame that you recently purchased.
• Contact Professionals
  Fire damage tends to require many professionals, including fire restoration services, appraisers, contractors, and more. The earlier you can get in touch with these professionals and get the ball rolling, the better. Keep up with all work orders, receipts, and any other documentation to file with your claim.
• File Your Fire Damage Claim
  Fill out your insurance claim paperwork as thoroughly as possible. Turn in all estimates, work orders, receipts, photographs, videos, and any other documentation and evidence you have.
• Carefully Review the Settlement Offer
  Your insurance provider will process your claim and, if the damage is covered by your policy, offer a settlement. Typically, this settlement will not equal fair compensation, so you’ll need to appeal it. This process can take some time, however, and be stressful.

You have more than enough to deal with, and you don’t have to fight an insurance battle alone. Our experienced attorneys at The Morgan Law Group can help review your coverage, complete the claims process, negotiate any settlement offers, file appeals when necessary, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a consultation, and let us fight the battle on your behalf.