Fire Damage
Recover From Property Fire Damage With Legal Support
Who Is Liable for Fire Damage?
Fires can be devastating and life changing. Regardless of whether your fire damage is minor or catastrophic, you should still receive appropriate compensation according to your fire damage insurance policy. Liability for fire damage depends on the circumstances of the fire and whether you are the property owner.
Florida Fire Damage
The Florida Fires 2019 Annual Report recorded 15,906 structure fires throughout the year, the large majority of which were residential. Total fires equaled 49,279, with a property damage value of over $450 million dollars.
Having adequate fire damage protection insurance is important. It is not as useful if you allow yourself to be taken advantage of by insurance companies. If you are looking for a fire damage lawyer, Lady Law Group can help.
Florida Fire Damage
The Florida Fires 2019 Annual Report recorded 15,906 structure fires throughout the year, the large majority of which were residential. Total fires equaled 49,279, with a property damage value of over $450 million dollars.
Having adequate fire damage protection insurance is important. It is not as useful if you allow yourself to be taken advantage of by insurance companies. If you are looking for a fire damage lawyer, Lady Law Group can help.
Filing a Claim of Liability for Fire Damage
Losses from fire damage can include property damage, total structure loss, loss of irreplaceable personal property, and so much more. It is important to take an inventory of your losses to provide to the insurance company. They will also do their own evaluation. Remember that though your insurance adjuster may be friendly and likeable, undervaluing your claim is generally standard business procedure. They are not in the business of giving you the maximum extent of your policy coverage unless pushed to do so.
Florida Statute 627.4137 states that you are entitled to receive a certified copy of your policy upon request. The exact terms of your agreement dictate your ability to recover. You may have specific limits on liability for fire damage when it comes to certain personal property item categories such as jewelry or antiques.
The Dos and Don’ts of Insurance Claims
There are a few things to keep in mind when speaking to insurance adjusters that could make things easier in the future if you need to take legal action. Any fire damage insurance claim lawyer will advise you to refrain from signing or any documents or releases before speaking to a fire damage lawyer. Insurance companies are banking on the fact that you just want your settlement as fast as possible and you are going to trust that they have your best interest in mind.
Do not provide a recorded or written statement, and never admit or imply any sort of fault.
Tell the truth regarding damaged or destroyed property. If you lie about any items, no matter how insignificant, it could open the door to loopholes allowing the insurance company to deny your claim or minimize your settlement offer. When in doubt, let us do the talking for you. You already have enough to worry about, and we are happy to negotiate and gather information on your behalf.
Does Fire Insurance Cover Negligence?
Your insurance company will not cover the damage if it determines the fire was set purposefully. This is arson, and it is a criminal offense. Arson is not the same as an accidental fire such as mistakenly knocking over a candle or leaving a wood burning stove unattended. The insurance company has a right to deny your claim for suspected arson, but not for negligence.
Is My Landlord Responsible for Fire Damage?
Your landlord should have fire damage as a part of their insurance policy. It is always a good idea to also have your own renter’s insurance policy. Most of the time, landlords are generally responsible for making repairs for damage to premises rented to you, but it’s important to read your lease to understand any limitations on their responsibility.
If you contributed to the cause of the fire, you may share in the liability for fire damage. Make sure to replace all smoke detector batteries. Your lease should specify whether this is your responsibility or the landlord’s. Generally landlords ensure smoke detectors are functioning properly when a tenant moves in, and the tenant is responsible for replacing batteries when necessary.
What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?
If your fire damage claim was denied by your insurance company for any reason, we may be able to help. If fire origin is in question, you should know that you are allowed a second, independent expert opinion to determine the cause of the fire. Whether you are filing a claim, negotiating for what you deserve, or considering litigation, we are here to help you through the process.
How Can We Help You?
We understand how difficult it can be to stand up to the insurance companies when all you want is to get life back to normal as quickly as possible. Taking the extra time to ensure you are not being lowballed can make a huge difference in your ability to rebuild your life. Lady Law Group is a woman-owned and operated law firm committed to seeking justice for those experiencing losses from fire in south Florida. You can leave the hard work of dealing with insurance companies to us while you focus on recovering. Unlike most law firms, your first call to Lady Law Group will always be with an actual attorney. Contact us for your free case consultation.