Fires can ravage a home or business within minutes. While you might replace your valuables and furnishings via a homeowners or renters insurance plan, the trauma of losing everything can be overwhelming. If you survived a fire and don’t know what to do next, an Estero fire damage claims lawyer from Ged Lawyers can point you in the right direction.
Our dedicated fire damage claims team can assist you from the first claim submission and work with you through any denials of your claim. Our team can handle the details to ensure you receive adequate compensation to rebuild your home, business, and life.
Fire Damage Recovery Could Be Available After a Fire
What your insurance policy will cover varies depending on the coverage you purchased and the insurer you use. Generally, most policies will carry fire damage coverage for the following:
- Fire damage to the main structure of the property
- Relocation costs for temporary lodging as required
- Replacement costs for items contained within the structure
Business owners may have specific provisions for replacing tools and equipment necessary for the business. The renter’s policies typically cover only the personal possessions owned by the lessee, while the structural damage falls under the landlord or building owner’s policy.
Insurance policies can be confusing to interpret. To better understand what your policy covers and to help determine what reimbursement you can expect, talking with a property claims lawyer can be helpful.
Homeowners Insurance Is Your First Resource for Recovery
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains that home fires occur approximately every 93 seconds in the United States. Fires in the U.S. in 2021 were responsible for property damage costing $15.9 billion.
Most insurance policies allow you to recover money for some of the losses you suffered because of the fire. It is best to report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible after ensuring the safety of your family. Your insurer will assign your claim to an adjuster who will collect more information from you about the details of the incident.
Benefits of Working With a Property Damage Law Firm After Your Fire
Depending on your insurance carrier, homeowners’ claims can be confusing. If you’ve had a fire and need help, our team is here for you. Some tasks we handle for you include:
- Filing your initial claim
- Disputing a denial of a claim
- Managing all communication with the insurance company
- Assembling documentation regarding your claim
- Gathering photos of the damage
When you need help sorting out the legal details, our fire damage claims team will walk you through the process.
Our Legal Services Are Affordable and Within Your Budget
Rebuilding after a fire is cumbersome. You don’t need to add the financial burden of legal representation to your mounting bills. Our fire damage claims team works with zero upfront fees.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you do not pay us until your case is won or settled. Then, the money we receive comes from your final settlement award. This allows you to avoid paying out of pocket for legal guidance.
Understanding How a Fire Impacts a Renter in Estero
Renters who have lost everything in a fire due to improper building maintenance may have alternatives to seek compensation if the landlord or leasing agency is found negligent. You can seek compensation if you feel the fire resulted from poor maintenance, faulty equipment, appliances, wiring, or other landlord-controlled areas.
When a fire is deemed “preventable,” an insurance company may deny a claim. When that happens, as a renter, you can seek compensation in civil court to recover your losses. If the fire left you with burns or other injuries, you may also request compensation for that additional burden.
Landlords must adhere to the specifications of Florida Statute § 83.51, governing landlord and tenant requirements. If a landlord or leasing agency is found to violate the regulations that were a direct cause of the fire, they may be held accountable for damages, including personal injuries suffered by tenants.
Reasons Your Estero Fire Damage Claim May Be Denied
Insurance companies may deny a claim for various reasons. Some are legitimate, while others might be stretching the limits of legality. Some legitimate denials might include the following:
- The policy excludes fire damage
- Missed filing deadlines
- Insufficient evidence provided with your claim
- Fraud is suspected
- Missed payment or a lapsed policy
You have a right to appeal any claim denial. When you receive a notice denying your claim, the procedure for beginning the appeal process should be noted. You can often supply additional information during an appeal and receive approval.
Bad Faith Denials and How to Combat a Bad Faith Insurer
Florida’s Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate publishes a Homeowner’s Bill of Rights. This bill spells out the rights you have as a policyholder under a typical homeowners’ policy. The three most basic rights that you have include:
- The right to a promptly administered claim
- The right to a fair process to file claims
- The right to fair mediation if a claim is disputed
Signs of a bad-faith denial of your claim can include the following:
- Adjusting your claim to deny some of your documented, covered losses
- Offering a lower settlement amount than you deserve
- Delaying claims processing
- Using hardball negotiating tactics
If an insurer does not adhere to the rights afforded to policyholders, they might be acting in bad faith. If you believe an insurance company is unfairly denying a legitimate claim, you can seek assistance from a fire damage claims attorney at our firm. Our fire damage claims team can help you understand your policy coverage and assist with an initial claim or with the appeal of a denied claim.
Contact Ged Lawyers for Guidance in Your Fire Damage Case
An Estero fire damage claims lawyer from Ged Lawyers will work within the provisions of your insurance policy on an initial claim or appeal of a denial. We understand that you need compensation for the losses you suffered.
Contact our office for your free consultation. We are prepared to take your call 24/7.
