Home fires or property fires can be devastating experiences. It can compound the stress if your insurance carrier does not meet its obligations promptly and diligently.
If your insurer denies your West Palm Beach fire property claim, a lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. Call us today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
Getting a Thorough Inspection After a Fire
After a structural fire, the insurer will send an adjuster to take a look at the damage. If the insurance company does not pay for a thorough inspection by a qualified professional, you should think about getting an adjuster from a third-party to investigate your losses.
According to United Policyholders, the inspection is not sufficient unless it includes these areas:
- The roof. You may find that the tiles and shingles of your roof have residual damage from embers. Water stains and mold can develop in the wood underneath the roofing material, which can impact its structural integrity.
- Plumbing and heating system. This includes both internal and external systems, such as ducts, pipes, solder, and connectors.
- Interior walls and framing. You might need to have a structural engineer perform tests to check for heat damage to the foundation, stucco, siding, or structural beams. The inspector might need to open interior walls or framing to check for hidden damage.
- Windows. The heat of a fire can also warp, blister, discolor, or melt your windows and their components. The building can develop moisture or mold problems due to this type of damage.
United Policyholders adds that you should insist on a deep cleaning of the home. Some insurers tell homeowners to take on this burden themselves. After a fire, surface cleaning is insufficient, particularly if anyone in the household has allergies or respiratory issues. A professional should perform proper smoke, ash, and mold cleaning and remediation, tending especially to the HVAC system.
If the insurance company refuses to address these issues appropriately, you might want to talk to a West Palm Beach fire property claim lawyer. You can get a free consultation by calling the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733.
What You Need to Know About Partial Loss Fires
You might consider yourself lucky if the fire did not destroy your home or building entirely.
Be aware, however, of these unique factors of partial loss fires:
- It can take longer to resolve these claims than those for a complete fire loss. Some insurance adjusters tend to prioritize total losses over partial damages.
- You might have hidden damage in the ductwork, or undiscovered harm from water, ash, heat, or smoke. Also, if water got trapped in or behind areas, your building could develop mold in the future.
- Merely patching the damaged areas is not sufficient. For example, if only a small area of carpet is burned, the entire flooring connected to it should be replaced. The line of sight should reveal a consistent and uniform appearance, not a “patchwork quilt.”
Also, if there was a fire close to your home, you should consider getting a thorough inspection and evaluation by a fire damage professional. Although not always visible, your house can be harmed by smoke, fire retardant, or extreme heat. Do not rely solely on the insurance adjuster’s decision.
You do not have to fight the insurance company on your own. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can deal directly with your insurer so that you do not have to do so. Contact a West Palm Beach fire property claim lawyer today at 1-800-747-3733 to get started.
