Posted on November 30, 2021
ICHQ | Site Author
If you have endured a house fire, you’ve been through a challenging experience that can leave you at an utter loss regarding how best to move forward. In order to recover compensation for your losses, you’re going to have to deal with an insurance adjuster – who represents the insurance company and is invested in keeping the company’s profits high and your settlement low. The best way to deal with an insurance adjuster after a house fire is by knowing how to protect your claim throughout the process, which includes working closely with an experienced insurance claims lawyer from the outset.
Your Best Steps Forward
The devastation of a house fire can be overwhelming, but better understanding the basics in relation to handling your house fire claim can help you move forward with increased confidence. FEMA also provides a helpful overview entitled After the Fire.
File within the Appropriate Time Frame
One of the most important points to keep in mind is that you must file your house fire case within the statute of limitations dictated by law in your state. For example, in Louisiana and many other states, you have only one year to bring a lawsuit against the insurance company handling your claim. First, you will file your claim with the insurance company in pursuit of just compensation, and if it refuses to negotiate fairly, you’ll need to file a lawsuit in response (within the one-year time limit). In other words, there is no time to lose. Moving forward with a dedicated insurance claims lawyer in your corner is in your best interest.
Mitigate Any Further Damage
Your insurance policy most likely requires you to secure your property and mitigate any further damage to your home (to the best of your ability). This means doing what you can – circumstances permitting – to protect your home from the elements and to keep vandals and/or looters at bay.
Keep Track of Your Expenses
Your home insurance policy may reimburse you for your post-fire living expenses, but to receive adequate reimbursement, you’ll need to carefully account for your total costs by compiling all relevant bills, invoices, and receipts.
Don’t Fall Victim to the Insurance Company’s Tactics
The insurance company covering your claim is motivated to keep your settlement low, and it has powerful tools at its disposal for accomplishing this goal. One of these tools is getting back to you with an early settlement offer. An early offer is very likely a sign that the insurance company is banking on your urgent need for compensation and is hoping that you will take less than the amount to which you are entitled as a result. Never accept a settlement of this much consequence without first consulting with a knowledgeable insurance claims lawyer.
Reach out to an Experienced Insurance Claims Lawyer for the Help You Need
Losing your home to fire – or suffering serious damage to your home as a result of fire – is not only terrifying but is also exceptionally disruptive. The compassionate insurance claims lawyers at Insurance Claim HQ recognize the gravity of your situation and dedicate their impressive practice to helping clients like you obtain the compensation they are entitled to. We are on your side, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.
FAQ
How can I help mitigate the damage after a fire in my home?
This is a great question. You’re dealing with the aftermath of a house fire and have a lot going on, and you may be neither equipped nor prepared to mitigate the damage to your home. Your insurance claims lawyer can help you with this by connecting you with a professional mitigation contractor (if warranted).
How do I protect my claim in relation to my personal possessions?
The best way to protect your claim in relation to your personal possessions is to carefully inventory everything that you’ve lost and to include all the following for each:
- A description (including the quantity if there is more than one)
- The item’s age
- The replacement cost
What is the best way to ensure fair replacement values?
The best way to help ensure that you receive fair replacement values is by being as descriptive and detailed as possible with your inventory.
