When Should You Hire a Lawyer for Fire Damage?

Working with a lawyer for fire damage can help you put your life back together. A fire can cause extensive structural damage to your home and other property. Find out how a fire damage lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Consider Hiring a Lawyer for Fire Damages if Any of These Apply

Losing your property to fire damage can be a traumatic experience for you and your family. The costs to rebuild can seem insurmountable without compensation for your loss. Sometimes your insurance company may refuse to pay out what you deserve. Other times, another party may be responsible for your losses. 

Some fires may result in third-party liability; for example, a fire that stems from a poorly maintained property or faulty equipment. A fire damage lawyer can help you explore this possibility.

Certain features of fire damage are reliable indicators that you should speak with an attorney. These indicators include the following:

• You suspect arson.
• You don't know how to navigate the damage recovery process.
• The insurance company is not offering you what you deserve.
• The fire or smoke caused you or your family member(s) personal injuries.
• You want to claim the compensation you deserve.

Having a knowledgeable fire damage claims lawyer on your side can make all the difference in these scenarios. If your situation falls into one of these categories, meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your fire-related damage and potential solutions.

Someone Else Contributed to the Start or Spread of the Fire

Arson is a serious crime in California, with convictions carrying heavy penalties, including imprisonment for up to nine years in state prison. California law treats arson as a felony, and it is illegal for someone to deliberately set fire to a person's property. 

In California, it is possible that the offender did not purposefully set fire to your property. Fires started for non-malicious purposes can quickly get out of hand and damage other people's property in California's dry climate and diminishing water supply. 

As a property owner, you may care less about the offender's intent than your losses. This is fair, but you still need to know how the law regards these offenses if you hope to recover maximum compensation.

Another California law criminalizes reckless burning in the state. This law includes people lighting flames in reckless situations. Examples could include lighting a cigarette at a gas station or starting a fire on a No-Burn day.

You're Unsure How To Navigate the Fire and Smoke Damage Claims Process

The fire and smoke claims process can be challenging under the best circumstances. However, other factors can make the process seem impossible to manage effectively:

• You cannot take time off of work to focus on the claims process.
• You have a disability that complicates the claims process.
• You have a sentimental attachment to the damaged structure, which clouds your judgment.
• Multiple parties owned the damaged property, thereby complicating the claims process.

These are just some examples of why you may wish to hire a lawyer for fire damage. However, anything that complicates the process or clouds your judgment is an excellent reason to seek legal advice.

You Need Someone To Negotiate With Insurance Companies on Your Behalf

Sometimes insurance companies do not play by the rules. Insurance companies are in the business of keeping your money and reducing their payouts. They are not on your side. They hire people with the sole goal of reducing their insurance claim payouts. If they can get away with paying you less or denying your claim, they will.

Insurers may claim you voided part of your insurance policy or offer a lower payout than you deserve. When this happens, having an attorney on your side can quickly change the conversation. 

Most insurance companies understand that your lawyer will not settle for anything less than you deserve. Sometimes results can be achieved in as little as one conversation between your attorney and the insurance company. An experienced fire damage insurance claim lawyer can help you recover the damages you are owed.

You've Sustained Injuries From the Fire and Smoke Inhalation

If the fire injured you or someone in your family, you have more than a property damage case on your hands. You may also have eligible claims for personal injury. 

The more legal claims you deal with, the more complicated your case becomes. If you are dealing with serious injuries to yourself or a family member, you have more important issues to focus on. Hiring a lawyer to navigate the legal process allows you to focus on the things that matter most, such as your recovery and family. 

You Want Compensation for Your Losses

You deserve maximum compensation for your losses. You should not be forced to bear the resulting burden when you sustain damages due to another party's intentional or reckless actions.

While taking your claim to court is possible, the legal process is complicated and challenging, even if you have previous experience. Certain lawyers focus exclusively on these issues and are well-suited to help you maximize your returns.

The Many Benefits of Working With a Fire Damage Lawyer

An experienced lawyer can help you present your case to the insurance companies and the court. They can negotiate to secure a quick settlement or fight vehemently for your rights in court.

Lawyers for fire damage focus on these exact issues and deal with similar problems regularly. They will likely have unique insights into your case that can substantially increase your potential damage awards. 

A knowledgeable attorney can also help reduce the stress you and your family may be experiencing during this difficult time. Your lawyer can handle everything related to your legal claim, including administrative issues, filing deadlines, and paperwork. If your case goes to court, they will ensure it is vigorously presented.

Don't Go it Alone — Get Proper Legal Counsel for Fire Damages

Dealing with the insurance companies on your own following fire damages can be tempting. This is particularly true for people who are naturally independent and skilled in many areas. However, many times you only have one chance to claim maximum recoveries. The fire damage lawyers at Daniels Law can help. We can calculate each item damaged by the fire and help you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today to arrange a consultation with a lawyer for fire damage.

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