OUR SERVICES
Insurance claims need an attorney for guidance
An attorney in fire claims often has a network of trusted professionals, such as contractors, engineers, fire investigators, and other experts, who can help assess the damage and provide critical evidence to support the claim. These professionals can evaluate the extent of the fire damage, determine the cause of the fire, estimate repair or replacement costs, and offer expert testimony if necessary. By leveraging these resources, an attorney can build a stronger case, ensuring that the claimant's losses are thoroughly documented and that the insurance company has all the information needed to fairly process the claim.
Fires cause extensive damage to property, assets, or even business operations. An attorney can help ensure that all losses are properly documented and valued, including structural damage, loss of inventory, business interruption, or personal injuries, and ensure that the insurance company covers all aspects of the claim.
Fire claims can be complicated by disputes over whether the damage is covered under the policy. For example, certain types of fire damage (e.g., arson or fire caused by negligence) may be excluded from coverage, or there may be questions about the terms of the insurance. An attorney can review the policy’s fine print to make sure the claim is fully covered.
Insurance companies often try to settle fire claims quickly with an offer that does not fully compensate for the damage. They may also fail to inform you of valuable coverages that you have paid for. Attorneys can negotiate with the insurer to secure a fair settlement that accurately reflects the full extent of the damage, including indirect costs like lost income or additional living expenses.
If the insurance company denies the claim or significantly reduces the payout, an attorney can investigate the reasons for the denial. They will know how to challenge the denial and take legal action if necessary to get the claim approved and ensure that the insured party receives the full benefits.
In cases where the fire was caused by a third party (e.g., faulty equipment, another party's negligence, or an intentional act), liability for the fire loss may not be clear especially when an injury or death has occurred. An attorney can investigate the cause of the fire, gather evidence, and pursue claims against other parties who may be responsible for the damages, increasing the chances of recovering all losses.
Some insurance companies may engage in bad faith practices, such as delaying payments, misrepresenting policy terms, or offering insufficient settlements. A lawyer can protect the policyholder’s rights by identifying bad faith practices and taking the necessary legal steps to hold the insurer accountable.
An attorney can be invaluable and can help initiate and advise you on the Appraisal Provision of an insurance policy when loss amount with an insurer is not agreed.
An examination under oath, or EUO is a formal proceeding, often required by insurance companies during the claims process, where a claimant is questioned under oath about the claim. Very similar to a deposition only with much less rights. Our office can properly help prepare you, assist with document preparation, and help you navigate an examination under oath.