If your home has been damaged or destroyed by fire, property insurance should cover your losses. That’s the good news. The bad news is that insurance companies often delay, deny, or underpay fire damage claims. The best way to protect your rights is to consult with an experienced fire damage lawyer.
VCM Law Group regularly represents clients in fire damage claims throughout South Florida. We understand that recovering from a house or property fire and simultaneously dealing with an insurance company can be overwhelming. Rest assured that we will guide you through the fire damage claims process and help you recover the full value of your loss.
Our legal team has the skills and experience to fight back against the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims. Don’t delay. Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our experienced property insurance attorneys.
Common Reasons for Denied Fire Damage Claims
Insurance companies in Florida frequently reject fire damage claims for a number of reasons, including:
- Inadequate coverage
- Uncovered peril (e.g. flood)
- Declaring the property damage a partial loss rather than a total loss
- Fraudulent insurance claim
If your fire damage claim has been denied, you have a right to appeal the decision. The best way to protect your rights and receive the coverage you deserve is to consult with an experienced Miami property insurance attorney.
How VCM Law Group Can Help With Your Fire Damage Claim
By collaborating with a network of investigators, restoration specialists and other experts, we will work to determine the cause of your home or property fire.
Our experienced fire damage claims lawyers will collect information to help support your claim, including:
- Repair estimates
- Restoration invoices
- Receipts for displacement expenses
- Inventory of damaged or lost personal property
If your insurance company refuses to cover your fire damage losses, we will consider filing a lawsuit to win you the compensation you need to rebuild your home.
Common Causes of House Fires in South Florida
Residential home and property fires have a wide range of causes, including:
- Cooking fires
- Defective appliances
- Defective electrical wiring
- Candles
- Cigarettes
- Lightning
No matter what caused the fire on your property, the fire damage attorneys at VCM Law Group we can help you navigate the claims process. Ultimately, working with the right attorney can mean the difference between having your claim denied and receiving full coverage for the fire damage.
Types of Fire Damage
Fires can quickly cause significant property damage, much of which is immediately apparent. Other types of damage are often hidden, such as:
- Water damage
- Mold
- Soot residue
- Smoke deposits
- Toxic fumes
The resulting damage to your walls, flooring, carpets, electronic devices and other property will likely require extensive, costly restoration and you may be displaced from your home until the repairs have been made.
Under Florida’s valued policy law, the insurance company must pay the full insured amount if your home or property is a total loss for a covered peril such as a fire. This law is designed to relieve you of the burden of establishing the value of the property as well as the cost to rebuild or replace your home.
Unfortunately, your insurer may argue that your property is not a total loss and offer to settle your claim for far less than the policy value. If you have suffered a total loss after a home or property fire, you need the powerful representation VCM Law Group provides.
What To Do After A Property Fire
After the fire, taking a few simple steps, including the following, can help you prepare your property insurance claim:
- Call VCM Law Group
- Photograph the damage
- Protect the property from further damage
- Report the damages to your insurer as soon as possible
- Find or request a copy of your homeowners’ policy from your insurance company
- Document and retain a copy of your claim
If your claim has already been denied, it takes a skilled fire damage lawyer to protect your rights.
Contact Our Experienced Miami Fire Damage Claims Lawyers Today
Recovering from a home or property fire is an ordeal without the added burden of fighting with your insurance company to recover your losses. At VCM Law Group, our experienced fire damage attorneys are prepared to lift that burden and take on the fight. We will make your case our cause and stand by you every step of the way.
When you become our client, we will work to achieve a negotiated settlement with your insurer. If your insurer makes a lowball offer or denies your claim, our trial lawyers are well-equipped to litigate. Above all, we are committed to helping you obtain the maximum recovery. Because we understand your financial challenges, you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we recover for you. Please contact our office today to speak with one of our experienced fire damage claims attorneys.