Dealing with Partial Loss Claims After A Fire
When fire damage destroys your property, whether it be a home or business, you expect that your fire insurance company will step forward to handle the claim. But what if the loss you suffer is deemed to be a partial loss instead of a total one? Partial losses due to fire damage are pretty common and getting your insurance company to adequately pay can be a daunting task.
When your property is consumed by fire damage, the resulting debris and land are cleared so that new home or business can be built. But when part of a property is damaged, the insurance company will need to remove debris, clean up the water damage caused by the fire department and broken pipes, clean up the extensive damage caused by smoke and ash, and rebuild the damaged parts of the structure. Adequate restoration of the fire-damaged property is necessary before you can move back in.
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit and will attempt to pay as little as possible to repair damage caused to property. When inspections are made by the insurance company adjusters, many damaged areas are missed. Water can pool inside walls and under floorboards, smoke and ash permeate floors, walls, ceiling, and personal property, electrical wiring and receptacles can be damaged.. In addition, when companies are hired to inspect and clean up the property before it can be rebuilt, they can also miss areas destroyed by fire damage.
In areas where wide-spread fire damage occurs, such as forest fires, insurance companies and contractors are often taxed and overworked trying to keep up with all of the claims. During that time, mistakes can be made, low priority insurance claims such as partial losses are delayed, and incomplete inspections are done.
Possible Issues
When a partially damaged property isn’t properly cleaned and prepared for the rebuilding process, additional long-term damage can result. Following are some of those examples.
Water Damage Restoration – Water left inside walls and cannot only cause warping, and buckling of the home, it can cause the buildup of deadly mold spores. Depending upon the severity of mold spore growth, children and adults exposed to it can develop allergy and asthma symptoms, respiratory tract infections, chronic lung disease, and in some cases permanent health problems and even death.
Smoke and Ash Damage Restoration – The long-term health damage caused by smoke and ash can be devastating. Residues left after fire damage are generally toxic and carcinogenic, and need to be thoroughly cleaned up before anyone can return to the property. Man-made products such as carpeting, laminate flooring, stuffed furniture, clothing, wall boarding, wall insulation, and countertops are particularly dangerous when burned, and leave toxic residue on everything.
Electrical Wiring and Panel Damage Restoration – It should be obvious, but electrical panels and wiring aren’t always thoroughly checked for damage. Electricity is a wonderful modern commodity but it can be dangerous when electrical wiring, fixtures, and panels are not repaired or replaced after a fire.
Hiring Non-Professionals – Only professionals well-versed in cleaning smoke and water damaged property should be hired to clean up your home or building. Also, don’t allow unlicensed, and uninsured professional builders to do any work. Never allow your insurance company to hire anyone who is not qualified to do those types of work.
Claim Delays – Partial loss claims tend to be put on hold by both insurance companies, adjusters, and building professionals. It is important that you maintain contact with the insurance company to make sure they do not delay your claim. Delayed claims often result in further damage to property that is exposed to weather, and further liability to anyone who may enter the property before it is brought back to normal living conditions.
Partial loss fire damage insurance claims can be frustrating to property owners who need to document the damage (pictures, video, and paper trails), keep track of additional living expenses while they are unable to live in their home and deal with insurance companies, adjusters, and contractors. Many property owners find it necessary to contact a knowledgeable property insurance lawyer who frequently deals with property insurance claims for their clients. The Smythe Law Group, Inc. is an innovative law firm with extensive experience in property insurance claims. Our goal is to obtain the best possible results for our clients. Call or email us for a consultation.