Fire Damage Claims Attorneys in Metairie, Louisiana

Every year, home structures, assets, and belongings worth millions of dollars are lost to house fires. These house fires are often caused by cooking, electrical malfunction, faulty heating equipment, candles, and smoking. Thankfully, most home insurance policies cover accidental fire damage to home structures and belongings. If your property or belongings have been destroyed by a house fire, you may be entitled to recover damages through an insurance claim. 

At the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, we’re dedicated to offering highly personalized legal counsel and skilled representation to clients in their fire damage claims. Our experienced Louisiana homeowner property damage attorneys can examine all of the facts of your case, evaluate the extent of the fire damage, and explore your options to seek compensation. Also, our trusted legal team will advocate for your best interests and handle all negotiations with the insurance provider on your behalf. 

The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer is proud to represent clients across Metairie, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and Chalmette. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation today. 

Fire Damage Claims in Louisiana

A fire damage claim is an insurance claim filed by a homeowner or policyholder against their home insurance policy in order to seek financial compensation for damages to their property and its contents caused by an accidental house fire. Here are some common property damages that may cause you to file a fire damage claim: 

• structural damage 

• discolored ceilings and walls 

• roof damage 

• damage to furniture pieces and home appliances 

• damage to the house foundation 

• smoke and soot damages or excessive soot 

• damages to water pipes 

• water damage when trying to put out the fire 

• damages to electrical components such as junction boxes and wiring system 

• damages to plumbing and HVAC systems 

• damages to clothing and bedding 

If your home and its components have been affected by an accidental house fire, you should reach out to a dependable homeowner property damage lawyer right away. Your attorney can investigate the cause of the fire, assess the magnitude of the damages or losses, and help file your fire damage claims. 

The Process to File a Fire Damage Claim 

If you’re considering filing a fire damage claim in Louisiana, you should follow the steps below: 

• Hire a practiced lawyer attorney for detailed guidance and to help file your insurance claims. 

• Document all the property damages and losses that occurred. 

• Take necessary steps to secure your property and other valuables from theft or vandals. 

• Review and verify the terms of your home insurance coverage. 

• Meet with the claims adjuster. 

• Keep records of all meetings with your home insurance company. 

• Document all of your living expenses. 

• Get repair estimates from multiple home repair companies. 

• Ask the insurance company for prompt assistance or an advance on your claim. 

A skilled Louisiana fire damage claim attorney can help file your claims, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer, resolve possible issues, or take additional legal action when needed. 

Possible Challenges When Seeking a Fire Damage Claim

Destructions to your home and belongings from a house fire can be devastating and expensive. Such an unfortunate incident can make your home uninhabitable or even cripple your business. Nonetheless, the insurance company is not on your side. Here are some common challenges you may encounter upon filing your fire damage claim: 

• claims of arson or suspicion of arson 

• possible insurance fraud 

• whether the fire started due to an illegal activity 

• insufficient documentation or lack of evidence 

• depreciation of personal property 

• the repair cost of structural or foundation damages 

• the home was underinsured 

What to Do if Claims Get Denied

Essentially, the insurance provider may deny your fire damage claim due to any of the aforementioned reasons and issues. Regardless, if you believe that your fire damage claim has been wrongfully denied, you should reach out to an experienced attorney immediately. 

Furthermore, your attorney can review the rejection letter to understand the reasons for the denial, help resubmit your claims, or appeal the denial. Alternatively, your lawyer can file a complaint against the insurance provider in court and help you recover your deserved financial compensation. 

Possible Damages Available for Recovery

Here are some possible reliefs that you can recover with a fire damage claim in Louisiana: 

• medical costs for physical injuries sustained during the house fire; 

• medical payments to guests and other residents; 

• lost income and benefits from missing work or reduced productivity; 

• replacement or repair of damaged property; 

• damages structures such as fences, driveways, patios, and sheds; 

• additional living expenses for a temporary place to stay; 

• lost business contracts or sales; and/or, 

• business losses and income losses. 

A skilled lawyer can help file your claims and pursue fair financial compensation to cover the damages and losses. 

How an Attorney Can Help

Losing a home, belongings, assets, or business to a fire can be an emotionally crippling experience. Thankfully, you may be entitled to pursue damages for the affected property by filing a fire damage claim. Hence, if your home or belongings have been destroyed by an accidental house fire, you need to act quickly and retain a seasoned homeowner property damage attorney for detailed guidance and to help you seek relief. 

At the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, we are poised and ready to support and represent clients in their fire damage claims. Using their in-depth legal understanding, our attorneys can 

• help evaluate the terms of your home insurance coverage; 

• assess the magnitude of the fire damage and losses and estimate case value; 

• assist with gathering and presenting evidence to prove the fire damages; 

• handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer; and, 

• take additional legal action when necessary. 

In addition, our team will fight diligently to protect your rights and help pursue fair financial compensation to cover the damage to your property, belongings, and other losses.