Recent Wildfires
With the recent natural disasters in Southern California, this is the most devastating in history with fire damages. There are speculations that claims the cost of fire damages are in the billions. The emotional and physical toll of losing a home or business in a fire is immense. The financial strain can be overwhelming. As we rebuild and work on recovering, this process can be very taxing on someone, especially when dealing with their insurance.
At KAASS LAW, we help and navigate our clients to take the right steps with their claims. If you are among those who are a victim of these fires, we can assist in showing you the right steps with your claim. The process can be complex, but with the right guidance, this can increase your financial recovery from fire damage claims. The following is a “How To” on significantly getting a full payout from your insurance so you may be able to rebuild your life. For starters, the most important thing is your well-being.
Health Is Wealth
The first priority should be you and your loved ones’ safety. There needs to be a certainty that everyone, including yourself, is out of harm’s way. If local authorities and or the community alert is signaling an evacuation, please try to follow protocol. Once you’re sure it’s safe, take note of any immediate needs such as shelter, food, and medical centers or hospitals. If you sustain any bodily injuries, please seek treatment right away. For anyone who needs assistance monitoring active fires in your local area, there’s an app that can help. After fully assessing the situation, contact your insurance company and notify them of your property being destroyed or received damages due to the fire. Many policies have specific timeframes for reporting damages, so call as soon as you can.
Record and Collect Evidence of Your Losses
Reports are coming in with estimates that fire damages have gone over billions in expenses. One of the most important things you can do to maximize your fire damage claim is to provide proof. If applicable, take photos and videos of the following:
- Exterior and Interior Damage: Capture every angle of your property to ensure no damages go unreported.
- Personal Property Loss: Document any fire damage or destruction of personal items. i.e., clothes, furniture, electronics, and appliances.
- Structural Damage: walls, flooring, roofing, windows, doors, or any foundation that sustains fire damage or destruction.
- Utilities: Electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- Description of Items: Brand/Model/Size/etc.
- Value of Items: Receipts, appraisals, estimate of replacement cost, bank statements, Google the item’s worth.
As a reminder, do not enter dangerous areas of the property if there is any risk of further harm. If the damage is too severe or unsafe to assess on your own, wait for professional help before proceeding. Also, please avoid making any permanent repairs until approval from your insurance company. After doing your best to collect as much proof of damages as possible, proceed to call your insurance company. Sometimes, it may not be as easy to do so. For better assistance, you can reach out to KAASS LAW directly to report these matters.
If you file the claim by yourself, keep a record of all communications with your insurance company. Sometimes, insurance companies may use your own word against you so they mitigate any cost of coverage to your financial recovery fire claim. Follow up regularly to ensure that the claim is going smoothly. If the insurance company is dragging its feet or not taking you seriously, KAASS LAW can do these follow-ups for you without a problem.
Record Your Temporary Living Expenses
If your living space is uninhabitable due to the fire, your insurance policy may cover additional living expenses. Keep all receipts, invoices, bills, or anything relevant to the claim, including, but not limited to:
- Hotel Bills or Rent
- Receipts for Food, Gas, Transportation, and Utilities
- Child Care
- Pet Care
- Any other necessary living expenses
Having detailed records of these expenses can help with recovering your losses. Ensure that all the right documentation and inventory list is accounted for and submitted in a timely fashion. Here at KAASS LAW, we can better organize these sorts.
Contact KAASS LAW: Let Us Help
The aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming, and the process of filing a fire damage claim can be daunting. But by following these steps and hiring the right professionals to guide you through the process, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. At KAASS LAW, we have experience helping clients navigate the complexities of fire damage claims. If you need assistance with your fire damage claim, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert legal advice and support. We are here to help you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.