House fires are emotional and devastating events that can leave you without a place to live and a potentially lengthy claim process. Dealing with the insurance company can be incredibly stressful, and our experienced legal team at the Hearn Law Firm can represent you and communicate on your behalf. Our team has extensive experience representing plaintiffs across Mississippi and Tennessee and is fully prepared to fight for you.
Why Choose Hearn Law Firm for Assistance After a House Fire?
House fires cause devastating losses that can leave you unsure about how to proceed. The Hearn Law Firm is here to provide you with compassionate support, direction, and clarity so you can get the results you need as swiftly as possible. Our experienced personal injury lawyers work diligently to advocate for you and protect your rights during this difficult and vulnerable time. When you hire our team, you can be confident that you will receive:
- Exceptional service that puts your needs front and center
- 30 years of experience handling fire claims and communicating with the insurance company in a way that protects your rights and claim
- An established track record of successful case results
- Skilled negotiators who can make sure that you are treated and compensated fairly
Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim After a Fire
After a house fire, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company in order to recover compensation to help offset the losses that you sustained. To do so, you will need to provide your name and policy information, as well as a detailed accounting of what occurred. This includes the time, date, damage done, report by the fire department, and any other relevant information about the fire and/or its cause. You will also need to submit any evidence that you’ve collected, such as photos and videos and witness statements. Receipts and an inventory of each loss and their estimated value are also important documentation to submit with your claim in Mississippi or Tennessee.
How Our Attorneys Guide You Through the Claims Process
The attorneys at the Hearn Law Firm compassionately guide you through the claim process and prepare you for what to expect. When you don’t know where to start, we can come alongside you and help you prepare and submit your claim to the insurance company. We use our resources and established relationships in the community to investigate the accident, talk to professionals and fire department personnel, gather evidence, and take appropriate steps based on our findings. We also know that insurance companies may work against you, and we are prepared to demand fair treatment and aggressively negotiate with them if necessary.
What Areas of Dispute Arise Regarding Fire Damage Claims?
As with any case, disputes are not uncommon during the claim process. Insurance companies often use a variety of tactics to avoid paying out money for the losses you suffered. Sometimes, this looks like causing intentional processing delays, low settlement offers, or claim denials. They may even claim that certain losses are not covered by your policy. Other times, they may take actions or make counterclaims about the fire that may not be true.
For example, the insurance company may claim that the fire was a result of arson or that some part of the home’s structural integrity was compromised. It is also not uncommon for insurance companies and homeowners to disagree on whether the damage requires repairs or a rebuild. Similarly, the insurance company’s valuation of your losses may differ from your own, which is where an experienced lawyer can be particularly helpful. They can provide advocacy so you are not taken advantage of when you are at your most vulnerable.
Common Causes of House Fires in Tennessee & Mississippi
House fires can be caused by a number of factors, and protecting your home against a house fire starts with understanding some of the common causes of these events. House fires can cause devastating losses, so proactive and precautionary steps are essential for ensuring safety. Some common causes of house fires include:
- Faulty electrical systems
- Faulty heating equipment and negligent handling practices
- Clothes dryers and other appliances
- Cooking
- Defective products
- Fire hazards resulting from poor construction, inspection efforts, or materials
- Candles
- Flammable liquids
These are just a few of the ways a house can catch fire, which reinforces the need for caution and vigilance around the home. These actions can help reduce negligence and keep occupants safe in their homes.
Steps to Follow After Experiencing a Fire-Related Loss
If you have suffered losses in a house fire, it is important to act quickly and take certain steps to protect yourself and prepare your insurance claim. Firstly, read through your insurance policy to understand what is covered, how to submit a claim, review applicable deadlines, understand relocation provisions, and so on. Reviewing your policy can help streamline the claim process immensely.
Additionally, document all of your losses clearly and thoroughly and keep clear records. Create an itemized list of your losses and what services and repairs will be needed to remedy the damage. Photographing damages and injuries can also be helpful for demonstrating your losses and determining how much they are worth.
File a claim with your insurance company and submit evidence, estimates, and more to support it. Talk to the insurance company about the type of adjuster who may be handling your case. The insurance company may use its own adjuster or hire a third-party adjuster to handle your case. You may also be able to hire your own adjuster to make sure that your interests are protected and that you are treated fairly. Furthermore, hiring a lawyer can also help advocate for you and ensure fair treatment. We have law offices in Mississippi and Tennessee to effectively serve your needs and provide the meticulous representation you deserve.
Call the Hearn Law Firm for Assistance Today
The Hearn Law Firm is here to fight for you when you are receiving pushback from the insurance company about your house fire claim. Insurance companies work hard to protect their bottom line, and we work hard to protect you. To learn about our team, your options, and how to secure the compensation you need, schedule a free consultation today when you contact us online or call us at (662) 766-7777.