Smoke damage is a frequently overlooked outcome of wildfires. While fire damage itself can cause immense property damage, the smoke can also have permanent effects. Smoke and ash damage to your home or business may entitle you to financial compensation. However, you might need assistance from a California wildfire attorney throughout your smoke damage claim.
Notify Your Insurer of the Wildfire
Contact your homeowners or business insurance company as soon as possible to notify them that your property has been affected by a wildfire. Most insurance providers require prompt or immediate damage reporting. If you wait, this could put you at risk of giving the insurer a reason to deny your claim.
Document the Smoke Damage
Once your insurance company is aware of the wildfire, take the time to collect thorough evidence and documentation of your property damage. Even if the fire itself did not touch your property, you may be eligible for compensation for smoke and ash damage from a nearby blaze. This includes any discoloration and lingering odors. Check your carpets, furniture, upholstery, curtains, personal possessions, motor vehicles, walls, paint, siding, windows and roofs for signs of smoke damage. Take photographs of any visible problems. Hire a professional inspector to conduct special tests for smoke damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Wildfire smoke can also cause serious physical harm, including lung damage and cardiac arrest. If you or your loved ones were injured due to smoke inhalation while evacuating a wildfire, include your medical bills with your insurance claim. The more documentation you can provide of your losses, the stronger your smoke damage claim will be.
Understand the Value of Your Claim
Upon completing its investigation, your insurance company may offer you a settlement to resolve your claim. Do not rush to accept the very first settlement offer. Even if you are eager to complete your claim and get paid so that you can move forward, protect your rights by first developing a clear understanding of how much your claim is worth. If you sign a contract to accept an insurance settlement, you cannot reopen your claim or renegotiate for a higher amount – even if you discover additional smoke damage later. This is why it is vital to get an accurate estimate of your claim’s value from a wildfire attorney before signing anything.
Get the Advocacy You Need From a Qualified Attorney
No matter how many times an insurer promises to help you rebuild and recover from a wildfire, the bottom line is that they want to protect their own profits. A personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, will want to maximize your financial recovery. Consult with an attorney about your smoke damage claim before making any final decisions. An attorney can set you up with an independent professional who can give you an accurate estimate of the costs of cleaning up smoke damage. This can combat vendors sent to you through your insurance company that may underestimate your losses or fail to provide repairs to your satisfaction. Your lawyer can also take over insurance settlement negotiations to fight for a fair settlement. An attorney can explore all of your legal options for recovering financially from a wildfire, which may include filing a lawsuit against a responsible utility company. For more information about how to file a wildfire smoke damage claim in California, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian.