Experienced Fire Damage Claim Lawyer in Birmingham Alabama.
We’ve been helping Birmingham policyholders for nearly twenty years, when Inge Johnstone took his first fire case against Allstate. Since that time we’ve helped homeowners and businesses in the Birmingham area receive the full compensation that they are entitled to for their fire loss. We help people and businesses in Alabaster, Bessemer, Birmingham, Chelsea, Homewood, Hoover, Fultondale, Gardendale, Graysville, Moody, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Pinson, Trussville Vestavia,and other surrounding communities.
Helping Birmingham Property Owners Navigate Fire Insurance Claims in the Residential and Commercial Context.
Inge Johnstone’s grandfather lost a successful business because of a fire. As a result, we understand losing it all and having to start again. We understand that you, the policyholder, have a full plate. We worry about your fire damage insurance claim so that you don’t have to.
Legal Support for Structural Damage, Smoke Damage, Lost Income and Other Fire Damage Claim Losses.
Of all types of insurance claims, fire damage claims on average cause the greatest amount of damage. They also can be the most disruptive of claims because of their widespread devastation. Fire damage claims account for about twenty percent of property insurance claims. We harness our knowledge and team of experts to help policyholders recover fully after a loss. Fire damage claims often include the following types of damages:
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Structural damage
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Smoke damage
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Water damage from fire containment efforts
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Remediation of toxic substances and mold after a fire
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Recovery of lost rental or living expense
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Recovery of lost business income and extra expense.
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Repair and Reconstruction expenses
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Increased cost of labor and building materials due to passage of time
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Increased construction costs due to compliance with building codes
Smoke damage claims, in particular, can be heavily contested by insurance companies. However, we fight to recover these damages by applying the policy language, the law and the right experts to identify and quantify smoke damage. Learn more about how insurance coverage applies to smoke damage. In addition, for businesses, lost income and extra expenses can be a huge issue. Learn more about business interruption coverage and how it can help protect your business after a loss.
Maximizing Your Fire Damage Claim Recovery
In general, the claims process for a fire damage claim consists of the following steps:
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Reporting the Claim
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Identifying All Damages and Preserving Evidence
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Assessment of any Coverage Related Issues.
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Initial Estimate by the Insurer
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Negotiation or Appraisal
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Litigation (if necessary).
We can help you identify and quantify your losses and maximize your recovery by reviewing your policy for available coverages, coordinating contractor estimates, hiring experts such as construction consultants, contractors, engineers, accountants, appraisers, industrial hygienists, and cause and origin experts.
After we have quantified the damages, we can help you negotiate with the insurer or engage in a process called appraisal to determine the amount of the loss. If these are unsuccessful, we are trial lawyers and enjoy representing policyholders in litigation and in trial. For more information on the homeowner’s insurance process, download this helpful guide. For information, on recovering full compensation for your commercial property loss, see this blogpost.
Emergency Legal Assistance for Birmingham Fire Damage Claim Victims
After a fire you may need help quickly to preserve evidence, calculate your losses and to have discussions with the insurance company. In addition, they may want to interview you or take an Examination Under Oath. Sometimes the decisions you make early on can affect the value of your claim. Consulting a policyholder attorney can help you with these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a fire damage claim lawyer help me in Birmingham?
​A fire damage claim lawyer can help you determine what you are owed under your policy, help you negotiate and communicate with the insurance company about your loss and if necessary, demand appraisal or file a lawsuit to help recovery all of the benefits promised in the insurance policy.
What if my insurance company denies my property loss claim?
You have the right to consult with an attorney to determine whether the denial is wrongful or not. Insurance companies make mistakes too and worse, sometimes deny or underpay claims intentionally. You don’t have to accept their response. You can also file a complaint with the Alabama Department of Insurance. Finally, the Alabama Policyholder Bill of Rights outlines other rights that you may have, including the right to a full copy of your policy, your declaration page, and all endorsements.
Does my policy cover smoke damage and soot cleanup?
Yes, generally. While it is always important to read the policy language, most property policy cover accidental direct physical loss which can include smoke, ash and soot. However, it can be necessary to hire the right experts to measure and document the existence of these components.
How long do I have to file a fire claim under Alabama law?
In Alabama, you have six years to file a claim for breach of your insurance policy. You have two years from a denial to file an action for bad faith. Also, it is important to remember that your policy may contain important timelines also. For instance, if you want to recover replacement cost benefits after rebuilding or repairing your property, some policies specify that you have a certain time limit, such as two years, in order to undertake the reconstruction or repair.
Contact our Birmingham Fire Damage Lawyers Today for a Free Case Review
If you have a fire damage claim and need help ensuring that your insurance company pays every dime promised in the insurance policy, then contact us now and we can help you cut through the confusion and get on the road to recovery.
P.O.Box 36128
Birmingham, AL 35236