Five Things You Should Do After a Fire

1. Immediately Contact Your Insurance Company

You should expect to be contacted by an Insurance Adjuster within 24 hours of your call. If not, follow up. The Adjuster will make an appointment to examine the loss. To determine the value of property damage or loss, the adjuster will likely examine it with a Building Contractor.

You are not obligated to sign contracts or use individuals or services that the Insurance Company recommends. Do not sign any contracts unless you fully understand them and know who is paying and for what. The Insurance Company is obligated to pay for the repair or replacement of your property regardless of who you select to perform the work.

2. Expect your Insurance Company to Conduct an Investigation

You must fully cooperate with the investigation. The Adjuster will likely ask you to submit to a recorded statement. This may be over the phone or in person. If you are asked a question about something and you are not sure about the answer, do not guess.

You may be asked for copies of various documents like your tax returns or bank statements. If contacted by the insurance company’s attorney and asked to submit to an examination under oath, it is highly recommended that you retain your own attorney to represent you.

3. You Are Required to Prove What You Lost

The insurance adjuster will ask you to submit an inventory of your personal property that was damaged or destroyed. To recover the true value, take your time to describe every item in detail. If you can obtain purchase receipts, copies of credit card statements, owner manuals etc., it will greatly help your recovery. As well, pre-loss and post-loss videos and photos are extremely helpful.

If you need assistance, the lawyers and staff at Millard & Bragg Attorneys at Law P.C. are here to help you.

4. Relocate to a Safe Space, If Your Home or Business is Uninhabitable

Most policies provide benefits that reimburse such expenses at a later time. It is important to obtain a copy of your policy and read it. If you don’t understand it, ask us we can help.

During this time you must document all costs such as meals at restaurants, hotel/motel rooms, office space, additional mileage etc. Accurate records will help you get the reimbursement you deserve.

5. Do Not Navigate the Process Alone

Millard & Bragg Attorneys at Law P.C. is a Litigation Firm that Specializes in First Party Insurance Claims, Fire, Wind and Water Claims, Construction Law, Civil Litigation and Business Law. We help Individuals and Property Owners who have been the victims of Property Damage from a Fire, Flood, Storm, Accident, Theft, or Vandalism, as well as Individuals and Business Owners who need representation in Civil and Commercial Litigation.

” As a building contractor for 18 years as well as an insurance adjuster, I understand the insurance culture and construction industry inside and out. I have represented many injured parties at a time of emotional and economic devastation, helping to maximize recovery.”

Millard & Bragg, Attorneys at Law, PC

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