As we all know, there continue to be several forest fires across Washington and Oregon. Some have been contained, while others are still growing and spreading thousands of acres. It is important to not only be aware of where the fires are, but also to be prepared for if and when these fires come close to your property. Below are some helpful tips to be best prepared moving forward.
- Five things you should do after a fire: Find out here.
- Do not sign contracts without knowing exactly what you are agreeing to pay and for what. You may be approached by individuals offering to assist you with your insurance claim, called Public Insurance Adjusters, (“PA”). For a percentage of money from the insurance company, a PA will inventory your loss. Consult with an attorney before signing so that you fully understand what you are giving up and what you are getting in exchange. More information on the difference between Attorneys vs Public Adjusters here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsSIQR4-J1A
- Insurance restoration contractors may also approach you. Restoration contractors often will agree to repair your home in exchange for whatever amount your insurance company agrees to pay. In so doing, they will likely expect you to assign your insurance claim to the Contractor. Moreover, they might not explain your right to not rebuild, to rebuild differently, and, in some cases, use the insurance proceeds to buy a different home. For these and other reasons, contracts like these can be very complicated. More information on hiring a contractor in Washington and Oregon here: https://youtu.be/S8RlRtvTQ-Y
- Why is representation important when dealing with Insurance claims? Find out here.
- Attorneys are expert negotiators; we are trained to handle settlement terms and know the latest insurance laws. An insurance company will often offer better settlements to attorneys to avoid the litigation process and attorneys are better able to reject bad offers. The power attorneys have to file lawsuits puts you on even ground with the insurance companies. At Millard Law we will give you a consultation to see if an attorney is necessary for your situation. We practice throughout ALL of Washington and Oregon.
If you need assistance with a claim in Oregon or Washington please give us a call at 503-305-7806.
