Fire is a leading cause of personal injuries and property damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments responded to approximately 1.39 million fires in the United States in 2023.
But it’s not the sheer number of fires reported annually that’s jaw-dropping. Instead, it’s the devastating medical and economic impact caused by these incidents.
The 1.39 million fires reported in 2023 resulted in 3,670 civilian deaths and over 13,350 injuries. That’s not to mention long-term medical issues and billions in property damage.
While fires are preventable, they aren’t entirely avoidable. And like most accidents, they can strike when least expected.
Knowing how to proceed after a fire accident is critical, particularly if you plan on filing a claim for personal injury and/or property damage. Read below for insights on navigating the aftermath of a fire incident.
The Role of Legal Assistance After a Fire
Contacting a lawyer is one of the first steps after a fire accident.
For starters, fire damage attorneys are professionally trained in fault-finding. The lawyer will bring their experience to bear in helping to establish the negligent party.
Working with a Sacramento personal injury attorney can also give you a significant head start in the claims process. Besides their extensive training in personal injury law, Eaton fire lawyers are also well-versed in insurance laws. They understand the statute of limitations applicable to fire incidents and will help file your claims promptly.
More importantly, fire damage lawyers have mastered the tactics used by insurance companies to persuade policyholders to accept lower compensations. They’ll handle the negotiation process on your behalf and ensure you receive the maximum damages to offset the financial losses incurred from the fire incident.
To maximize your compensation, a fire damage lawyer will reveal the full extent of your losses, including what the insurance companies might have conveniently overlooked. Note that fires can result in three types of losses, namely;
- Personal injuries to principal victims, people in adjacent properties, and other third parties
- Property damage – Both structural and aesthetic
- Water damage from firefighting activities
- Health complications – Such as respiratory illnesses from smoke residues
Below are other reasons to contact a lawyer immediately after a fire incident:
1. Evidence Gathering
Collecting vital pieces of evidence right after a fire incident is important. However, this may not always be possible, particularly if you’ve sustained severe injuries.
Fire damage lawyers can help document critical evidence before the scene is possibly contaminated. The attorneys also follow professional guidelines on evidence preservation, ensuring every detail is admissible during a claims litigation process.
2. Assistance With Third-Party Claims
Not only can a fire damage lawyer handle the claims process with your insurance company. They may also file a claim against the defendant’s insurer, known as third-party claims.
This can help maximize your compensation.
3. Courtroom Representation
Whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant in a fire accident, it’s in your best interest to have the matter resolved as soon as possible. However, where both parties cannot reach an amicable solution, the only course of action is to institute a court proceeding.
A fire damage attorney can provide the much-required legal representation if the matter winds up in court. They possess a wealth of experience in courtroom procedures and will prepare persuasive arguments to have the case decided in your favor.
4. Finding the Root Cause of the Fire
The physical evidence collected in the aftermath of fire damage, alongside professional analysis of the accident, can provide key insights into the cause of the incident.
Understanding the root cause of a fire is not only critical in establishing the negligent party. It can also influence future decisions by relevant professionals (architects, builders, firefighters, etc.) with a view to averting similar incidents or mitigating their impacts.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Other Legal Steps to Take After a Fire Accident
1. Gather Evidence
As hinted, fire damage attorneys play an instrumental role in gathering evidence after a fire incident. However, this process should commence immediately, even before your lawyer gets to the accident scene.
Whip your smartphone and document vital evidence, including the visual extent of personal injuries and property damage. Remember to also scope the scene for remnants of ignition devices and traces of accelerants.
If surveillance cameras overlook the property, be sure to secure the video footage as well.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
It’s important to inform your insurance company about a fire incident immediately. This should typically happen after contacting your lawyer. The insurance company will dispatch a claims adjuster to assess the extent of damage, including structural damage and inventory losses.
Ensure you simply notify your insurer without delving into details about the fire’s cause. This is necessary to avoid taking outright liability for the incident or making self-incriminating statements.
Besides, do not entertain any negotiations with your insurance company. That will be handled more effectively with your fire damage attorney.
3. Inform Your Family and Friends
Call your family and friends to let them know you’ve been in a fire accident. Inform them of your condition and the state of your property.
Let them know about your current whereabouts, especially if you’ve had to seek immediate medical attention.
4. Call 911
Contacting 911 can impact your survival odds during a devastating fire accident.
Inform the operator about your location, the extent of injuries, and the number of people involved. This information is essential in helping coordinate appropriate responses.
For instance, the operator may dispatch firefighters if the fire is still raging but everyone has been whisked to safety. If there are significant injuries, first-aid responders may be prioritized.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Fire accidents may result in minor injuries or extensive burns. While minor issues can be addressed effectively with first aid administered by professional first responders, severe burns may require hospitalization.
Therefore, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
Note that medical records (including diagnostic reports and billing statements) will also be invaluable in helping your attorney compute the full extent of damages from a fire accident.
Final Thoughts
Fires can have devastating medical and financial consequences. Whether it’s your home or business premises gutted down, navigating the aftermath is even more emotionally taxing.
Fortunately, hiring an attorney can help lessen the impact of fire incidents and enable you to get back on your feet.
Working with an experienced fire damage attorney is critical in holding the negligent parties accountable. The lawyer will handle the insurance dispute process, negotiate fair compensation, and represent you in court if the matter ends in a trial.
Meanwhile, you can focus on recovering from injuries sustained by the fires.