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3 Reasons to Consult a Lawyer for Your Fire Damage Insurance Claim
Homeowner’s insurance is meant to protect your home and assets should an unforeseen disaster occur, such as by fire or water. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to reduce their payouts by voiding claims or by offering claimants far less than the total amount of damages.
While a lawyer might not be necessary if there is a relatively small claim, a lawyer may be able to prove very useful throughout the claims and settlement process for larger or more complicated cases.
Below are three reasons you might want to seek counsel if you are filing an insurance claim for fire damage in Ontario.
#1: Help with the Claims Navigation Process
The claims process can be rather complicated when it comes to fire damage. There are usually numerous steps to take and procedures to follow with which you might not be familiar.
Some of the tasks to be completed include:
- Drafting and filing pertinent paperwork
- Compiling evidence and documentation
- Finding and removing salvageable items
- Creating an inventory of what’s left
- Obtaining estimates for repair work
- Relocating – whether permanently or temporarily during repairs
- Hiring repairpersons or contractors
- Obtaining building permits
- Planning and commissioning renovation and restoration
Your lawyer will protect your rights, ensure the tasks are carried out thoroughly and effectively, and walk you through the legal process step by step.
#2: Don’t Get Cheated
Your insurance adjuster may appear sympathetic to your plight, but make no mistake, insurers are in the business of making money. They might use a number of tactics to try to cut costs.
For instance, the insurer might try to deny your claim by saying your fire was started by arson or that your policy doesn’t cover the type of damage on your claim.
In claims that are accepted, the insurer might try to dispute the value of your damages. An adjuster might value your claim for far less than what it’s worth, or offer you a quick, lowball settlement hoping you will agree out of desperation.
A lawyer can ensure:
- you aren’t taken for a ride;
- negotiations with the insurance company are handled professionally; and
- you receive the full amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.
#3: Fight on Your Behalf
Lots of speed bumps can crop up in fire damage claims, and they can cause huge amounts of stress for homeowners. A lawyer will act as your representative in resolving any kinks that arise, and will take care of the legal tasks and procedures in due course, eliminating a lot of worry on your part.
Should your claim be wrongly denied, your lawyer will fight to protect your rights and diligently pursue recovery for you, even in court, if need be.
Speak to a Lawyer in Ontario
If your Ontario home was damaged by fire, contact a lawyer at Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free legal consultation. Let us see if we can be of service to you and how we may be able to help you obtain fair compensation. Call 1-800-JUSTICE® to schedule an appointment, or contact us online.
