Fire Damage Claims Lawyer
Suffering damage to a home or business from a fire is catastrophic and the damage to both the structure and contents can be devastating. Though you have fire insurance, you may still struggle to get your loss paid through a homeowners or businessowners insurance policy. The insurance companies will not pay out a dollar more than they need to. In some situations, their refusals to pay may be in violation of Texas state law.
Insurance companies are legally required to deal in good faith with all customers who file claims. Failure to do so may entitle you to not only payment for your claim, but also interest, and attorney’s fees. A fire damage claims lawyer could help you collect the compensation you deserve after a denial or underpayment of your insurance claim. Schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable insurance claims attorneys at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC.
Texas Laws Concerning the Regulation of Insurance Companies
The law in Texas requires insurance companies to deal with customers in good faith. More specifically, Texas Insurance Code § 542.003 outlaws deceptive trade practices in the insurance industry. According to the statute, it is illegal for an insurance company to:
- Fail to practice good communication with clients
- Alter facts related to a loss or claim
- Refuse to offer a fair settlement once liability for a loss is clear
There are many reasons a property owner may not receive the coverage they are owed. Insurance companies may dispute the cause of the blaze and whether it is a covered event. Likewise, they may undervalue both the structure and the contents that are damaged. Having a fire damage claims attorney helps to ensure that insurance companies fairly evaluate the claim and abide by the Texas state law.
Property Owners’ Rights Under Insurance Policies
Every individual or company purchasing insurance for their real estate must be sure to closely read and understand the terms of the contract. This is especially important when considering the clauses that pertain to covered losses.
Fire is a common reason to file a claim against an insurance policy. However, a policy may not cover all aspects of this tragedy. For instance, the cause of the fire may be a reason for the insurance company to deny coverage.
It is essential to be familiar with the specific language in all fire insurance policies. Insurance policies are contracts and both parties must adhere to the terms. A fire damage claims attorney can assist you in evaluating your policy, determining what benefits are available and gathering the information needed to obtain those benefits.
If an insurance company has denied a claim based upon the source of the fire or the subsequent type or scope of damage, one of our fire damage claims lawyers can help you obtain estimates, experts and other resources to fight the denial.
Contact a Fire Damage Claims Attorney Today
The holders of homeowners or businessowners insurance policies have the right to file claims to collect benefits after a fire. However, the extent of their ability to collect payments depends both upon the insurance policy’s specific provisions and the willingness of the insurance company to act in good faith. Failures in either area might result in a reduced settlement offer or even a full denial of benefits.
If you have received a denial or underpayment of a fire damage claim, contact a fire damage claims lawyer at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC now. Our team is ready to analyze your policy, investigate the loss, and demand that insurance companies provide appropriate compensation according to the terms of their policies. Contact us today to get started.