* house fire 40 days ago*Do you need a lawyer to deal with a insurance company after a house fire?

Question

should we just trust our company? does the case just close when we cash a check or can we tell them about missing things later?

I just got out of the hospital and they have a check for me. plus they say they don't pay any hospital bill

Answer 1

No, you don't need a lawyer, and likely you can't afford one.

Usually the case doesn't "close" when you cash the check - contents are usually paid on ACV up front, and then you have six months to replace them, and submit receipts to the adjuster to get reimbursed for the cost to replace them - IF you have replacement cost. Same thing with contractors - they can put in for "supplemental" costs.

One thing, do NOT pay the contractor up front. Pay the contractor as each part of the work is completed. A GOOD contractor won't mind that.

If you DO have a problem with claims settlement, you can hire a public adjuster. WARNING, they'll take 15% of the total claim, for their help. Your agent should be willing to help and explain for FREE.

Your agent should be explaining all this to you.

Answer 2

If you were in your own house and your own house caught fire and you were injured - they will not pay for your medical bills under your home owners policy. You will have to turn that into your health insurance.

If the fire is a "total fire" - meaning the entire house burned - it could easily take 6 months or more to resolved. There is an incredible amount of work to be done by you and the insurance company to resolve the claim. There will be more than one check issued.

If the fire is a grease fire - and you grabbed the pot and burned yourself - your homeowners will not pay the medical bills.

The liability coverage and medical payments coverage of your HO policy pay for people who are NOT residents of the house hold. Since you are a resident of your own house - these coverages do not apply to your injuries.

You do not need a lawyer to handle a fire claim. A lawyer will take 1/3 of your settlement + expenses and there is not really much he can do. So, if you want to have 1/3+ less money to rebuild with.....sure call a lawyer.

Call the adjuster. The adjuster will walk you through the process. The adjuster can tell you what the check is for - give you a copy of the estimate and let you know what the next step is.

You can use any contractor you want to rebuild but the adjuster will be able to give you the names of contractors they have worked with in the past that have a good reputation.

Answer 3

You had one loss with the fire happened.

You will experience a second loss when you realize how much coverage you had (or lack thereof).

A friend had smoke and water damage (only) to her condo. The fire was in the next door unit. Everything that was plastic - right down to the electric outlet covers, had to be replaced. She lost her clothes and her furniture.

What was worse was the way the "fire recovery" company treated her. They stole items from her that would not be harmed by smoke (like china) and claimed that they were damaged in the fire or the aftermath. She even saw some of her belongings in the office of the fire recovery company - items that the company claimed were destroyed.

She maxed out her coverage and still had much that needed replaced.

You may not need a lawyer but document everything you do and discuss with the insurance company.

Sorry for your loss.

Answer 4

1. Damage to the building and contents is covered by homeowner's insurance. The hospital bill is covered by medical insurance or health insurance (which mean the same thing). This are usually from different insurance companies. You can cash the homeowner's insurance company's check and still file a claim against the medical insurance. You cannot make the homeowner's insurance pay the hospital bill.
2. If possible, have them give you a check for the building only and get a written agreement that you can claim for contents later.

Answer 5

Fire insurance is fire insurance - why would you think that they would pay for your hospital bill?? On a homeowner policy, there is usually coverage for GUEST MEDICAL payments - but they are usually small amounts intended for "first aid" type of expenses.

Most companies are going to be fair about paying you for your damages. It is up to you to file a "proof of loss" for your contents.

Good luck and I hope this helps!

Answer 6

I'd not just 'trust them' to pay the appropriate amount of damages. They MAY be treating you fairly and upfront, but you need to verify that they are doing so. Perform the due diligence, get estimates for repairs and replacement items, and compare the costs to the amounts being offered by the insurer.

Depending on the provider, you may have the ability to place a claim further, after an initial payment to get house repairs started. Don't settle rapidly just to get that first check unless you know that it covers everything possible, or that you have the rights to make future additional claims.

Answer 7

Before you accept a check, because everything was probably destroyed in the fire, you need to ask for a copy of our FULL policy to make sure you are getting paid what you are supposed to get paid.

You don't need an attorney if you are getting what you are supposed to.