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A Florida residential or commercial fire can cause expensive and serious damage to your property. Our Florida property damage lawyers at Stevenson Klotz recommend obtaining legal assistance when your Florida insurance company offers you a low settlement or refuses to pay on your smoke and fire damages.
Our firm fights for our clients and helps ensure that your rights and interests are protected by the letter of the law. The sooner you get in touch with us, the more helpful we can be.
What is a First Party Insurance Claim in Florida?
In Florida, a first-party insurance claim is made by you, the insured, to your insurance company when you suffer a loss. In other words, if you own the insurance policy and your insurance policy protects you against a loss to your property, then any claim you make on this policy is considered to be a first-party claim.
What Are the Common Causes of Residential Fires in Florida?
At the Florida law firm of Stevenson Klotz, our fire damage attorneys know that fires can happen at any time. When a fire does happen, it takes mere seconds for the damage to occur, and the fallout can devastate your home, possessions, and property.
Some of the most common causes of house fires in Florida include:
- Smoking
- Lightening
- Lighting
- Gas Leaks
- Flammable Liquids
- Electronics and Electrical Equipment
- Faulty Wiring
- Cooking Equipment
- Christmas Trees and Christmas Decorations
- Children Playing With Matches and/or a Lighter
- Candles
- Barbecues
- Arson
- Appliance Failures
No matter how the fire on your Florida property started, our Florida fire claims attorneys can assist you in properly preparing the claim for your insurance company, negotiating with your Florida insurance company, and going to court if necessary.
Florida Property Litigation Lawyers
You pay your Florida insurance premiums on time, and in return, you’re supposed to get peace of mind knowing that you are protected. You believe, and rightly so, that if something happens, your Florida insurance company will have your back and help you.
The truth is – that’s not always the case. Sad to say, but your Florida insurance company cares more about their bottom line than paying out on your claim for fire damage.
The result of a fire can be quite damaging and could include:
- Corrosion
- Fire Damage
- Odors
- Smoke Damage
- Soot
- Water Damage
A fire in your home or business can cause serious and quite expensive problems. Our Florida property damage attorneys recommend seeking legal counsel when your Florida insurance company refuses to pay on your claim or offers you mere pennies on the dollar.
How Can I Dispute a First Party Fire Damage Claim in Florida?
If you have a first-party claim in Florida and your insurance company refuses to pay your claim, there a few ways to dispute your claim.
The first thing to try is working directly with your Florida homeowner’s insurance company to negotiate a payout on your claim. The goal is to get the insurance company to agree to pay the amount your policy says it owes you.
It is advisable to have a Florida insurance claim attorney represent you during this process because the language in your Florida homeowner’s insurance policy can be complex, and your insurance company may act in bad faith.
If the above suggestion fails to work, you can take your Florida homeowner’s insurance company to court. There are two legal theories available in which to do this:
- Breach of Contract: Because your Florida insurance company sold you the policy if they don’t live up to the terms of their agreement with you, a Florida court can compel them to do so.
- Florida’s Bad Faith Insurance Statute: If your homeowner’s insurance company misleads you in any way, intentionally delays paying your valid claim, or doesn’t provide you with information that explains the policy basis for the payout then you can sue them under this statute.
If you or a loved one is involved in an insurance dispute, you need expert Florida legal advice. The insurance claim attorneys at the Florida law firm of Stevenson Klotz has the knowledge and experience to help you successfully litigate your claim. Contact us today!