Did Your Property Sustain Partial Loss from a Fire? Watch Out For Hidden Damage
Posted October 15, 2017Fire remains one of the leading causes of property damage in the United States. According to a report compiled and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires cause more than $14.3 billion in property damage in the U.S. each year. While fire can completely destroy a building, there are also many cases in which fires are put out before causing a total loss.
Partial loss fire claims are notoriously complex. For many different reasons, it can be difficult for policyholders to get just compensation for this type of damage. One of the biggest issues is that partial fire loss often comes with an enormous amount of hidden damage. Indeed, beyond the fire itself, there are several other related factors that can also cause damage that needs to be assessed. Here, our top-rated Oklahoma fire damage lawyers explain the additional damaging effects that are often associated with a fire.
Partial Fire Loss: The Other Damages You Need to Consider
Smoke and Soot Damage
Smoke and soot can cause a tremendous amount of hidden damage. In fact, the unseen damage caused by smoke and soot can be truly catastrophic for a property owner. While you may have been able to stop the actual fire, the resulting smoke damage may still make a section of your home or business completely unusable. You may need an extensive renovation, or even a full scale replacement. It is imperative that this damage is properly accounted for so that you can get a full settlement offer from your insurance company.
Water Damage
In some ways it is counterintuitive, but water damage is a huge issue in partial loss fire claims. First and foremost, a significant amount of water may have been used on your property to fight the fire and put it out. Additionally, fire can cause damage to certain components of your home, leading to hidden leaks under floors or behind your walls. If not caught and treated quickly, this standing water can cause nasty (and expensive) mold problems.
Distortions Caused By the Heat
Finally, you also have to be aware of the fact that fire can cause distortions to your property, without actually burning the property. The heat from a fire can weaken metal inside your walls, making your pipes or electrical infrastructure prone to failure. To protect your best interests, a comprehensive investigation into any potential hidden damage caused by the fire’s heat is a must.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Fire Damage Attorneys Today
If your property insurance company refuses to pay you a fair settlement offer for your partial fire damage, we are here to help. At The Bennett Law Firm, our team is dedicated to serving homeowners and business owners in Oklahoma City and throughout the surrounding communities. For a free review of your case, please call us now at 405-272-0303 The Bennett Law Firm.