Michigan Wildfire Lawyer

Wildfire Attorneys Serving Michigan

Fires are unpredictable and can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful they are. When a fire strikes, it can leave you with severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.

In such a stressful situation, you need a Michigan fire attorney on your side to help you navigate the complex legal issues that arise from fires, whether they are caused by wildfires, apartment fires, house fires, townhouse fires, or condo fires.

Dealing with Insurance Companies after a Fire

One of the most significant challenges you may face after a fire is dealing with insurance companies. You expect your insurance provider to support you during this difficult period, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Policyholders often find themselves denied claims, even after years of faithfully paying their premiums. This can lead to anger, frustration, and feelings of betrayal.

A skilled Michigan fire attorney can advocate for you and take legal action against your insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often deny claims in the hope that you won’t hire an attorney and will settle for less than what you’re entitled to. Don’t fall into this trap; contact an experienced fire lawyer for a free case consultation to protect your rights.

Common Causes of Fires

Understanding the common causes of fires is essential, especially when determining liability. Fires in structures, such as homes and commercial buildings, can result from various factors, including:

• Electrical and Wiring Defects: Faulty wiring or electrical issues can lead to devastating fires.
• Cooking Fires: Kitchen accidents are a leading cause of fires in homes and apartments.
• Defective Products: Malfunctioning appliances or products can spark fires.
• Holiday Decorations: Christmas decorations like trees and lighting can pose fire risks.
• Candles: Carelessly placed candles can start fires.
• Fireworks: Mishandled fireworks can lead to disastrous consequences.
• Unattended Fireplaces: Fires left unattended can spread quickly.
• Cigarettes and Smoking: Smoking-related fires are a common risk.
• External Causes: Lightning strikes, wildfires, and arson can also ignite structure fires.
• Defective Vehicles: Faulty vehicles in garages can lead to destructive fires, often for insurance claims.

In many cases, insurance companies try to attribute fires to arson as a way to avoid paying claims, emphasizing the need for legal representation.

Michigan Wildfires

Michigan has a complex and varied wildfire history, shaped by its diverse landscape and climate. While not as frequently associated with wildfires as some western states, Michigan has experienced significant fire events throughout its history. One of the most devastating wildfires in Michigan’s history occurred in 1871, known as the “Great Thumb Fire,” which ravaged large portions of the state’s lower peninsula, claiming lives and destroying property.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park houses one of Michigan’s most popular forests, and a potential fire hazard. As climate change has impacted the planet, even areas that see regular rainfall are now susceptible to forest fires.

Over the last few years, the Horne Fire, Blue Lakes Fire, Wilderness Trail Fire and Oats fire burns thousands of acres in the state. The Duck Lake Fire and Sleeper Lake Fire burned roughly 40,000 acres, destroyed structures and caused millions of dollars in damage. This is a trend that will likely continue, which is why Michigan wildfire attorneys are so important.

Fire Loss Claims in the United States

Fires are more common than you might think. In the United States, a fire department responds to a fire roughly every 24 seconds, with a home fire reported every 93 seconds. Tragically, fire-related deaths occur every three hours, and fire injuries happen every 43 minutes.

From 2017 to 2018, fire losses in the United States increased by 53.5% and 28.7%, respectively, largely due to devastating wildfires. While losses decreased by 20.9% in the following years, the numbers remain significant. Homeowners’ insurance policies account for nearly 60% of all fire loss claims.

These statistics highlight the importance of understanding your rights and options if you’ve suffered from a fire incident, whether it was an apartment fire, house fire, or any other type of fire.

Starting Your Fire Insurance Claim

If you’ve experienced a fire, taking the right steps to initiate your fire damage insurance claim is crucial. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report the Fire: Notify your property insurance company immediately after the fire, and they will send an adjuster to assess the damage.
2. Document Your Loss: Create a comprehensive list of damaged or destroyed property, including clothing and personal items.
3. Secure Your Property: Protect your property from further damage by covering holes, boarding up, and installing fencing to deter looters. Your insurance may cover these costs.
4. Track Living Expenses: Keep records of living expenses, such as hotel stays, meals, laundry, and other necessities if you relocate.
5. Hire a Public Adjuster: Consider hiring a private adjuster, also known as a public adjuster, to assess your losses, especially for significant personal property damage.

Consult a Fire Damage Attorney: Don’t delay in seeking legal advice. Consulting an experienced fire damage insurance claim attorney can help you navigate the complex process and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Fire Insurance Denials and Common Reasons

Insurance companies often employ investigators and adjusters to look for reasons to deny legitimate fire loss claims. Common reasons for claim denials include:

Allegations of Arson: Insurance companies may claim that the policyholder intentionally set the fire to make an insurance claim, leading to the need for legal action.

Valuation Differences: Disagreements over the value of damaged personal property can arise between policyholders and insurance adjusters, necessitating a legal challenge.

Disputes Over Damaged Items: Insurers may dispute the presence of specific items at the time of the fire. Photographic evidence and receipts can be crucial in these situations.

Fraud Allegations: Accusations of fraudulent claims can further complicate the process, requiring legal expertise to prove the validity of your claim.

Coverage for Smoke and Water Damage

Most homeowner’s and business property insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by smoke and water. Even if your property is not directly burned, extensive smoke damage is often covered. Water damage from sprinkler systems or firefighting hoses is also typically included.

In some cases, damage can occur from rain or sleet during or after a fire, which may be wrongly denied by your insurance company. When such denials occur, it’s crucial to consult with a fire damage attorney to initiate a lawsuit.

Largest Michigan Property Insurance Companies

If your property is insured in Michigan, chances are it’s with one of the major insurance companies, such as Allstate, State Farm, Auto Owners, and more. Commercial properties, like apartments and office buildings, are typically insured through specialized business policies with higher coverage limits. Your insurance agent can provide detailed information about your policy and coverage limits.

Disputes Over the Value of Loss Claims

One of the most significant disputes in fire loss claims is often the valuation of the claim. Insurance company adjusters may undervalue your losses, leading to inadequate settlement offers. To ensure you receive fair compensation, it’s wise to hire a private adjuster who can accurately assess the true extent of your losses.

Handling Insurance Denials and Delays

Insurance companies may not only deny your claim but also delay the payment process to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. You should not feel forced into accepting an unfair offer. In cases of denied or delayed fire loss claims, seeking the assistance of an experienced property damage law firm is essential.

These cases require legal expertise and a deep understanding of property insurance policies. A skilled attorney will be your advocate, fighting and negotiating with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence, so it’s crucial to begin the process as soon as possible to document the loss adequately.

Suing the Insurance Company for a Fire Damage Claim

If your fire damage claim is denied or unreasonably delayed, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the insurance company. A lawsuit demands full payment for the loss of real property and personal property damaged in the fire. While most fire insurance cases settle before trial, if the insurance company