Fire Claim Attorney in Louisiana
A fire at your home is a traumatic experience—whether the damage is minor or total. Beyond the emotional trauma, you may face physical injuries and the loss of irreplaceable items like family heirlooms, photo albums, and important documents. Your home is more than just a structure; it’s where you feel safe and secure. Losing it disrupts every aspect of daily life, from evacuation to relocation and rebuilding.
Amid this turmoil, dealing with an uncooperative insurance company can make things even harder. If your claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied, the frustration only grows. This is when you need our skilled Louisiana fire claim attorney at Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you move forward.
We can work tirelessly on your behalf to force the insurance company to honor its commitment to you and your future. While insurance companies have their financial bottom line in mind at all times, our attorneys can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the damages and the costs to repair and rebuild, then insist they provide that amount so you can move forward.
What Type of Home Damage Can a Fire Cause in Louisiana?
A fire can cause a wide variety of damage, from flame damage to smoke damage, and even damage from the firefighters trying to save the house with water and chemicals. The heat from a house fire can destroy walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Once the flames are out, however, there can be much more damage to follow. Smoke and very fine soot particles can seep into the walls, ceilings, and floors, causing a smoke and chemical smell that can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
Smoke damage can also compromise the structural integrity of your home, making it necessary to have a professional evaluate the boards and beams that hold up the roof and walls. Attempting to clean sooty, smoke-filled walls on your own can actually do more harm than good. The same is true of attempting to clean furniture upholstery. Fire and smoke damage specialists have the tools and resources necessary to remove smoke and soot damage. When firefighters are putting out the flames, they may have to break windows or even put holes in the roof. This can result in serious water damage. If the weather brings rain in the days to come, the water damage can worsen, even causing black mold—some that is visible, and other mold damage that is not visible.
Will My Insurance Company Cover Damage Caused by a Fire in Louisiana?
Smoke and fire damage are generally covered under basic homeowner’s insurance policies. Dwelling coverage protects you from fire damage to your home and any attached structures like an attached garage. Other structures on your property, like sheds, fences, and carports, are also covered under homeowner’s insurance.
Personal property refers to the things you own—the things that were inside your home at the time of the fire. This includes appliances, furniture, clothing, household goods, artwork, jewelry, and electronics. If you have some very expensive items, you may have purchased additional content insurance so everything would be fully covered in the event of a fire or other disaster. If your home is uninhabitable as a result of fire or smoke, you may be entitled to “loss of use” to help you pay for a temporary place to stay, along with basic living expenses like food, laundry, etc.
Recognized Excellence Award-Winning Dedication to Client Success
In Your Time of Need, We’re Here for You Why Choose Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys?
-
100% Free ConsultationsDiscover your options with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
-
Offering Virtual ConsultationsYou don’t need to travel to our office to get started. With virtual consultations, we can discuss your case, answer questions, and provide guidance—all from the comfort of your home or anywhere you prefer.
-
Over $25 Million RecoveredTrust a law firm with a track record of securing over $25 million for our clients. Our team knows what it takes to win, and we bring our experience and dedication to every case, fighting for the outcome you deserve.
-
You Only Pay If We WinWith our contingency fee structure, you face zero financial risk—no upfront costs and no fees unless we successfully secure compensation on your behalf. We’re fully committed to achieving results, and you only pay if we do.
Common Fire Damage Claim Mistakes to Avoid in Louisiana
Filing a fire damage insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Unfortunately, many homeowners unintentionally make mistakes during this process that can delay or reduce their settlement. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
Common mistakes to avoid when filing a fire damage claim:
- Failing to document the damage immediately: Not taking detailed photos, videos, or making an inventory of damaged items can weaken your claim. Accurate documentation is crucial when the insurance company assesses your losses.
- Reentering the home before it’s safe: Entering the property before it's been inspected and cleared by authorities can put your health and safety at risk—and may even complicate your claim.
- Delaying contact with your insurance company: Waiting too long to notify your insurer can lead to delays in processing or even denial of your claim.
- Attempting DIY cleanup: Fire damage restoration requires specialized tools and knowledge. Trying to clean smoke or fire damage yourself can worsen the problem and pose serious health risks.
- Ignoring water damage: Failing to address water used during firefighting efforts can lead to mold growth and structural issues, which may not be covered if not reported promptly.
To avoid these costly mistakes, it's wise to consult a legal professional experienced in fire damage claims. With the right guidance, you can navigate the claims process more confidently and improve your chances of a fair and timely settlement.
How Can a Louisiana Fire Damage Claim Attorney Help with Your Fire Claim?
If you feel as though your insurance company is giving you the run around following a fire in your home, it could be time to speak to a knowledgeable Louisiana fire damage claim attorney from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys. Insurance companies often wrongfully deny or underpay claims, and in some cases, a delayed insurance payout can benefit from having an attorney by your side.
Unfortunately, not all insurance companies operate in good faith, and can even mishandle claims, which is unlawful. Mishandling claims can take many different forms, all of which are known as bad-faith dealings. An insurance company may deliberately undervalue the damage to your home, delay your payment time after time, or refuse to review your claim. Your insurance company must provide you with an explanation for a denied claim—if they do not, this is an act of bad faith.
Falsely alleging fraud or arson with no proof of either is also a form of bad faith on the part of the insurance company. It can be very beneficial to have a strong attorney from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys as your advocate throughout the process. Attorney Peter Diiorio can help you navigate the complex fire damage insurance claim process.
Our legal team can compile all relevant evidence, explain your legal rights under your policy, and comprehensively calculate your actual losses. Insurance adjusters work on behalf of the insurance company—having an attorney step in to fight for you and your interests can take much of the pressure off your shoulders at a time when you have a million things to think about and deal with.