What to do After a House Fire: Paving the Road To Recovery
Fires are destructive, and they can ruin your life. That’s why knowing what to do after a fire is extremely important.
When the weather is colder, your chances of suffering through a fire are higher.
When you suffer a house fire, you can feel like you’ve lost everything. In many cases, you do. Important memories, documents, and sentimental items could all be burned away.
We want to make sure you know that there are options. This information can be crucial to know incase this devastating situation happens to you.
Read this important guide to make sure you have the best chance at recovering and changing the outcome of your life.
Initial Steps: What to do Directly After a Fire
The first thing you need to focus on is making sure everyone is out of the house or building and is accounted for.
At the scene of the fire, firefighters and paramedics will deal with the fire itself and any initial injuries.
You will not be able to re-enter your home until it’s been cleared by a fire inspector. The time it takes could vary depending on the size and severity of the fire. It could be days, weeks, or months before you can live in your home again.
When you do get back in your home, check for any further damage or hazards. Electrical wires, structural damage, and food left in the home need to be checked before you use them again.
Once you’ve dealt with the initial shock, you have to start preparing for insurance, potential lawsuits, and recovery.
Fire Loss Insurance Claims
Once everyone is accounted for or attended to, it’s time to deal with insurance. In case you have no insurance please read this!
The initial shock during and directly after the fire can be overwhelming, so taking pictures might be the last thing on your mind. But try to take pictures of the damage. Your insurance company will ask for things like this when you file your claim.
It’s also a good idea to keep any of your ruined furniture, appliances, and other large possessions for insurance purposes.
Keep as many receipts and records as you can. Many of your expenses, like a hotel, clothing, food, and toiletries, can be used in your insurance claim.
In some cases, you can also get an advance on your insurance claim and use it to pay for some of those expenses. Be careful if you do this, because if you overspend, you’ll have to pay the difference.
If your insurance company denies your claim, it can be heartbreaking. There are some circumstances when the company might believe that you didn’t give them enough information for the claim, if they think the fire was your fault.
When you suffer from a house fire and your insurance denies your claim, get a good personal injury lawyer. We can help you fight back and get what you need to continue with your life.
Liability for Fire Damage
Sometimes there are people who can be held liable when there’s a fire. This is especially true when you’ve suffered a serious injury or personal loss due to the fire.
For example, if you’re a tenant and your landlord changed something that triggered the fire, they could be held liable. It could also be the opposite situation. If you’re a landlord and you think your tenant was being irresponsible and caused the fire, you could hold them liable.
If you can prove negligence, you have grounds for a premises liability case.
In some situations, it could be a faulty product that causes the fire. In this case, you might be eligible to file a product liability claim.
If you have reason to believe the fire was someone else’s fault, get legal help right away. An expert will help you figure out if you have enough grounds to file a lawsuit against them.
Injuries and the Different Degrees of Burns
Fires can cause serious injuries, from different degrees of burns to respiratory illness, and in some tragic cases, death.
There are three degrees of burns: first, second, and third.
First degree burns are minor, but painful. They result in redness and irritation of the skin. Usually, an over the counter pain medication, such as Tylenol, or a soothing skin cream can help.
Second degree burns are more severe. They can include blistering skin, pain, swelling, and redness. A doctor can usually prescribe an ointment or antibiotic cream to treat them.
Third degree burns can be extremely severe and cause permanent damage. These burns go deeper through the skin and can lead to charred skin, scarring, and extreme pain. To treat third degree burns, you might have to get a skin graft, synthetic skin implant, or intravenous antibiotics.
In the unfortunate circumstance that a loved one has died in the fire, you could be eligible for a wrongful death lawsuit. It’s important to get the closure you deserve if this happens to you.
A Speedy, Healthy Recovery
Fires can be emotionally damaging. It could take years for you to overcome the mental stress and financial burden that a fire causes.
The important part is that you focus on the healing process. Whether you need to take advantage of community support, talk to a professional, or take a break from the chaos of your life, there are options available.
Take time for yourself and focus on taking control of your life. Getting back into your routine little by little can make a big difference.
Getting the right compensation can help you through this. We can help you get the settlement you deserve so you have a little less of a burden to worry about.
Contact Conte & Associates
We know how devastating a fire can be. We don’t want you to suffer more than you have.
If you’ve experienced a house fire, contact Conte & Associates right away. You could be eligible for benefits and compensation to help recover from the loss. We’ll fight for you to make sure you get everything you’re entitled to.
Don’t try to navigate through the tricky world of fire claims on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Toronto can help you understand what your options are, and what next steps you can take.
Contact our offices today for a free consultation.
