Smoke Damage Claims
Fires can impact buildings through smoke alone without burning down structures. The residue from smoke, such as soot, can continue to worsen even after the fire was put out. Smoke damage can spread to places that weren’t touched by flames. It can even travel to nearby buildings that weren’t on fire. Smoke damage can carry the high temperature of the fire, and it is highly acidic. It has corrosive properties and can damage the lungs of anyone inhaling smoke. The soot caused by fires can also leave a powder-like and greasy substance, and it can cause a plethora of other health problems. If you experienced smoke damage and need help making sure you receive total compensation for your damages, you can speak to a legal firm to help guide you. For more information, call Florida Home Claim for a free consultation.
How does smoke damage property?
Smoke is typically made up of several different types of acids, but even if it doesn’t contain acid, it can still cause damages. When smoke interacts with specific metals in your home, it can cause corrosion and tarnish metal surfaces. Door knobs, electronic equipment, pipes, and other metallic structures can be affected. If pipes corrode, water can wind up leaking and add additional damages to the infrastructure. Smoke can also cause permanent discoloration to porous materials, such as tiles, marble, plastics, hardwood floors, and countertops.
How bad is smoke damage?
Smoke damage poses a significant health risk due to the microscopic particles being able to penetrate many surfaces, including your orifices. It can be breathed in and harm your lungs, resulting in long-term diseases. Smoke damage can also aggravate runny noses and burning eyes. There is also a risk of lung and chronic heart disease.
How do you check for smoke damage?
The most common way to check for smoke damage is to use a chemical sponge. The surface of any affected areas gets wiped by the sponge over the smoke stain. If there is no residue on the sponge, smoke damage isn’t present.
What qualifies as smoke damage?
Any physical or structural harm caused by smoke and not the fire itself is considered smoke damage. Smoke isn’t able to destroy physical property as fire does, but it can still create damages by coating items, leaving a terrible smell, and creating soot. The damage caused by the smoke itself due to its residue and not the destruction caused by fire qualifies as smoke damage.
Can you claim smoke damage?
You can claim coverage for smoke damage, and some basic homeowners insurance policies often combine it with fire damage. The smoke damage also doesn’t have to be dependent upon whether the fire was at your location or not. If the fire happened nearby, such as wildfires, then your insurance coverage can include these damages under your claim.
Do insurance companies pay for smoke damage?
Your homeowner’s insurance can pay for smoke damage as long as there is proof. Your smoke damage insurance claims include the date of loss, type of loss, location of damage, any medical injuries, the condition of your home, and a description of any damaged contents. If repairs or replacements are needed, you can mention what they are. The insurance company can help pay for the smoke damage once they’ve been estimated.
What do you do if you have smoke damage?
If you have smoke damage, your home environment will need to be cleaned up, and you will have to get checked by the doctor to make sure you don’t have any health issues caused by inhaling smoke. If you have upper airway problems and hoarseness, you have likely suffered injury by breathing in smoke. Once there is smoke damage, you should have authorities review your home to let you know if it is inhabitable or okay for you to continue living there. You should also let your insurance company know that you have smoke damage. Take pictures of the smoke damage and write down a list of the items that are unrecoverable due to the smoke. Next, you can contact an insurance attorney to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your damages.
How do I get started on my smoke damage claim?
When you experience smoke damage and aren’t receiving enough coverage that reflects the number of damages you have, you should work with an attorney to represent you. They can discover details about your case that prove that you are owed compensation for your claim. Your attorney will reach out to your insurer to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call Florida Home Claim now for more information.
