Have you been injured in a house fire? If so, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the cause and circumstances of the fire. If you think you have a claim, there are several common mistakes you should avoid. Not making these mistakes increases your chances of being justly compensated for your injuries.
Here are the top five mistakes made by someone injured in a house fire:
Mistake #1: Not doing the right things when seeking
medical treatment
If you are injured in a house fire, it is imperative that you seek medical attention. Not seeking treatment could let the insurance company claim you weren’t truly injured in the house fire. Insurance companies often argue that not using an ambulance for hospital treatment means you weren’t injured.
They may even say that you only sought treatment days later on the advice of your attorney. Seeking treatment days later could allow the insurance company to argue that another incident, not the fire, caused your injuries.
All of these are reasons why you should seek medical treatment immediately after a house fire.
What to do when seeking medical treatment
Describe your injuries in detail to the doctor so that they are documented in the medical records. Insurance companies rely on these records when evaluating claims later on. If you end up claiming an injury that is not listed in your medical records, they may argue that it is not related to the accident. This could lead to the insurance company denying your claim.
This means you should mention any and all pain and soreness that you feel – no matter how minor they may seem. Remember, injuries can get worse over time. It is better to be thorough than to regret leaving something out later on.
As part of your medical treatment, you should also be sure to undergo any diagnostic tests and physical examinations recommended by the doctor. These types of procedures can provide vital evidence of your injuries. You may even want to advocate for the tests yourself even if the doctor is not sure you need them. X-rays, MRIs and other scans and tests can be valuable proof of injuries. You do not want to allow for any uncertainty that the insurance company can take advantage of.
Mistake #2: Giving a statement to an insurance company – even your own
One thing you definitely do NOT want to do is to give a statement to any insurance company immediately following a house fire. Give yourself time to calm down and think things through first. Keep in mind – your insurance company is a business out for itself; it is not looking out for your best interest.
The truth is insurance companies often try to get a statement from a house fire victim as soon as possible after the event, aiming to do so quickly before you have had time to talk to a lawyer. If you give a statement and say the wrong thing, they can then use this against you later to limit your settlement amount. This is why it’s crucial to seek legal advice before making any decisions or statements, especially if you’re considering options to sell your fire-damaged house. Proper guidance can ensure you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and real estate transactions in a way that protects your interests and maximizes your property’s value.
Do not make this common mistake. You should contact your insurance company and let them know that a house fire has occurred, but you should also state that you do not want to give any statement until you have talked to a lawyer.
Mistake #3: Not keeping good records
With any legal matter, especially with a house fire, you should keep detailed records of everything. Records should include when and why the fire occurred, dealing with the house fire aftermath, dealing with the fire department and police, dealing with the insurance company, and everything else.
One way to do so is to start a diary to record daily all fire-related events, including your memories of the incident, any pain or medical symptoms, treatments undergone, work missed, and accident-related expenses incurred.
Note: Describe the fire in detail, including the time it occurred, your location, the events during the fire, and immediate aftermath.
Having a detailed diary will allow you to go back and refresh your memory on everything that occurred whenever you need to.
Mistake #4: Not following through with all medical treatments and therapy appointments
It is vitally important to follow through with all prescribed medical treatments and therapy appointments. Failing to follow through enables the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Insurance companies often argue that neglecting recommended treatment worsens your injury, absolving them of covering the full care cost.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan is crucial for your physical and financial health. Avoiding prescribed treatment can worsen your health and give the insurance company a strong means to challenge your claim.
Mistake #5: Not getting an experienced attorney
This is the biggest mistake house fire victims often make. Having the right personal injury attorney on your side is important. It can help ensure you get all the compensation you are entitled to. You need an attorney that has extensive experience handling house fire and house fire injury claims.
Search for an attorney who will:
- Fight on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery
- Ensure you are treated with respect and understanding
- Work hard to see your needs met and your case swiftly resolved
A house fire can be dramatically life altering. Aside from pain and suffering, there are often massive medical expenses. You may also experience loss of employment and loss of relationships.
That’s why if you have suffered injuries as the result of a house fire, it is critical that you get high quality legal representation.
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