Fires have become an increasing threat to communities across the country. Fires can spread rapidly from one space to another, threatening those around the source and possessing the ability to destroy entire neighborhoods. If you have been affected by a fire originating from a neighbor’s home, a West Palm Beach burn injury lawyer can help determine if you can sue a neighbor for fire damage.
Who pays when a neighbor’s fire spreads to your home?
When a fire starts on a neighboring property, causing damage to your home, immediately contacting your insurance company is vital. How the fire started will determine a legal course of action. Any West Palm Beach insurance provider will want to know if the fire directly resulted from negligence and whether fire prevention methods were in place.
Fires caused by negligence
If a neighbor’s negligence caused the fire, you may be able to file a claim against their home insurance provider. Depending on the neighbor’s policy, their insurance may cover your damages. However, if their policy limits are insufficient, the following action may be a lawsuit against the neighbor.
Working with a burn injury lawyer in West Palm Beach will provide the support you need to determine if a negligence case exists. There must be evidence that your neighbor owed you a duty of care, and negligence resulted in the fire, which led to your damages. The legal language around a burn injury lawsuit can be complex and confusing. Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you effectively navigate your legal options when you suffer fire damage from a neighbor.
When a neighbor may not be to blame for a fire
It is possible that a fire starting at a neighbor’s home had nothing to do with their behaviors but was caused by factors outside their control. Determining who pays when a neighbor’s fire spreads to your home can be more challenging. Other responsible entities you might sue include:
- Manufacturers of defective products, such as appliances or fire safety equipment that lead to a fire
- Service providers who improperly installed gas lines
- Electricians for the faulty installation of electrical wiring
Suppose you live in an area where vacation rental properties are permitted. In that case, the actions of short-term renters may result in fire damage to your property, and a lawsuit might be possible against the property owner or the renter, depending on their actions. Unsafe rental practices can also lead to a property owner’s liability.
The fire may have originated from a long-term renter’s home. A property’s management and maintenance is a vital safety factor, and a failure to adequately maintain properties can reflect negligence in a property manager’s actions. Determining whether you can sue a neighbor for fire damage depends on why the fire began.
Smoke damage from neighbor’s fire
Smoke damage is a secondary damage your home may incur from a fire. Smoke damage can linger and produce a compromised environment in your home. Following the same steps you would when fire damage occurs by initially contacting your insurance provider is the most effective way to begin the process.
Get to the source of your West Palm Beach fire
Suing your neighbor for a fire originating on their property may be an option to compensate you for any damages you suffer, whether from fire or smoke damage. However, determining who is responsible can be a complicated process. Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is your West Palm Beach legal team, ready to take charge of the legal work while you focus on rebuilding life.
Schedule your free consultation online or call (561) 655-1990 today. Determining responsibility for a fire can be challenging. Our team provides unwavering legal guidance to help you regain financial support after a fire.
