How Do I File A Commercial Property Damage Claim?

Commercial property, whether big or small, can get damaged due to unforeseen circumstances. This is why having insurance coverage is a must for any commercial property owner. Once your property is insured, you can easily file property damage claims when damage occurs. These claims typically cover repairing the damage, injured victims, and damaged third-party property. 

To avoid any complication or making a mistake that could cost you your claims, it is best to consult with experienced personal injury lawyers like those at Phil Votaw & Associates site. These lawyers understand the numerous tricks played by insurance companies, and they can help you file for compensation.

That being said, it’s also important for you to have an idea of how to file compensation so that your claim processing can be easier. Keep reading to learn more about how to file for your commercial property damage.

What Is A Property Damage Claim?

A property damage claim, also known as a property loss claim, is a type of insurance claim that is filed in the event of damage to a person’s property. This can be anything from someone hitting your car to a fire that damages your home. In regards to commercial property, it’s a claim filed for damages on multifamily buildings, warehouses, office buildings, and others.

Claims can be made by the owner of the property and their lawyer. If the claimant has rental insurance, they may need to file separate claims for both their personal and business properties.

Steps Involved In Filing For Commercial Property Damage Compensation

Create A Plan

Nobody looks forward to unpleasant events, but in some cases, it’s best to take a proactive step and put plans in place to tackle the issues when they arise. This will help you handle the situation better as soon as they arise. To begin your proactive plan, start by making a list of emergency contacts. Your emergency contacts should include your personal injury attorney, medical practitioner, and insurance adjusters. In addition, make sure you install security cameras on your commercial property; this will help you gather relevant evidence needed for your claim processing. Also, endeavor to conduct routine emergency drills and encourage everyone working or living on your commercial property to participate. This will help everyone understand the next course of action when emergencies strike.

Manage The Situation Properly

The lives of everyone present at the time of the property damage are crucial; therefore, every life should be accounted for. Make sure to reach out to emergency medical personnel to help check everyone in the building. If anyone got injured, prompt care would help such a person feel better and recover faster. Once you’ve done this, then you can begin to prep your insurance papers.

Collate All Evidence

The right evidence can significantly help your case. Start by taking pictures and videos of the scene. If the damage occurred in the presence of people, make sure you get the contact information of those eyewitnesses. Also, make a firsthand personal report of the incident as soon as the damages occur. 

Contact The Police

The next step is to contact the police to file a report for your damaged property. Make sure you inform the police as soon as possible so that they can inspect your property and gather all relevant evidence. They’ll also advise you on the next course of action. 

Importantly, the police report and evidence can be referred to when filing for your commercial property damage insurance claims.

Contact Your Lawyer

After you’ve informed the police, be sure to inform your personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will guide you through the filing process and help you handle all your insurance claim paperwork. In general, most insurance companies make a conscious effort to pay little compensation to their clients. But when you have an expert lawyer on your side, you’ll be able to get better compensation for your losses.

Claim Processing

Once you’ve filed for compensation with the help of your lawyer, your insurance company will assign you an independent insurance adjuster. The role of the insurance adjusters is to inspect the damaged property, analyze the scene, and determine the worth of the damage. If the adjuster confirms your insurance claim, it means you’re eligible to receive compensation. On the other hand, if the insurance adjusters invalidate your claim, it means you won’t be compensated.

Please take note that your insurance company’s adjusters work for your insurance company, and whatever they do is for the insurance company’s benefit. With that in mind, make sure to keep your lawyer informed as the case progresses.

It’s important to have the professional guidance of a personal injury lawyer when filing for property damage claims. They’ll help your claim processing go as smoothly as possible and also yield a better outcome.

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