Contact top-rated Denver fire damage lawyers at Callender Bowlin if you need urgent assistance after you suffered a devastating fire resulting in property loss.
Fire damage refers to when a property is physically damaged as a result of burning. The damage could be due to the flame itself, the smoke emitted by the fire, or the water used by firefighters to put it out. Fire is one of several perils we handle for Colorado policyholders as part of our broader Denver property damage practice.
Callender Bowlin has a long track record of success in maximizing damages in fire damage claims. Feel free to browse through the verified testimonials of our satisfied clients in Denver.
Based in Houston, founding partners Mark Callender and Josh Bowlin have over two decades of experience trying cases in federal and district courts in various venues nationwide.
Why Choose Callender Bowlin?
Dealing with the aftermath of fire damage can be very overwhelming and draining at the same time. Navigating the legal process of fire damage claims as you try to recover from the situation can be difficult. However, you do not have to do it alone.
While there are plenty of law firms you can choose from to help aid your legal needs, there are also several reasons why Callender Bowlin is the right choice. Some of these reasons include:
- Having a solid record in securing compensation after a fire incident
- Good communication abilities
- Has a deep understanding of Colorado insurance law
- Dedicated to providing reliable legal services in fire damage cases
Moreover, Callender Bowlin is a reputable company with years of experience in successfully filing fire damage claims. By choosing our law firm, you can ensure that your case is being handled by a knowledgeable and well-experienced legal team dedicated to fighting for your rights.
How Can We Help in A Fire Damage Case?
Destructive flames can damage your building, furniture, clothing, appliances, and personal belongings in a matter of minutes, and even where the fire itself is contained, the smoke and the water used to put it out can cause significant additional harm. That firefighting water often leads to a parallel Denver water damage claim, which our team can handle alongside the fire loss.
If your home or any other property was damaged in a fire in Denver, it is crucial that you take the necessary actions in order to start the recovery process – and one of those is filing a fire damage insurance claim.
You’re probably thinking, why hire a fire damage lawyer when you can file and settle your claim with the insurance company by yourself? While filing a fire damage claim on your own is possible and lawyers are not necessarily required, having an experienced fire damage lawyer by your side has several advantages and, at the same time, can be comforting.
In fact, your legal representative plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your fire damage claim. As easy as it may seem, acquiring fair compensation from insurance companies can be a very complicated and overwhelming task without the help of a fire damage lawyer. However, with lawyers, they can:
- Protect and defend your rights under the law
- File an insurance claim on your behalf
- Gather and prepare all the necessary documents related to your claim
- Negotiate with the insurer to increase your compensation
- Interpret for you the details of the insurance policy
- Help you navigate other possible legal options
- Represent your case in court (if necessary)
About Fire Damage in Denver
Nestled at the base of the stunning Rocky Mountains, Denver boasts a topography that is characterized by its unique position on the high plains. This geographical diversity creates a breathtaking setting but also presents challenges when it comes to fire management.
The juxtaposition of urban areas and wildland-urban interface zones increases the risk of wildfires encroaching into populated areas. Denver experiences a semi-arid climate with low humidity and fluctuating temperatures throughout the year. While the city enjoys abundant sunshine and clear blue skies, the dry conditions during much of the year create ideal fuel for wildfires.
From 1992 to 2020, about 60% of Colorado wildfires were caused by human activity, while lightning accounted for the rest, a U.S. Forest Service analysis found. The top three human activities causing the flames in the state are recreation and ceremony (12.4%), sparks from equipment, like cars, chainsaws and ATVs (5.7%), and smoking (5.4%).
Vegetation in and around Denver, including grasslands, shrubs, and forests, can become tinder-dry during the hot summer months, increasing the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly.
Additionally, the city’s rapid urbanization and sprawling development contribute to the risk of fire damage. As residential neighborhoods expand into previously undeveloped areas, they encroach upon natural landscapes, creating a potential interface between human settlements and fire-prone vegetation.
Where Do Fire Damages Occur?
Fire damage can occur in various locations, both residential and commercial, due to a wide range of factors. Here are some common places where fire damages occur:
Residential Homes
Fires in residential homes can occur in kitchens due to cooking accidents, electrical malfunctions, heating systems, or smoking materials.
In far Northeast Denver and far Southeast Denver, there are several large neighborhoods that happen to but right up against large, undeveloped prairies. If East and West Denver succumb to wind-driven grass fires that they are susceptible to, the residential pockets near large golf courses, parks, and dog parks (such as the Lowry and Cook Park areas) are at extreme risk for fire damage or worse. And, finally, the residential areas that are located immediately west and north of the city (Bear Valley, Central Park, DIA, Fort Logan, Green Valley Ranch, Marston, Montbello and Windsor) have the state’s highest concentration of homes facing extreme fire danger.
Commercial Buildings
This type of fire damage can happen in offices, retail stores, warehouses, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities. Common causes include electrical faults, machinery malfunctions, overheated equipment, or arson. These types of fires, as opposed to wild fires, would be much more coming in dense, urban areas like downtown Denver.
Industrial Facilities
Factories, refineries, and chemical plants are prone to fire damage due to the presence of flammable materials, machinery, and industrial processes. Accidental fires or explosions can occur during the production, storage, or transportation of hazardous substances. The most at-risk area for this is the industrial zone of Denver that runs east of downtown Denver and heads out toward the airport along I-70. Additional major roads along this route are Smith Road, 56th Avenue, and Tower Road.
Vehicles
Fire damages can occur in vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles, due to engine fires, fuel leaks, electrical problems, or collisions.
Wildfires
These happen in rural and forested areas, destroying vegetation, wildlife habitats, homes, and infrastructure. Factors such as dry weather, high winds, and human activity contribute to how fast wildfires spread. Our firm has represented victims of major wildfires, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire, and understands how utility and third-party liability can factor into a wildfire claim.
How Do Fire/Smoke Damages Occur?
There are several possible causes of fire damage. It could range from natural causes such as weather, climate, and lightning, or it could be a result of another person’s misconduct or negligence. Listed below are some of the reasons why fire damages occur:
- Improper use of electricity
- Gas leakage
- Improper handling of inflammable materials
- Unattended cooking
- Arson
Understanding how and why fire damage occurs is important to help prevent and avoid experiencing similar situations in the future. Moreover, it is also important to keep in mind that fire also results in different types of smoke that can cause significant damage to your property. Here are some of the different kinds of smoke damage:
- Dry smoke
- Wet smoke
- Fuel smoke
- Protein-based smoke
Fire Damage Can Result From Various Negligent Acts
Fire damage in Denver can result from various negligent acts, including improper disposal of smoking materials, negligent outdoor burning, unattended campfires, equipment malfunctions, electrical faults, arson, negligence in recreational activities, and unattended cooking.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found 50% or more at fault, meaning your share equals or exceeds the other party’s, you cannot recover at all. This is why establishing who was responsible for a fire matters as much as documenting the damage.
However, it is important to note that the laws in Colorado with regard to negligence may vary depending on the type of claim involved. It’s important to consult with your legal representative about the applicable laws to your case.
Role of A Specialized Attorney
Hiring an experienced fire and smoke damage lawyer has real advantages, especially because Colorado law gives policyholders leverage against insurers that mishandle a claim. Under Colorado’s statutory bad-faith law (C.R.S. sections 10-3-1115 and 10-3-1116), an insurer that unreasonably delays or denies a covered claim can be liable for two times the covered benefit plus attorney fees and court costs, on top of the benefit owed. An attorney can hold an insurer to that standard. Some of the services a fire damage lawyer may offer include the following:
- Reviewing your insurance coverage
- Documenting your expenses and damages
- Legal support throughout the processing of claims
- Fight a claim denial (if applicable)
- File a civil lawsuit against the insurer (if necessary)
It is important to note that the role of a specialized attorney in a fire damage claim is not limited to the advantages mentioned above. These are just some of the most common examples of what a fire/smoke damage lawyer can offer for your case.
Working With A Local Denver Fire Damage Lawyer
There are several possible causes of fires. Because of this, the claims process may vary depending on the location where the fire occurred as well as how it happened. This is where the importance of hiring a local lawyer comes in.
There are several reasons why you should hire a local Denver fire damage lawyer to help you handle your case. These include the following:
- They acquire the necessary knowledge of the law and legal process, ensuring that you are being rightfully guided as you go through the intricacies of a fire damage claim process.
- They are well-experienced in dealing with insurance companies. They can review the details of your insurance policy and identify any other possible losses you may be able to recover in accordance with the insurer’s policy.
- They can negotiate on your behalf for a better settlement. Most of the time, insurance companies will try to lower the amount of the damages covered. A local Denver fire damage lawyer can help you avoid accepting an unfair settlement and opt for an even better one.
- They can serve as your legal representation in court. If, in any case, you and the insurance company fail to reach an agreement regarding the coverage of the damages and losses, a fire damage attorney can help you build a strong case and effectively defend your claim.
Call A Denver Fire Damage Lawyer Now
The aftermath of a fire is overwhelming, and the claims process that follows can feel just as daunting. Recovery is possible, and the right legal help can make a real difference in what you are able to rebuild. A Denver fire damage attorney can handle the insurer while you focus on your family and your property.
If any of your property, be it real or personal property, got severely damaged due to a fire occurrence, you may be eligible to recover a variety of damages through a fire damage claim. You may be able to recover expenses associated with the reconstruction of your damaged property, such as your house and any other possessions or structures in your home.
Moreover, you may also be able to acquire reimbursement for the expenses you have spent on living arrangements should your home or building be determined uninhabitable. Callender Bowlin has vast resources and a wide network of experts to provide the legal assistance you need as you deal with your fire damage claim.
Our team is made up of well-versed professionals who understand your needs and aim to secure the justice that you truly deserve. We offer our clients legal counsel along with customized legal strategies to help you effectively deal with the complexities of the claim process.
If you or a loved one has experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us now at (719) 350-4872 or send us a message for a free comprehensive case review to discover how we can support you during this challenging time.
Callender Bowlin LLP
1550 Wewatta St
Denver, CO 80202
