A fire can devastate a home or business in a matter of minutes, leaving behind destruction, financial hardship, and emotional distress. If the fire was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action to recover compensation for your losses.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we help Mississippi property owners and businesses who have suffered fire damage due to another party’s carelessness. Whether the fire was caused by faulty electrical work, a neighbor’s negligence, an arsonist, or a defective appliance, we aggressively pursue insurance claims and legal remedies to ensure victims receive full compensation. Attorney Jonathan Barrett, an experienced Mississippi fire insurance claim lawyer, is committed to fighting for fire loss victims across the state.
If your home, business, or property was destroyed in a fire caused by someone else, here is what you need to know about your legal options in Mississippi.
Can You File a Claim for Fire Damage Caused by Someone Else in Mississippi?
Yes, if another person’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions caused the fire, you may have grounds to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Common Causes of Fire Damage Due to Negligence
Fire damage often results from avoidable accidents or recklessness. Some common causes include:
- Negligent Property Owners – Landlords or property managers who fail to fix electrical issues, gas leaks, or fire hazards.
- Electrical Malfunctions – Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or defective electrical work performed by unlicensed contractors.
- Cigarette or Open Flame Negligence – Fires started by careless smoking, candles, or unattended flames.
- Arson or Intentional Fire-Setting – Fires caused by criminal acts or reckless behavior.
- Defective Appliances – Malfunctioning stoves, space heaters, or dryers that ignite fires.
- Neighbor’s Negligence – Fires that spread from a neighboring property due to their carelessness.
- Improper Storage of Flammable Materials – Gasoline, propane tanks, or other hazardous materials stored improperly.
When someone else’s negligence leads to a fire that damages your home or business, you may be able to recover damages through an insurance claim or legal action.
Who Is Liable for Fire Damage in Mississippi?
Liability depends on the specific cause of the fire. Some potentially responsible parties include:
- Homeowners or Tenants – If a fire starts on another person’s property due to their negligence, they may be liable for damages to your home or business.
- Landlords and Property Owners – Landlords who fail to address fire hazards, such as faulty wiring or missing smoke detectors, may be held responsible.
- Contractors or Electricians – If a fire was caused by faulty electrical work or poor construction, the responsible contractor may be held liable.
- Manufacturers – If a defective product or appliance caused the fire, you may have a product liability claimagainst the manufacturer.
- Utility Companies – If a fire resulted from poorly maintained power lines, gas leaks, or electrical failures, the utility company may be liable.
Determining liability in fire damage cases can be complex. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we investigate the cause of the fire, gather evidence, and pursue compensation from all liable parties.
Mississippi Laws on Fire Damage and Insurance Claims
Fire damage claims in Mississippi fall under insurance laws and liability statutes that govern how policyholders and victims can recover damages.
Mississippi Fire Insurance Laws
- Mississippi Code § 83-5-55 – Protects policyholders from bad faith insurance practices when filing fire damage claims.
- Mississippi Code § 97-17-1 – Defines arson-related damages and the legal consequences for intentional fire-setting.
- Mississippi Premises Liability Law – Holds property owners accountable when their negligence leads to fires.
If your insurance company delays, underpays, or denies your claim, Mississippi bad faith insurance laws allow you to file a lawsuit for additional damages.
How to File a Fire Damage Insurance Claim in Mississippi
If another party’s negligence caused a fire that damaged your home or business, follow these steps to protect your legal rights:
1. Report the Fire Immediately
- Call 911 to report the fire.
- Request a copy of the fire department’s investigation report.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
- Notify your homeowners’ or commercial insurance provider about the fire damage.
- Request a certified copy of your policy to understand your coverage.
3. Document All Fire Damage
- Take photos and videos of the property damage.
- Keep records of lost belongings, structural damage, and cleanup costs.
4. Gather Evidence of Negligence
- Obtain witness statements from neighbors or bystanders.
- Secure surveillance footage if the fire was caused by someone else.
5. Consult a Mississippi Fire Insurance Claim Lawyer
- If your insurance claim is denied or undervalued, an attorney can fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Damage Claims in Mississippi
What should I do if my fire insurance claim is denied?
If your insurer denies your claim, you may appeal the decision, request a policy review, or hire a fire damage attorney to file a lawsuit for bad faith insurance practices.
Can I sue my neighbor if their negligence caused a fire?
Yes. If your neighbor’s carelessness, unattended fire, or faulty electrical system caused a fire that damaged your property, you may be able to sue them for compensation through a premises liability claim.
Does homeowners insurance cover fires caused by arson?
If an arsonist caused the fire, insurance may cover your losses, but you may need to prove you were not involved in any wrongdoing.
What if a defective appliance caused the fire?
You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer if a faulty appliance caused the fire.
How long do I have to file a fire damage lawsuit in Mississippi?
Mississippi law generally allows three years from the date of the fire to file a lawsuit for negligence-related property damage.
What if the insurance company delays my fire damage claim?
Delaying a valid claim without reason is considered bad faith insurance practice. You may be able to file a lawsuit for additional damages.
Can businesses recover lost income after a fire?
Yes. Business interruption insurance may cover lost revenue, relocation costs, and operational expenses while repairs are made.
Harmed in a Fire in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Fire Insurance Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
Fires can destroy homes, businesses, and livelihoods, but you should not have to face the financial burden alone. If someone else’s negligence caused the fire, you may be entitled to full compensation for property loss, relocation costs, and business income damages.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight for fire loss victims across Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon.
Call (601) 790-1505 now for a FREE case evaluation. We fight for justice, so you can focus on rebuilding.
