A fire can cause devastating damage to homes and businesses, leaving families and business owners facing financial uncertainty, emotional distress, and insurance claim complications. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a fire can protect your rights, ensure your safety, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we represent fire loss victims across Mississippi, helping homeowners and business owners fight unfair insurance denials, delays, and underpaid claims. Jonathan Barrett, a Mississippi fire insurance claim attorney, has decades of experience holding insurance companies accountable and securing maximum compensationfor fire-related damages. If your fire insurance claim has been denied or delayed, we are here to help.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Fire Damages Your Property
1. Ensure Safety and Contact Authorities
Your safety is the top priority after a fire. If you are inside the property when the fire occurs:
- Get to a safe location – Leave the building immediately and avoid smoke inhalation.
- Call 911 – Firefighters will extinguish the fire and assess the damage.
- Do not re-enter the property – Structural damage and hidden fires can pose serious risks.
2. Seek Medical Attention for Any Injuries
Even if injuries appear minor, seek medical attention immediately. Smoke inhalation and burns can have delayed symptoms, and medical records can serve as critical evidence in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company to Report the Fire
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. When making your initial report:
- Provide only basic details – Do not admit fault or speculate on the cause of the fire.
- Request a copy of your insurance policy – Understanding your coverage helps you anticipate claim challenges.
- Ask about your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage – If your home is uninhabitable, your policy may cover temporary housing.
4. Document the Damage with Photos and Videos
Before the insurance adjuster inspects the property, take photos and videos of:
- Exterior and interior damage
- Personal property losses (furniture, electronics, appliances)
- Structural damage (roof, walls, foundation)
- Soot, smoke, and water damage
These visual records are crucial in proving the extent of your loss if your insurer disputes the claim.
5. Secure the Property to Prevent Further Damage
After the fire is extinguished:
- Board up windows and doors to prevent theft or vandalism.
- Cover holes in the roof to avoid weather-related damage.
- Turn off utilities (gas, electricity, and water) until a professional deems the property safe.
Failing to prevent further damage can give insurance companies a reason to deny coverage.
6. Keep Records of All Fire-Related Expenses
Save receipts and invoices for expenses related to:
- Hotel stays or temporary housing
- Meals and transportation
- Emergency repairs
- Medical bills for injuries
Insurance companies may attempt to reduce or delay payments—keeping detailed records strengthens your claim.
7. Request a Copy of the Fire Department Report
Fire officials will investigate the cause of the fire and prepare a report. This document can:
- Support your insurance claim
- Help prove liability if another party (e.g., a negligent contractor, faulty appliance manufacturer) caused the fire
Who is Affected by Fire Losses in Mississippi?
Homeowners
Fires can completely destroy homes, forcing families to relocate and rebuild. Homeowners may face:
- Underpaid or denied insurance claims
- Disputes over policy coverage
- Delays in receiving compensation
Business Owners
Fires can shut down businesses for months, leading to:
- Loss of income and customers
- Commercial property damage claims
- Disputes over business interruption coverage
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight for full compensation for fire-damaged homes and businesses.
Mississippi Fire Insurance Laws and Legal Obligations
Insurance companies in Mississippi must act in good faith when handling claims. However, insurers often try to minimize payouts. Under Mississippi bad faith insurance laws, policyholders can take legal action if an insurer:
- Unreasonably denies a valid fire damage claim
- Fails to investigate the claim properly
- Delays payment without justification
Key Mississippi Fire Insurance Laws
- Miss. Code Ann. § 83-5-55 – Prohibits insurance companies from engaging in unfair claims handling practices.
- Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49 – Sets a three-year statute of limitations for filing a fire insurance lawsuit.
If your insurance company refuses to pay or undervalues your claim, a fire insurance attorney can help you file a lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Fire Insurance Claims
What if my fire damage claim is denied?
You have the right to appeal the denial or file a bad faith lawsuit against your insurance company.
How do I prove my losses to the insurance company?
Use photos, receipts, and a detailed inventory of all damaged items.
Does my homeowner’s policy cover smoke and water damage?
Most policies cover fire-related smoke and water damage, but insurers may attempt to exclude certain losses.
What if the fire was caused by someone else’s negligence?
You may have a third-party lawsuit against a landlord, contractor, or manufacturer.
How long do I have to file a fire insurance claim in Mississippi?
Most policies require claims to be filed promptly, but lawsuits must be filed within three years.
Can my insurer cancel my policy after I file a fire damage claim?
Insurers cannot cancel policies unfairly, but they may try to drop coverage after a major claim.
What if my insurance company delays payment?
Mississippi law requires timely payment—if your insurer unreasonably delays, you may have a bad faith claim.
Does business interruption insurance cover fire-related losses?
Yes, if your policy includes business interruption coverage, you may recover lost income and operating expenses.
Should I accept my insurance company’s first settlement offer?
No. Insurers often undervalue claims—an attorney can negotiate for maximum compensation.
Can I hire an attorney if my claim is being processed?
Yes. An attorney can review your claim, prevent bad faith tactics, and ensure fair treatment.
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
If your home or business was damaged in a fire, you deserve full compensation—not delays, denials, or underpayments from your insurance company. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight for Mississippi fire loss victimsagainst bad faith insurance tactics.
We represent clients statewide, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 today for a FREE consultation—available 24/7/365. Don’t let your insurance company take advantage of you.
