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During summer, wildfires are a common occurrence in California. The heat dries up the land and makes it vulnerable to fire outbreaks. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown intensive wildfire cases occurring more frequently. Approximately 4.2 million acres were burned in California in 2020, making it the largest wildfire season recorded in California’s modern history, as reported by the National Interagency Fire Center. The fires burn forests and dried bushes for days, causing massive damage to residents both directly and indirectly. The ash and soot falling on properties cause damages that sometimes can be easily identified and other times require a closer eye. The costs associated with repairing these damages can be high, so homeowners are advised to file a claim as soon as possible and involve a California wildfire lawyer to assist in your ash and soot damage claim.
It is important to understand how wildfires occur before filing and presenting an ash and soot wildfire damage claim. The heat dries the forests and bushes during the summer season. Long periods of heat exposure and strong winds cause fires to break out. The fires may burn for days, and the wind may carry it to your home. Residents often evacuate their homes immediately after learning of the fire outbreak, leaving windows and doors open. This becomes the passage the smoke uses to enter the premises. Another wildfire particulate that can also enter is ash and soot. Ash comes from burnt leaves and home material, while soot is a carbon residue produced when materials do not fully burn and is darker than ash. Filing a claim can result in compensation from your insurance company since the damage is easily identified by professionals. To get more information on your case, it is advisable to consult a wildfire lawyer who has extensive knowledge on ash and soot damage claims.
Apart from fire, ash and soot can also cause damage to your property. Here are some examples of parts of the home that can be damaged;
They have water pumps and filters that keep the water clean. If the ash and soot get into them they may clog them. Ash, toxins, chemicals, and debris will inevitably end up in pools and hot tubs in the event of a residential wildfire. In some cases, they can be drained and refilled without needing repair, but often times it will be required of you to replace filters, pumps, or more.
Ash becomes thick when a lot of it accumulates in one place and it can flow into the pipes. The plumbing system can be affected by the ash build up and it may require you to hire professionals to clear the pipes.
Your heating system shares ventilation ducts with your air systems. Ash and soot damage the systems by blocking the vents.
Carpets and other interiors can be damaged by smoke and soot. Tiled and marble surfaces may be discolored from the smoke.
Heat may cause serious damage to the roof and may need professionals to repair it. Windows may melt or blister from the heat. Smoke and soot can also discolor them.
Smoke, ash, and soot damage plant life. The grass may die out. Vegetables and fruits may suffocate when ash settles on them and die. Some plants may never bloom again after the damage. A report from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources states that wildfire ash can alter soil pH levels, affecting plant growth for years. It is costly to replace and may take time to replant. The soil may be contaminated for years and may not be able to support any plant life.
Most insurance policies state the property owner should be responsible for their property to reduce damage. In case of a wildfire nearby, here is what you should do;
Document any damages that you or your loved ones observe. You can do this by taking pictures of the damage. Smoke can cause health problems when you come into contact with it. If you or any member of your household experiences any health issues concerning smoke inhalation, it should be reported to your doctor.
Cooperate with your insurance company during your home’s inspection. Inspections and evaluations may be a stressful and frustrating procedure but quite necessary. Your insurer needs to do this before making any payments towards the damage. Take detailed notes on conversations between you and the insurance adjusters and inspectors. Go through the inspection report carefully and do not proceed until all your questions have been answered and concerns met. Keep receipts of all the temporary repairs you have done safely and keep track of living expenses. This will help in getting refunds from your insurance company.
Do not be afraid of demanding payment in your insurance claim. Some insurance companies may persuade you to settle for less than what you should be compensated for. Demand for more testing and do not accept settlements that will not restore your home to its original state. Try to get second opinions from other experts especially if your insurer relies on a report by adjusters and inspectors who are not fully independent. If their salary may be coming from the insurance company, they may as well be compromised to an extent. You should also be sure that they are trained and qualified for the inspection.
Consider hiring your independent experts and seek legal advice from a wildfire lawyer. They will help you confirm that the insurance adjusters will cover the expenses. You can hire the following specialists if the insurer refuses to compensate fully; Certified Industrial Hygienists. They test for smoke, soot, and other contaminants left in the air or surfaces. Before hiring, check what their report looks like and confirm that they have experience in evaluating homes that have been exposed to wildfire. Check their references carefully.
Indoor testing is performed by a field tester. Swab testing will be conducted to determine if soot or ash has been left behind. The individual will also test for chemical off-gassing called aldehydes. This report will ensure fair compensation for the damage. The field tester also determines the cleaning and repair methods to be used which are called remediation techniques.Hire an experienced property damage lawyer. You are more likely to get a more successful claim if you hire a skilled lawyer who knows California law and will be able to protect your rights and ensure you get the fairest settlement for your home. If your property gets damaged during the cleaning process, request a replacement value as in addition to the cost of cleaning. The vendor in charge of cleaning should be in charge of the replacement and not use their insurance to pay for the damage.
Copy of insurance policies. This includes your auto, business, and even earthquake insurance. You should include all other related documents. Financial documents, including copies of the mortgage, bank statements, investments, and stocks. Proof of Loss statement, which provides detailed information regarding the formal claim of damages. Insurers may tell you to submit to a recorded Examination Under Oath when the claim is made. You should consult with a property damage lawyer before submitting to the EUO. Losses should be documented thoroughly by photographing various areas of the home, including all possessions and structures that may have been damaged.
A plan for collecting family possessions such as photographs, jewelry, and other important items.Once you file a smoke and ash claim, an insurance adjuster will visit and inspect. After the inspection, the adjuster will provide the insurance company with the necessary information and an insurance agent will offer a settlement amount for the damages found. You should avoid accepting a low settlement offer.
Natural disasters like wildfires, as well as house fires and industrial incidents, can result in ash and soot production. These residues, when dispersed into the air or settled on surfaces, can present health risks to humans and animals. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions regarding exposure and cleanup.
Ash is the solid, powdery residue left after a substance, particularly organic matter, has been completely burned. Wildfires, volcanic eruptions, or domestic fires can produce ash.
Soot, on the other hand, is a fine black or brown powder that forms as a result of incomplete combustion. It consists of tiny carbon particles, which arise from burning materials such as wood, coal, or oil.
Inhalation of ash and soot can irritate the nose and throat, leading to coughing, phlegm production, and wheezing.
Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, may experience exacerbated symptoms.
Inhaling fine particles from soot can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to inflammation or exacerbation of chronic lung diseases.
Particles in ash and soot can cause redness, itching, or a stinging sensation when they come into contact with the eyes.
Direct contact can lead to skin irritation. For some, this may manifest as dryness, itching, or even rashes.
Studies have linked exposure to fine particles, like those found in soot, with cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, and decreased heart function.
Long-term or repeated exposure to soot can increase the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. This is because soot can contain carcinogenic compounds, particularly if the burned material included plastics, textiles, or treated woods.
Emerging research suggests that exposure to fine particulate matter, like soot, can have adverse effects on the brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline or increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Those with pre-existing health conditions, especially respiratory and heart conditions, are more vulnerable to the effects of ash and soot.
Limit Exposure: During times of heavy ash or soot presence, such as after a wildfire, stay indoors, and keep windows and doors closed.
Air Filtration: Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce indoor particle concentrations.
Face Masks: When outside in affected areas, wear a mask that can filter out fine particles. N95 respirators, when properly fitted, can filter up to 95% of airborne particles.
Eye Protection: If you need to be in an ash-laden area, wear goggles to protect your eyes.
Skin Protection: Wearing long-sleeved clothing and gloves can reduce skin contact with ash.
Hygiene: Shower and wash clothes after being in ash or soot-contaminated areas.
Safe Cleanup: If you need to clean up ash or soot, dampen the ash to reduce dust (but don’t use too much water). Use wet mops or cloths instead of sweeping, which can re-aerate the particles.
While ash and soot might seem harmless, their fine particles can pose significant health risks, especially with prolonged exposure. Understanding these risks and taking protective measures can help mitigate the health impacts of these residues. If you suspect you’ve been exposed and are experiencing health issues, always seek medical attention promptly.
A skilled wildfire lawyer will be able to identify the different schemes that insurance companies use to try to pay as little money as possible to their customers. These schemes may include;
A skilled wildfire lawyer will assist wildfire victims with the claims process. Do not hesitate to contact the Avian Law Group for your free case evaluation if you have experienced this damage in your home. We will ensure that the case is evaluated by skilled experts to guarantee that the damages are fairly evaluated even after evaluation from insurance adjusters. You should be confident that your legal rights will be protected throughout the process Insurance adjusters may not always acknowledge the full extent of damage that ash and soot have caused especially if they are employees of your insurer.