A property damage attorney in Los Angeles and in the state of California (laws vary from state to state) essentially assists with the legal process of property damage cases. In most instances, property damage is caused by the negligence of another person or company. The property owner then has the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party in order to recover damages.
A Los Angeles property damage attorney can help educate you or assist to varying degrees with the following:
– the claim related to your property damage
– the appraisal related to your claim
– the repairs offered by an insurer
– property damage legalities
The goal of the attorney is to get you the compensation you deserve if he or she feels you have a case. Contacting a property damage attorney, Los Angeles based in this case, as soon as possible after the damage has occurred is important.
In that process, an expert attorney and their team will review all information related to your case. Typically the process begins with a claim, an appraisal is made based off of your claim and then the repairs or replacements are offered by an insurer. If you are not insured, you can negotiate with the other party directly but the best thing to do is to contact an attorney if the damage is substantial or if doubts arise in the process.
We’ve made this handy checklist to help you in the event that:
- your property has been damaged
- the damage is substantial (cost or overall)
- you have doubts regarding your compensation
What to do after your property has been damaged?
Your property has been damaged. Now, what do you do? As stressful as the event can be, here is a checklist to ensure you have some peace of mind following the damage to your property.
- Take pictures or video of the property damage as soon as possible
- Gather all receipts, invoices, and other related documents
- Notify your insurance company immediately
- Do not dispose of any property damaged in the incident until you have been given permission by your insurance company or property damage attorney
As you can see, it doesn’t differ much from what a car accident process would be like. That being said, some property damage, unlike a car accident, requires immediate repairs (see point 2 and consider damage related to plumbing, electrical, etc. in your home or place of business).
When to contact a Los Angeles property damage attorney?
So you’ve taken all the steps necessary following the property damage incident. Now, when and why should you call an attorney? Laws vary from state to state, but if you are considering contacting a Los Angeles property damage attorney, here is another checklist that will help you with your decision. You should contact an attorney if:
- If the property damage is extensive
- If you feel that you are not being fairly compensated by your insurance company
- When the repairs offered will not return your property to its previous condition
- You believe that the property damage was caused intentionally
Keep in mind that a phone call is free and takes a few minutes. If in doubt, contact a property damage lawyer.
What will a property damage attorney need from you?
The accident has happened. You did everything needed and now you are in contact with an attorney. What will they ask or require of you?
- Photos or video of the property damage
- Documentation of the property damage
- Your insurance policy information
- Any correspondence between you and your insurance company
- Details about the property damage, how it occurred, etc.
All the information you prepared after the event is now going to be very useful as you can see. But, please keep in mind that:
An insurance company is not on your side.
We can’t stress that enough. They are a for profit company looking to make as much as possible. Their number one priority isn’t your outcome. Be polite. Ask what you need to. Document everything and talk to your attorney.
What does a property damage attorney cost?
We hope the checklists have been of some help in taking the right decision after your property damage claim. You might be wondering, how much does a Los Angeles property damage attorney cost?
In many cases, property damage attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they do not require any payment upfront and only receive a percentage of the settlement if they are able to win your case.
Some property damage lawyers may also charge an hourly rate. In this instance, you would be responsible for paying the attorney for their time spent working on your case.
Kirakosian Law works on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay if we don’t win. Contact us now if you need a Los Angeles property damage attorney who has the experience and skill necessary to get you information on your case and the best outcome for you.