In light of the destruction and devastation caused in recent weeks by the many fires in the Los Angeles area, Bergman & Dacey, Inc. would like to extend its best wishes and thoughts to all those clients, colleagues, and friends who have suffered losses. As you begin the process of evaluating whether you are entitled to insurance coverage to assist you in recovering and rebuilding, we would like to offer a few suggestions to guide your way:

• Document all damages as early as possible through eyewitness accounts, photographs, videotapes, and any documentation of pre-existing conditions that you have available. Also compile any documentation you have relating to the costs of damaged items.
• Ensure that you have collected all potentially applicable policies, as well as all endorsements thereto.
• Fully evaluate all potentially applicable coverage and exclusion provisions, including those governing fire and smoke damage to your real and personal property, as well as any consequential damages such as interruption of business, if applicable.
• Fully understand the types of benefits your policies provide (such as cost of repair versus costs of replacement), as well as the impact of any options you may have as to those benefits.
• Ensure that you meet all claims-filing requirements of the carriers, including all time requirements, documentation requirements, and cooperation requirements.
• Ensure that none of your communications with the carriers unintentionally forfeit, release, or prejudice your legal rights under the policies.
• Consider whether you need any expert evaluation of your damages, costs of repair, etc.
• Understand the carriers’ obligations to fully, fairly and timely evaluate your claim.
• Understand your legal rights if it appears that the carriers are not meeting their obligations to you.

Successfully navigating a fire-damage insurance claim can be a complex, lengthy, and difficult process, but if done correctly, has the potential to afford you the resources to restore your personal property and rebuild your damaged buildings and facilities, to the extent possible following such losses. Do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions you may have, or if we may you assist in better understanding the claims process, the coverage under your policies, the obligations of the insurance carriers, or your legal rights.