Fire & Lightning Damage Attorneys
Few disasters are more devastating than a fire. In a matter of minutes, everything you’ve worked for—your home, business, memories, or investments—can be gone. And when the smoke clears, many property owners face a second fight: an insurance company that refuses to pay what’s fair.
At Broussard Dove, we represent clients across the country whose homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed by fire or lightning strikes. We know how insurance carriers minimize losses, dispute causes, and undervalue smoke or heat damage. Our job is to make sure your policy works the way it’s supposed to—covering repairs, replacements, and every dollar of your rightful recovery.
If your fire damage claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, call 985-868-4800 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Contact Our Fire & Lightning Damage Attorneys
A fire can destroy property in minutes—but recovery can take months or years without the right legal help. Broussard Dove has the experience, resources, and determination to make sure your insurance company pays what it owes.
If you’re struggling with a fire or lightning damage claim, call 985-868-4800 or contact us online for a free consultation. We help clients nationwide recover the compensation they need to rebuild and move forward.
WE HELP CLIENTS
NATIONWIDE
Our team understands the complex insurance policies that govern disaster claims. We know how insurers operate — and we know how to hold them accountable.
We Handle All Types of Fire & Lightning Damage Claims
Fire and lightning can cause both visible and hidden destruction. Our attorneys handle a wide range of claims for:
- Total or partial structure loss from residential and commercial fires
- Electrical fires caused by wiring faults or surges
- Lightning-induced power surges damaging electronics or HVAC systems
- Smoke, soot, and odor contamination
- Roof and wall collapse due to heat exposure
- Explosion or combustion-related property loss
- Damage to vehicles, equipment, and personal contents
- Business interruption from fire or smoke contamination
- Code-upgrade and rebuild cost disputes
Our team coordinates with fire investigators, engineers, and environmental experts to document the full extent of your loss. We identify damage that insurers often ignore—especially smoke infiltration, odor damage, or compromised electrical systems.
Why Fire Claims Are Often Undervalued
Insurance companies frequently minimize or misclassify fire losses to reduce payouts. Some of their most common tactics include:
- Blaming the Policyholder: Alleging negligence or “failure to maintain” property to limit coverage.
- Partial Payment: Offering to cover only surface repairs while ignoring underlying smoke or structural damage.
- Disputing Causation: Arguing the fire resulted from excluded causes such as faulty wiring or “wear and tear.”
- Depreciation Games: Drastically reducing replacement cost by applying excessive depreciation.
- Delaying Investigations: Drawing out inspections or reviews for months to pressure homeowners into low settlements.
These tactics aren’t just unfair—they’re financially devastating for people trying to rebuild. Broussard Dove counters these strategies by collecting independent expert reports, reviewing policy language in depth, and aggressively negotiating for full payment.
Why Choose Broussard | Dove?
- 1Experience That Matters-Our attorneys have handled thousands of property damage and insurance disputes nationwide.
- 2Proven Record of Results-Millions recovered for families and businesses across the country.
- 3Deep Policy Knowledge-We know how to interpret coverage limits, exclusions, and rebuild provisions.
- 4No Upfront Fees-We work on a contingency basis—you pay only if we recover compensation for you.
- 5Personalized Legal Support-We keep clients informed and empowered at every stage of the claim.
When you hire Broussard Dove, you’re choosing a team that combines legal precision with compassion. We take on the insurance company so you can focus on rebuilding what matters most.
What to do
After a Wind Fire
Damages Your Property
The steps you take right after a fire can make all the difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
01
Ensure
Safety
Wait for clearance from local authorities before entering your property.
02
Document
Everything
Take photos and video of all damage, including debris and surrounding structures.
03
Request a
Copy of the Fire Report
Obtain the official fire department report—it’s vital evidence.
04
Protect
Your Property
Secure the site to prevent further damage or vandalism.
05
Save
Receipts
Keep all invoices for repairs, temporary housing, and cleanup.
06
Avoid
Early Settlements
Do not sign any release or accept payment before legal review.
Contact Broussard Dove: We can step in immediately to preserve evidence, interpret your policy, and deal directly with the insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of damages are typically covered under my policy?
Most insurance policies cover: wind and hail, fire and smoke, water damage (not flooding), theft or vandalism, lightening or fallen trees.
What is typically excluded in my policy?
Flooding (a separate flood policy is required), earthquakes, wear and tear, and neglect.
What documents do I need to support my claim?
Pictures and videos of the damage, repair estimates, receipts for emergency services and repairs, and communications with your insurance adjuster.
What’s the difference between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement costs (RCV)?
A policy typically provides the initial payments will be made on an ACV basis; meaning the costs to replace the damaged item is paid minus depreciation. RCV pays the full cost to replace the damaged item without a deduction for depreciation.
How do I get paid RCV?
If you have an RCV policy, once you receive the ACV funds and replace the damaged item, you can seek reimbursement for the recoverable depreciation withheld once you submit proof of replacement and the costs exceed the ACV funds received.
Do I need an attorney to handle my hurricane or natural disaster property damage claim?
If your claim involves substantial losses or your insurer is delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim, you should seek legal advice. Our attorneys can help level the playing field and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire Broussard | Dove?
We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t owe us a dime unless we recover new money on your claim. We’ll even front all of the expenses.
How long do I have to file a property damage lawsuit?
Deadlines vary by state and policy. It’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Are lightning strikes covered by homeowner’s insurance?
Yes, most standard policies cover fire and lightning damage, including resulting smoke, power surge, or structural damage. If your insurer is disputing this, our attorneys can review your policy and challenge their position.
What if my insurer says the fire was my fault?
That’s a common defense. Unless arson is proven, allegations of negligence rarely void coverage. We can counter false or exaggerated claims of responsibility.
Can I recover for smoke damage even if the fire didn’t reach my property?
Yes. Smoke and soot infiltration are typically covered losses, even without visible fire damage. These claims often require expert testing, which we arrange.
How long does a fire damage claim take?
It depends on the complexity of the loss, but our team accelerates the process by handling documentation and negotiations from the start.