Fire Claim - Soot
Fire Damage Insurance Claims: The Hidden Dangers of Soot
If you've experienced a fire, you know the immediate damage can be devastating. But what many homeowners and business owners overlook is the long-lasting impact of soot. After a fire, smoke carries soot particles throughout your property, and wherever air can go, soot follows.
What Is Soot?
Soot is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a black powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter.” While this definition is accurate, the key takeaway is that soot is toxic and can pose serious health risks.
Exposure to soot can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, cancer, and, in extreme cases, death. When fire occurs, it releases soot and smoke, contaminating the air and every surface it touches. This makes soot a significant factor in fire damage insurance claims.
Soot and Insurance Claims: Why It’s a Bigger Problem Than You Think
One common misconception is that fire damage is the main expense after a fire. However, soot damage often accounts for a much larger portion of the overall claim. Read our article on fire and smoke damage to learn more. Here’s an example from a commercial insurance claim we handled at VIP Adjusting.
A strip mall that included a gun range experienced a fire after a patron discharged an unusually hot bullet, igniting a pile of rubber pellets typically used to stop bullets. The fire caused significant direct damage, but the true extent of the loss wasn’t immediately clear.
When VIP Adjusting was called in, the insurance company had already offered a settlement of $20,000, but the property owner knew that wasn’t enough. When we inspected the building, we immediately smelled smoke, even months after the fire. This persistent odor was a clear sign that soot particles were still circulating through the property’s HVAC system.
While the fire itself caused visible damage, soot was responsible for 90% of the building’s contamination. Soot had infiltrated air ducts, walls, and even areas that seemed untouched by the flames. Without thorough inspection and documentation, this extensive damage would have been overlooked. We were able to secure the building and business owner over 1 million dollars in damages. A large proportion of that amount was due to soot.
How VIP Adjusting Can Help Maximize Your Fire Damage Claim
At VIP Adjusting, we specialize in handling complex fire damage claims, especially those involving hidden dangers like soot. Insurance companies often downplay the full extent of soot damage, leading to settlements far below what homeowners and business owners are entitled to. Our team ensures that every inch of your property is inspected, and we meticulously document soot contamination to secure the maximum payout for your claim.
Why Soot Should Never Be Ignored
If soot is left unaddressed, it can continue to circulate through your property, creating ongoing health hazards and damaging your property further. It’s essential to work with a public adjuster like VIP Adjusting to ensure that all soot-related damage is properly accounted for in your insurance claim.
Pro Tip: Always document any lingering odors or visible signs of soot after a fire. This will strengthen your case and ensure that your insurance claim reflects the full extent of the damage. In fact, we typically hire an independent environmental hygienist or an air quality specialist to provide testing and expert opinion.
Conclusion
Soot damage is often underestimated but can be far more costly than fire damage itself. When dealing with fire damage insurance claims, it's crucial to account for both the visible and invisible impacts of soot. At VIP Adjusting, we understand the complexities of these claims and are dedicated to maximizing your recovery. If you’ve experienced a fire, contact us today at 833-WITH-VIP to ensure that every aspect of your damage is covered.
For further reading on the subject of fire damage, read this article from Forbes.
