Explosions can cause billions of dollars in damages. This damage can be in the form of personal injuries but can also extend to property as well. In fact, it is not uncommon to see entire buildings and many structures severely damaged or destroyed due to an explosion. Rebuilding or repairing damaged property may take weeks, months, or even years. In some cases, the damages are too great and the property cannot be recovered, leaving businesses shut down or residents without a home.
When you or your family have suffered property damage due to an explosion, you should contact an experienced national explosion accident lawyer right away. Our team of attorneys at Burg Simpson can help during your time of need. We have recovered more than 2 billion dollars in damages for injured victims. Give us a call today to see how we can help.
The Impact of an Explosion on Property 
The time immediately following an explosion is chaotic. During this period, efforts are mostly focused on the physical health of victims. Investigators are typically at the explosion site rummaging through the damage to figure out how the blast occurred. The damage caused by the explosion is just being assessed for the first time. At this point, the full extent of the property loss may not be realized.
In 2021, nearly 16 billion dollars of property loss claims were filed due to fires. Fires are one of the most common occurrences after an explosion and can lead to dangerous and deadly outcomes. The fire from an explosion may burn dangerous chemicals and toxins, releasing them into the air and into nearby buildings and homes. The contamination caused by these materials can force occupants to evacuate their homes and businesses for a long period of time after the blast.
Smoke and flames from the explosion may weaken a building as well. If the heat and pressure are too great, the building's foundation can be compromised and even collapse.
Explosion Insurance
As with personal injury claims, explosion claims involving property damage are usually covered by explosion insurance. This type of insurance is designed to protect property owners when their property has been damaged by the effects of a blast. Explosion insurance normally covers commercial structures and buildings. If the explosion occurs at a home or residence, the damages may be covered by homeowners' or renters' insurance.
Many victims fail to understand the role of the insurance company in handling their claims. They wrongfully assume that the adjuster is interested in resolving the claim fairly and or a reasonable value. However, insurance companies are mainly motivated by their bottom line. An insurance adjuster wants to settle the claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. For this reason, they will often make an initial offer that does not reflect the full value of your claim.
During this time, it is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side. When you deal with an insurance adjuster, you are dealing with a trained negotiator. Your attorney will be able to understand and anticipate the moves of the adjuster. An attorney will be able to present your case in a compelling manner.
Determining the Value of Property Damage
A key component of any property damage claim is determining the amount of your losses. Property damage losses include many potential types of loss, including:
- Repair costs
- Loss of use
- Diminished value
- Lost profits for your business
- Replacement costs
- Mitigation and cleaning costs
Each of these claims may be substantial in the case of an explosion. For that reason, it may be a good idea to hire an expert in order to help value your claim and to perform any needed repairs and replacements. Expert witnesses have special knowledge in the field. This knowledge can be used to appropriately calculate the amount of your losses. This information can then be presented to an insurance company or to a judge or jury in support of your claim.
Litigating a Property Damage Case
In some instances, property damage claims cannot be settled through negotiation. When this occurs, victims may choose to take their case to court. While not as common as injury cases, property damage cases can and do end up in court.
If you decide to file a case for property damage, you should always have the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Your attorney should be familiar with the various property damage laws and how they apply to your case. An attorney handling litigation of these serious claims should also have experience successfully representing clients in explosion cases. Given what is at stake, you simply cannot afford to go with an inexperienced legal team.
At Burg Simpson, we combine our experience with our dedication to clients in order to help you get the best possible result. We know that the property damage suffered in a blast can be severe and life-changing. We want to help you move forward and get back on your feet following an explosion.
Hire an Explosion Property Damage Attorney
If you have suffered property losses in an explosion, it is important to protect your legal rights as soon as possible. Every state and jurisdiction has a statute of limitations for property damage claims. It is important to take action as soon as possible in order to ensure that you do not lose your rights. Before you speak with an insurance company about your case, please give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.
Our team is standing by to speak with you at any time. We always provide free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. When you need a tough and aggressive attorney, we can help you get the results you need. We handle most cases on a contingency fee basis so there is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. To speak with a United States explosion accident lawyer, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-1325.
