CBS DFW News Channel 11 recently reported on the Cason family’s struggle with a utility company over the fire that destroyed their home.
In early May, an Oncor utility crew accidentally burned down the Cason’s house in Burleson, Texas. Apparently, the crew was working on electrical lines in the back of the house, when they started the fire. The blaze quickly consumed the house and everything inside of it. According to the Casons, Oncor has only offered them $33,000 for the loss of their items inside of the home.
Sadly, Pete Cason is too busy going from one hospital room to the next in cancer treatment to deal with Oncor’s inadequate offer. The house and all of his precious belongings and memories were destroyed in the fire, and he’s got too much on his plate to deal with the utility company that started the fire.
Oncor is requesting he make a list of every lost item with purchase date and price. Unfortunately, Pete has more important issues to attend to right now.
Fire Damage in North Texas
Since the utility company has already been found at-fault for this fire, they should swiftly and fully compensate the Casons for their losses. According to CBS DFW News, it sounds like they’ve already settled for the loss of the house. The Casons haven’t been reimbursed for personal items that were destroyed in the fire though.
It can be difficult to put a numeric value on personal items that were acquired over decades. Purchase prices and dates are likely long forgotten, and presumably receipts were lost in the fire too. Since victims of fire damage may be facing a partial or total loss of property, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
When to Speak with an Attorney
If your property has been damaged due to somebody else’s negligent or deliberate misconduct, you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies and at-fault parties may try to low-ball you with initial settlement offers. It’s a common tactic of unscrupulous insurance companies to delay claims in order to wear down victims.
Our skilled property damage lawyers have extensive experience recovering fire-related damages. If you or a loved one has suffered property damage or loss due to a fire caused by somebody else’s negligence or willful misconduct, contact the experienced fire damage team at Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free consultation today.