San Antonio Arson Lawyer

Top Rated Arson Attorney in San Antonio, TX

Losing your house, business, or other property to fire is a devastating event. No one wants to worry that their insurance agency may deny their claim and accuse them of arson. If your insurer accuses you of purposefully burning your property, it may be time to contact a San Antonio arson lawyer.

Choose Jon Michael Smith

My name is Jon Michael Smith, and I represent the people of central Texas. I have spent over 30 years helping my clients challenge insurance companies for wrongfully denied claims. I represent clients in first-party insurance claims and business litigation. If your insurance agency denies your fire insurance claim, I can help.

Understanding Fire Insurance in San Antonio

There were at least 566 structure fires in San Antonio in 2022 alone. Each of those fires required its owners to find a way forward, which often means filing an insurance claim. Most insurance policies for homes and businesses cover fire, allowing individuals to receive compensation for their losses.

Like all insurance claims, insurance agents investigate the matter to make sure the incident is actually covered by their client’s policy. Texas law requires insurance agencies to respond to your claim within 15 days and assign an adjuster to investigate. After investigating your claim, there is a chance your insurer may deny your claim due to a suspicion of arson.

It is important to remember that insurance agencies cannot file criminal charges against you. If a company cites suspected arson as the reason for denying your claim, that does not immediately equal a criminal charge of arson.

However, they could pass their findings on to the police for legal investigation, further causing issues. This highlights the importance of hiring a skilled San Antonio arson attorney.

Challenging Denied Claims

When an insurer believes you purposefully burned down your property to collect insurance money, it is up to you to prove your innocence. The first step in doing so is requesting the insurer’s reason for denial, formally written down and delivered to you. This will allow you to understand why they believe your claim to be insurance fraud.

Once you understand why your claim was denied, you and your attorney can collect evidence to appeal the decision. Each insurance company has a different process for appeal, but your lawyer can help you fill out the necessary forms.

With an attorney at your side, you have stronger bargaining power when appealing your claim and investigating your case. An attorney can assist in collecting evidence to disprove the insurance company’s findings. An attorney can also support you if you decide to take your insurer to court at the Bexar County Courthouse, located at 100 Dolorosa Street.

Hire an Arson Lawyer in San Antonio Today

When your insurance agency accuses you of insurance fraud and refuses your claim, it’s time to hire an arson lawyer. I, Jon Michael Smith, can help you prove your innocence and pursue fair compensation. If you’re in need of a fire insurance claims attorney, contact me today to see how I can help you.