Churches and other religious facilities play a key role for many people in a community. When a building is damaged by a Texas structural fire, the aftermath can be devastating for many people in many different ways. Good insurance coverage is essential to rebuild and replace religious pieces that probably carried a lot of sentimental value. If a church insurance claim is denied or payment is withheld, it could mean the end of that specific church.
If you own a religious building, it is important to be aware of the common causes of church fires throughout the country. It is impossible to predict if your building will be ravaged by a fire. However, if you are aware and take preventative measures, you'll be in much better shape in the long run.
- According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the leading cause of church fires is arson. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for many of these acts of arson to be considered hate crimes and many of the offenders are never caught.
- Electrical fires are also a common cause of church fires, especially in older structures where electrical wiring may be fragile.
- Of the fires that do not involve arson, almost 40% involve a mechanical failure or malfunction. Again, it's not uncommon for wiring and equipment in a church to be a bit older and the age can play a big factor in the malfunction.
- Open flame and heating fires are another common cause. Religious ceremonies often involve the use of candles and if not monitored properly, those open flames can spread.
If your church or religious building endured a structural fire and you're dealing with a denied claim, it's time to talk to a fire insurance lawyer. When you speak with a Texas insurance claim lawyer at The Voss Law Firm, P.C., we will help you understand what has happened and fight your denied structural fire claim. Call today at 888-614-7730.
