WASHINGTON (TND) — In Texas, firefighters are working every second to put out the largest wildfire the state has ever seen.
The deadly Smokehouse Creek fire is just 15% contained. It has destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, damaged numerous crops and killed thousands of livestock.
Attorney Joel Pardo with Pardo & Homan Trial Lawyers joined The National Desk to discuss the steps those affected by the fires can take to help rebuild their lives once the flames have ceased.
“Being born and raised in the panhandle, I still have very strong connections with everybody in the affected area. And my law firm has been inundated with phone calls, with confusion and concerns about exactly that,” Pardo said.
Pardo says the first thing people should do is be vigilant.
”The truth is, is that there will be businesses and individual calls coming in from outside of the community to take advantage of your situation," Pardo said. "And the purpose of these businesses will not be to help you. It will be to help them.
A variety of scams ranging from insurance fraud to lawyer fraud may be possible. And it isn’t just fraud to look out for Pardo said, but filing insurance claims too.
“The other thing is to realize that even your own insurance in a time like this, a lot of times, we like to think that our own insurance companies have our interests in mind. But in a situation like this, where thousands of people are filing claims at the exact same time, often times insurance companies will do whatever they can to minimize their insured’s damages in order for them to have to pay out less,” Pardo explained.
Pardo said to be cautious about what information you choose to share with anyone, including insurance companies.
”I wouldn't accept any money. I wouldn't sign any document promising compensation immediately," Pardo said. "And make sure that whoever you are interacting with, that you have done the background research to verify that they are who they say they are and that they are qualified to be giving you the advice and help that they are purporting to do.
He said another key step to take is contacting your local insurance agent and getting a copy of your full insurance policy, with all endorsements and entitlements.
Pardo said this way, you can consult with an attorney and look over the policy to ensure you understand the damages that will and will not be covered in the situation.
As for where wildfire victims can go to find more information about damages, Pardo’s firm has put together a website called panhandlewildfires.com.
“This website is essentially a resource so that all the members of the panhandle can visit and find different pieces of information that will be applicable to their specific situation, whether it’s losing livestock, whether it’s losing crops, whether it’s losing your home.”
