Community Forums

Brenna · 03-19-2016, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Sorry for your loss, that's tough. Hope you find a lawyer to help you.

In this day and age, I think you are wise not to go into too much detail on a public forum until you actually consult with a lawyer.

Good luck in your search.

Thank you, that is part of the reason I haven't given more information out at this point. I didn't just say one day ok I am going to try and sue someone.

Brenna · 03-19-2016, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrv8outboard

I am sorry for your loss. We are glad you are okay and the RV can be replaced. I can not help with a lawyer. This tragedy sheds light on the fact traveling with cash and or important documents one should have at least a fire resistant lock box or fire resistant safe. Well wishes and glad you are okay.

Word of advice, buy the very very best fire box, because we had one, a VERY good one, it actually melted. The engineer that is involved said he didn't know if the best of the best would have survived this type of fire. I pray no one ever experiences what we have with this fire. Thank you.

nothermark · 03-19-2016, 07:11 AM

FWIW I think you mis understand where a lot of us are coming from. We are sorry you had a loss. OTOH we also understand that there has to be a negligent party to recover from. The fact you had a loss does not itself make someone else responsible.

A case in point is that your firebox was probably rated for so much time in a wood fueled structure fire not for being immersed in a petroleum fueled fire that is much hotter and for a long time. That would presumably get the box manufacturer off the hook. (That is also something a lot of other folks here should be keeping in mind.)

jsmmonaco · 03-19-2016, 07:16 AM

sorry for your loss, and hope you get things back together.........I guess the rule of thumb here is, "don't put all your eggs in one basket"...........while I also have a "safe" that I store stuff in, I do it so things don't get stolen.....with a fire, all bets are off.........you should only carry valuables (cash, jewelery, etc) that you can afford to lose..........even if you are a full timer, you can have accounts at secure financial institutions that will protect you................good luck

Lifemember · 03-19-2016, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brenna

Word of advice, buy the very very best fire box, because we had one, a VERY good one, it actually melted. The engineer that is involved said he didn't know if the best of the best would have survived this type of fire. I pray no one ever experiences what we have with this fire. Thank you.

The best fire safe are only good for 1550 deg. for 30 minutes paper starts to char at around 350 deg. burst into flames around 450. A fire in a motor home will exceed this temp in matter of minutes. This will lower the rating of the fire safe as ambient temperature increases above 1550. The word of advice here for others is to keep the impotent papers in a safety deposit box at the bank along with your money.

nothermark · 03-19-2016, 04:17 PM

I don't think anyone has put you down. We have told you things you do not want to hear. Maybe tough love but most of us see it as more useful to you than commiserating then walking away shaking our heads. In essence we have pointed out how to find an attorney but warned you not to have much hope of recovering anything from your experience unless you can come up with proof of significant negligence on someone's part. You will also need to prove that what you say was there was indeed there.

gruelens · 03-19-2016, 05:08 PM

This tragedy sheds light on the fact traveling with cash and or important documents one should have at least a fire resistant lock box or fire resistant safe.

Unfortunately, few of these fire resistant safes will withstand the temperature intensity of a fully involved RV fire. I learned this from Mac the Fireguy. With some home fires ranging in temperatures from 1,200-1,800 degrees, an RV fire can reach temperatures of 2,300 degrees.

Solask · 03-19-2016, 06:15 PM

Brenna, my sympathies to you and yours. Horrible loss, including a loved pet. So far, it doesn't sound like anyone knows a lawyer in the area you mention that they can recommend. Beyond the settlement from your insurance, do you feel the person/dealer you bought the RV from is negligent to the point they contributed to the fire?

alpha99 · 03-19-2016, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike and Cha

Sorry for your loss, some have given you good advice. A good lawyer is not always the guy who is overly aggressive, or the loudest guy in the court room. Look for one who is ethical and respected by other Attorneys as well as the judges. Those are the ones that will tell you where you really stand and won't give you any false expectations, which in the long run will help you to get this resolved. Until you get an Attorney I would recommend that you document everything from the time of purchase to the time of your loss, put together any receipts you have or emails you have exchanged with anyone involved, including your insurance company, so that your are prepared to present this to an Attorney in a concise manner, without the emotional part that goes with it. The facts will really be the only thing that matters. Like said in prior posts I would share very little details with anyone prior to speaking to an Attorney.

You said "ethical" and "lawyer" in the same sentence . That is a non-sequitur. They are mutually exclusive.

Cheers

vincee · 03-21-2016, 08:23 AM

I would think any large personal injury law firm would be able to handle this case. If a law suit is viable and worthy they have the resources, aka money, to learn all that would be needed to get up to speed on the RV industry as a whole. Again, I'd resource the local bar association for a referral.

sbleiweiss · 03-22-2016, 06:18 AM

I am an RVing lawyer, but not in PA or NY. You will need one there. My question is, if you had insurance why are you bothering with this? Insurance has a right of subrogation, meaning they can sue for recovery if they choose to. Questions will be is it enough money to warrant a suit and is there a responsible party to sue.

jerome951 · 03-22-2016, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

I am an RVing lawyer, but not in PA or NY. You will need one there. My question is, if you had insurance why are you bothering with this? Insurance has a right of subrogation, meaning they can sue for recovery if they choose to. Questions will be is it enough money to warrant a suit and is there a responsible party to sue.

Brenna, sorry for your loss and the anguish you must be going through.

The quoted post is very informative. If the insurance company suggested you contact a lawyer, it's because they want to reduce their potential payout.

I also encourage you to think hard about taking the lawsuit route. It will likely drag out for a year or more, you may have to front $ to an attorney, you'll have to appear in court (which can be stressful for some), and there's no guarantee you will win the lawsuit.
Your alternative is to pay your insurance deductible and move on from the incident within a few months. So please, I encourage you to weigh your options carefully.

Best of luck,
Jerome