Trees destroyed by neighbor’s house fire in Milton, NH; $100,000 settlement reached

Year of Incident: 2021

Location: Deering, NH

Result: Pre-suit settlement of $100,000

Attorney: Israel F. Piedra, Esq., of Welts, White & Fontaine, PC

Case Summary

In 2021, a huge house fire occurred at the home of Plaintiffs’ neighbor in Strafford County. Tragically, the blaze destroyed the neighbors’ house. The fire spread quickly onto our clients’ property. Thankfully, it did not damage their home; however, it did burn and destroy at least two dozen trees in their front yard. What was previously a very private lot with a rural aesthetic became exposed and barren.

An investigation by the State of New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau determined that the likely cause of the fire was a cigarette that had been improperly discarded on the neighbor’s property. Criminal charges were not pursued; however, that did not foreclose the possibility of a civil lawsuit.

Prior to retaining counsel, the Plaintiffs reported that the neighbor’s homeowners insurance had given them “the runaround” and refused to pay for their damages. In 2023, the Plaintiffs finally decided to seek legal counsel and hired Welts, White & Fontaine, PC, to represent them in their claim. Approximately one month later, the homeowners insurance agreed to pay their full policy limits of $100,000 to settle the case.