Fire damage claims are among the most emotional and challenging losses a property owner can experience. Beyond the physical destruction caused by flames, fires often leave behind extensive smoke, soot, and water damage, affecting parts of the property far from the initial burn area.

Personal belongings—including irreplaceable items with sentimental or unique value—may be lost, and knowing how to properly document and value these items is critical to securing a fair settlement.

Insurance companies often undervalue or dispute contents and cleanup costs, but CLFPA provides skilled, compassionate guidance throughout the process. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the damage, work with specialists when needed, and ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your loss. Our focus is to help you recover as fully as possible—both financially and emotionally.

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Industry-Recognized Certifications and Membership Means You're in Good Hands

Christopher L. Friedley is a Senior Professional Public Adjuster (SPPA)

Meet Your Public Adjuster Christopher L. Friedley

When Hurricane Katrina landed in Mississippi in 2005, my world changed forever. I spent nine hours clinging to a live oak tree in Biloxi after my in-laws’ home was swept away in the storm surge. I saw firsthand the devastation left behind, but what struck me most was watching my in-laws struggle with their insurance company over wind vs. water damage. At the time, I didn’t even know what a public adjuster was—I only knew that the system felt unfair, and policyholders like my in-laws were left to fight an uphill battle.

That experience shaped my career. I became an insurance adjuster that year, working claims for insurance companies for the next 19 years. I thought I was doing the right thing yet over time, I saw too many policyholders facing the same frustrating battles, often unaware of their rights or how to fight back and claim a fairer settlement to restore their home after damage.

I knew I could make a bigger impact by advocating for the individuals, families, and business owners in my community—not for the insurers.

In August 2024, I left my role at a global claims adjusting firm and launched my own public adjusting firm. Now, I use my insider knowledge to help homeowners and business owners navigate their claims, fight for what they’re owed, and regain control over their recovery.

What to Expect

While every case is unique, here's what you can generally expect when we work together
on your fire and smoke damage claim.

Free Consultation

Every client gets a free consultation with me to go over the "facts of loss"—the time of the damage, the extent of the damage, the stage of the claims process you're in, and so forth so I have a good idea about if I can help.

Policy Interpretation

Once a LOR has been sent, I take the time to analyze your insurance policy in detail, identifying all applicable coverages and explaining them in clear, straightforward terms, ensuring you fully understand your rights and entitlements.

Comprehensive Documentation

Using tools the insurance company respects, I'll thoroughly assess and document all aspects of your property damage—structural, personal, and more—creating a strong foundation for your claim.

Claim Filing**

Filing an insurance claim requires precision and expertise and fortunately for you, I have 20 years of experience. I handle all the paperwork, ensuring it’s submitted correctly to avoid delays or denials.

Direct Negotiation**

Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, but I level the playing field. Leveraging nearly two decades of insider experience, I negotiate directly with your insurer to maximize your settlement.

Making You Whole Again

After you have check in hand, I'll continue working with you as you find a contractor, facilitate the repairs, and capture the replacement cost appreciation, which is required to be sent to the insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring a Public Adjuster and Working with CLFPA

How does a Public Adjuster Help Policyholders Like Me?

A public adjuster helps policyholders after a hurricane by serving as their advocate throughout the insurance claims process.

They provide a second opinion to the insurance company’s adjuster and take the time to thoroughly assess the full scope of your loss—something many out-of-state catastrophe adjusters can’t do due to time constraints and high claim volume.

Company adjusters are often in a rush to close files and return home, may be limited in their ability to perform reinspections, and it’s common for policyholders to be reassigned to multiple adjusters if supplements are needed.

A public adjuster offers consistency, handles all communication with the insurer (where allowed**), and works to secure a fair and accurate settlement while reducing your stress and saving you time.

What should I look for when hiring a public adjuster for Insurance claim?

When hiring a public adjuster for your insurance claim, look for someone who is licensed in your state, experienced with catastrophic losses, and has a strong track record handling claims of the type you need help with.

While they don’t need to live in your state, they should be within a day’s driving distance to ensure they can return for reinspections or meetings as needed.

A good public adjuster will take time to inspect your entire property, explain your coverage and options clearly, and stay involved throughout the entire process—not just during the initial visit.

Ask for references, understand their fee structure upfront, and be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign quickly or makes promises that sound too good to be true.

How does CLFPA Differ From other public adjusters in Mississippi and Louisiana?

CLFPA differs from larger public adjusting firms that often flood states during emergencies by offering personalized, local service from someone who actually lives in Mississippi.

Christopher Friedley handles every claim himself, ensuring consistency and direct communication—not a rotating cast of adjusters.

With over 20 years of experience and a base on the Gulf Coast, he can reach any part of Mississippi or Louisiana within a day’s drive, making him readily available for inspections, reinspections, and hands-on support throughout the life of your claim.

Can I do anything to speed up My Insurance claim?

Yes, you can take several steps to help speed up your claim.

Start by documenting all damage immediately with clear photos and videos, and make a detailed list of affected items. If you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, save all receipts and materials used.

Report your claim to your insurance company as soon as possible, and request a full copy of your policy if you don’t already have it. Cooperate with your assigned adjuster during their inspection and provide any requested documentation promptly.

Staying organized, responsive, and thorough can help move your claim forward more efficiently.

How do i document the damage in a way that will get me the largest insurance settlement possible?

To document hurricane damage effectively and maximize your insurance settlement, start by taking clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all affected areas—both wide shots for context and close-ups for detail. Include interior and exterior damage, roof, siding, flooring, ceilings, personal belongings, and appliances. Make a room-by-room inventory of damaged items, noting brand, model, age, and estimated value. If possible, include pre-loss photos for comparison. Save receipts, warranties, and maintenance records to support your valuation. Don’t discard any damaged property or food items without first photographing and itemizing them.

The more organized and thorough your documentation, the stronger your claim will be—and the harder it is for the insurer to undervalue your loss.

how much will I have to pay to CLFPA once I get a higher settlement from the insurance company?

Hiring a public adjuster is similar to working with a real estate agent—you can handle the insurance claim yourself, but you're likely to achieve a better outcome with a knowledgeable professional guiding the process. Public adjusters are experts in evaluating property damage, interpreting complex policy language, and negotiating with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement. In disputed or underpaid claims, involving a public adjuster early—before hiring an attorney—can often lead to a quicker resolution without the delays or high costs of litigation.

Attorneys typically charge contingency fees of 30% to 40%, while public adjusters generally charge far less. In Mississippi, public adjusters like CLFPA can charge up to 10% of your total settlement, typically as a contingency fee—meaning you only pay if additional funds are recovered. In Louisiana, however, state law prohibits percentage-based fees, so adjusters must charge a reasonable flat or hourly rate, as outlined in Louisiana Revised Statutes §22:1703. CLFPA adheres to all state-specific regulations, ensuring transparent, compliant, and cost-effective service tailored to your location.

Will CLFPA help me find contractors to do the repairs?

Yes, CLFPA can help connect you with reputable contractors to perform the necessary repairs after a property loss. While CLFPA does not perform repairs or receive compensation from contractors, they can refer trusted professionals who are properly licensed and experienced with insurance-related reconstruction. This can save you time and help ensure the work is done correctly. However, you are always free to choose your own contractor, and CLFPA’s role remains focused on advocating for your insurance settlement—not managing the repair process.

How do I get started?

The best way to start the process is by contacting me! You can fill out the easy consultation request form or call the 24/7 hotline at 888-572-5372.

Fire & Smoke Damage Claims