Lakewood, WA public adjuster for creek flooding, fire and storm claims
Acuity Adjusters takes on Lakewood claims for homeowners, landlords and businesses, from Tillicum and Woodbrook to the homes around Gravelly Lake and American Lake. In August 2023 a brush fire at Fort Steilacoom Park pushed nearby residents out of their homes, and the creeks and steep slopes along Chambers Creek raise their own coverage questions. You pay nothing up front: we are paid only when you are paid.
We answer our phones 24/7/365. Licensed public adjusters for Oregon, Washington and California.
Home › Service areas › Lakewood, WA
Who we help in Lakewood
Lakewood clients we represent include:
- Homeowners near Flett Creek and Clover Creek, and around Gravelly Lake, American Lake and Lake Steilacoom
- Families in Tillicum, Woodbrook, Springbrook, Lakeview and Lake City
- Landlords and shop owners along Pacific Highway, in the International District and near the downtown core
Call us at the first report, after a lowball offer, or once a claim has been denied.
The public adjusters who handle your claim
Delano Howell, founder and public adjuster
A Stanford University graduate and former NFL starting safety with the Indianapolis Colts, Delano has eight years of adjusting experience advocating for policyholders.
Randy Gower, public adjuster, appraiser and umpire
Nearly 30 years in adjusting: Claim Supervisor with COUNTRY Financial over seven offices in Oregon and Washington, more than 17 years as an Executive Adjuster with Adjusters International, and owner of Gower Adjusting and Appraisal Services since 2000.
Every client gets a dedicated claim adjuster, so you always know who is handling your file. Meet the team or verify our California license.
Lakewood claim profile
West Pierce Fire & Rescue, which covers Lakewood, describes these local risks in its draft annex to the 2025-2030 Pierce County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (draft, under state and FEMA review):
Fort Steilacoom Park fire, August 2023
In August 2023 a wildfire at Fort Steilacoom Park burned roughly 40 acres, needed help from assisting agencies and the state Department of Natural Resources, and led to evacuations of nearby homes, according to the draft West Pierce Fire & Rescue annex. The annex calls it a sign that wildfire is creeping toward neighborhoods.
Flett Creek, Clover Creek and the Chambers Creek slopes
The same draft annex names the banks of Flett and Clover Creeks as the Lakewood areas at risk of flooding in heavy rain. It places the district’s largest steep slope hazard area along Chambers Creek, on the Lakewood and University Place line, where slopes steeper than 15% can fail once the soil is soaked.
Five degrees in 1985, over 100 in 2009
West Pierce Fire records a low of five degrees in 1985 and a high above 100 degrees in 2009, with about 39 inches of rain and 146 wet days in an average year. In its community survey, windstorms and winter storms ranked second and third among local hazards of concern.
Who to call in Lakewood
Lakewood contacts for the first days after damage:
- Emergencies: Dial 911 for immediate danger.
- Fire and rescue: West Pierce Fire & Rescue covers Lakewood.
- Rebuild permits: Repair work usually needs a permit from Lakewood Community & Economic Development.
- State claim rules: Read the Insurance Commissioner guide to filing a homeowner claim.
How we price a Lakewood claim
On Lakewood losses we record smoke, water and slope damage room by room, price the repairs at what Pierce County contractors actually charge, and argue the difference with the carrier; our water damage, fire damage, storm damage and vandalism and theft pages explain each claim type.
Where we work
In Washington, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner licenses public adjusters and explains how to file a home insurance claim. Beyond Lakewood we handle claims across Pierce County and the rest of Washington, Oregon and Southern California; see all service areas.
Lakewood claim questions
Does homeowners insurance cover smoke damage from a brush fire near Fort Steilacoom Park?
Usually, yes. Smoke and soot from a nearby fire are generally handled as fire damage under a homeowners policy, even when the flames never reach the house. After the August 2023 park fire led to evacuations, cleaning, odor removal and, under many policies, extra living costs during an ordered evacuation were all items worth listing.
My yard by Clover Creek flooded after heavy rain. Will my policy pay?
Water from an overflowing creek counts as flood, which standard homeowners policies exclude; it needs a separate flood policy. Rain that comes in through storm damage to the roof, or a burst pipe, is a different loss and is often covered. The draft West Pierce Fire annex lists Flett and Clover Creeks as Lakewood’s flood-risk areas, so owners nearby should check what they carry.
Is landslide damage on the Chambers Creek slopes covered?
Most homeowners policies exclude earth movement, including landslides, although a fire or a broken water line caused by the slide may still be covered. Read the exclusion wording before accepting a denial, and photograph the slope and any new cracks early.
How much does a public adjuster cost in Lakewood?
Nothing up front. Our fee is a percentage of your claim, and we are paid only when your insurance company pays you.
Talk to a Lakewood public adjuster about your claim
Tell us what happened. We’ll tell you what your policy owes you.
Call us any time, or send your claim details with the form. The first conversation is free.