Wildfire Lawyers

Wildfires can wreak havoc on communities, leaving behind a trail of devastation. In the aftermath, victims often find themselves overwhelmed, grappling with insurmountable losses. During these trying times, a wildfire attorney becomes indispensable, because they can help you file claims, negotiate with your insurance company, give you legal advice, and should it come down to it, they will represent you and your best interests in court against any injustice.

If you or a loved one has suffered significant loss from devastating wildfires, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our team of top-rated wildfire lawyers have a proven track record of securing compensation for our clients.

As a result of our dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion for our clients and we will continue to do our due diligence and guide our clients throughout the legal process. As wildfire claims can produce catastrophic property damage and a range of burn injuries, it can create a variety of complex legal situations and, as such, should you have any questions or concerns about your claim our 24/7 legal team will be there to answer them in great detail.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

What Are the Primary Causes of Wildfires?

Wildfires can be caused by both human actions and natural phenomena or even a combination of both. However, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, approximately 90% of all wildfires are due to human-caused triggers such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarette butts, disrupted power lines, and even arson. In addition, according to a Wildfire Statistic Chart from the National Interagency Fire Center, there is an average of 7,000 man made wildfires per year throughout California and the extent of damages they inflict costs fire victims thousands of dollars in damages. While more natural causes such as lightning strikes can still occur throughout the year, they are considered to be more rare due to the California climate.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Wildfires?

Liability depends on the specific circumstances and causes of the fire. For instance, many fire victims try to hold utility companies accountable for any faulty equipment that has led to wildfires, or even negligent individuals who have started the fires. However, trying to determine liability for wildfires tends to be a complex and lengthy process because local fire departments and state agencies would need to conduct an investigation to see if a liable party can be held accountable for the fire. Should a negligent or reckless party was discovered to be the cause of the fire, then fire victims can file a claim with an attorney in order to recover money and damages for their losses.

What Types of Damages Can Victims Claim After a Wildfire?

While the extent of recoverable damages will be dependent on the severity of the fire damage, fire victims can claim compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages are calculable damages that can be recovered for a specific monetary value such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Meanwhile, non-economic damages are incalculable damages that are more subjective by nature and their value will vary on a case-by-case basis. For instance, damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are all subjective and will entirely depend on the person.

Punitive damage, however, is a unique form of damages that are focused on punishing the negligent party for severely reckless and ill intentioned actions. While the awarded sum of punitive damages is not as high compared to economic and non-economic damages, fire victims can get justice as those responsible are held accountable for their actions. In other instances, punitive damages can be issued in order to set legal precedence and as a form of deterrence from those who might commit similar actions.

If you want to get a grasp on how much your claim is worth, fire victims can either consult with a personal injury attorney or input their information in a personal injury settlement calculator and get the best estimation for their damages

How Can a Wildfire Lawyer Help You With Your Claim

By hiring a lawyer for wildfire claims, accident victims are able to increase their chances of recovering compensation for any damages caused by the incident in question. An experienced lawyer can help file and process important documents, draft up proposals and motions, negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to recover insured and uninsured damages, help you understand your legal rights, give you sound legal advice, and even represent you in court should you need it.

While you can choose to file a claim on your own, your chances of recovering compensation would become significantly lower, because if you miss an important detail or do not negotiate properly then it can impact your total compensation. In addition, your insurance company may try to minimize any serious losses by saying that it is outside of your insurance coverage. If you do not properly make your claim with the insurance company, then you risk having to pay out-of-pocket for any losses caused by wildfire damage.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Typically, personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency-based system where they would charge no fees for their legal services until they either win or receive a settlement offer from opposing counsel. Should they manage to achieve one or the other, they would charge a flat contingency-fee that can range anywhere between 25% to 40%, however, most tend to average around 33%. With that in mind, if you are looking to file a personal injury lawsuit against a certain party, it is recommended to consult with several different attorneys and law firms to see which one can serve your best interests.

What Should I Do If I Become a Victim to Wildfires?

If you’ve suffered losses from a utility wildfire or any other third-party wildfire, it’s crucial to know how to navigate the claims process to recover damages. In fact, one of the first things you should do is to try and document all your losses and damages, either by photos or videos, and keep a detailed record for any receipts that can be compensated at a later time. Once you have compiled a detailed record, it is recommended to consult with a skilled local attorney who can help guide you throughout wildfire litigation and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Should your attorney believe that you have a case, they will get started on the legal process immediately and they will do everything they can to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your losses.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here To Help 

Selecting a wildfire attorney in the aftermath of devastation might feel like a Herculean task. However, with the right guidance, the process becomes simpler. Remember, the right attorney not only represents you legally but also stands by you, helping rebuild your life, one step at a time. If you need any assistance in filing a claim or receiving government aid, our expert wildfire attorneys can help you through the difficult process.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to help and serve as your personal and trusted legal counsel. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our lawyers are well versed in the California court system and are confident that they can get you the financial compensation you deserve.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to guide you throughout the legal process. As wildfire claims can be a confusing endeavor especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal process, our 24/7 legal team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildfire Cases

Are There Resources Available for Immediate Post-wildfire Assistance?

Yes, victims can seek immediate post-disaster assistance such as temporary housing, medical aid, and financial support. Various governmental and non-profit organizations often step in to provide these resources.

What Does Long-Term Wildfire Disaster Recovery Encompass?

Long-term recovery includes processes like rebuilding homes, community rebuilding efforts, and accessing grants and loans for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Is Emotional Distress a Valid Claim Post-Wildfire?

Absolutely. The psychological impact of wildfires can be profound, and victims can seek compensation for the emotional and mental trauma they’ve endured.

Can Communities Collectively File a Lawsuit After a Wildfire?

Yes, communities can engage in class action lawsuits if numerous individuals are affected by a single party’s negligence, ensuring collective legal action and potentially larger settlements.