Orange County, home to over 3 million, filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE), which allege that the company’s equipment was responsible for wildfires in 2020 and 2022. While some wildfires occur by accident or an act of nature, sometimes negligence plays a role. If you have sustained serious injuries or property damage, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses.
At CaseyGerry, we continue to raise the bar for legal excellence. We have recovered billions of dollars for our injured clients and their families. We believe in individual and corporate responsibility. If negligence is one of the primary reasons you have sustained bodily harm and property damage in a California wildfire, contact us for a free consultation.
Types of California Wildfire Lawsuits
A third-party liability claim is generally filed in wildfire damage cases. These lawsuits are usually against one or more parties, such as SCE, and are based on negligence. However, it depends on the origin or cause of the wildfire and the severity of your losses. Our wildfire trial attorneys at CaseyGerry could help with the following:
Personal Injury
Personal injury cases from wildfires often involve burns, smoke inhalation injuries, or respiratory conditions. Victims may be able to seek compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Having a knowledgeable San Diego-based attorney familiar with the complexities of these cases and the daunting process of dealing with insurance companies can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Property Damage
California wildfires may also cause damage to your personal property, such as your home and your vehicles. In August 2020, the LNU Lightning Complex Fire, caused by an arsonist, burned 1,491 structures. Depending on the cause of the fire, you may hold a responsible party liable for your losses.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, there are often fatalities in California wildfires. For example, the 2018 Camp Fire, ignited by a faulty electric transmission line, led to 85 deaths. In cases like these, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of case seeks compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of companionship
Bad Faith Insurance Claim
After a wildfire, you may file an insurance claim to recover some of your damages. However, in some cases, insurance companies may act in bad faith by denying, delaying, or minimizing claims. Our experienced attorneys can help ensure your insurance company honors your policy.
What to Do After a California Wildfire
It can take years to recover from wildfires. Some people never do–fire destroys things that can never be replaced. Even so, how you respond could help you get the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.
- Seek Medical Attention. You may feel fine after a fire but may develop symptoms later. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and document any injuries. Smoke can often be even more dangerous than fire and can cause or worsen cardiovascular and long-term respiratory issues.
- Document your Losses. Take pictures of your injuries and all the damage to your property. Record footage both inside and outside the property. Save receipts or invoices for repairs and replacements. Comb through photos on your phone or social media to help you itemize the personal belongings in your home. These steps can help you determine the value of items lost to the fire.
- Recover What You Can. Entering your home to look for passports or a pet may be necessary. However, consult with your attorney before removing debris or cleaning up. You may unintentionally damage evidence that could help in your case
- Consult with an Experienced Wildfire Attorney. Our attorneys at CaseyGerry have successfully litigated on behalf of wildfire victims and are dedicated to helping our clients get back on their feet after a devastating fire.
Schedule a Free Consultation at CaseyGerry
Wildfire lawsuits are often complex and require a thorough understanding of the intricacies of California laws. Our in-house investigators are skilled in gathering critical information from accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to support clients’ claims. We also work with expert witnesses who can testify in our cases. Clients receive the high-quality representation and resources of a large law firm. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
