Losing your home and belongings in a wildfire results in financial losses and emotional struggle as you deal with the aftermath. If your property loss was caused by arson or a negligent utility company, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
Your lawsuit could result in fair compensation for your losses and also raise awareness about safety issues, including inadequate utility maintenance, equipment failures, and delays in addressing the early stages of a wildfire. Our attorneys at CaseyGerry are highly experienced in negotiating settlements, litigating complex cases, and conducting thorough investigations to determine fault in California wildfire lawsuits.
When you work with our attorneys, we will investigate and assess your wildfire claim by gathering evidence to identify the entity or person responsible. We may utilize public utility data, weather reports, and witness statements as we build your case. If we find evidence of wrongdoing or negligence, we could file a lawsuit on your behalf. Your claim could also be among those in a mass tort action, which we use to advocate for many victims involved in the same wildfire.
California courts have consistently held utility companies liable for substandard responses and maintenance. Even when traditional negligence is difficult to prove, the concept of inverse condemnation has been applied to allow those harmed to collect damages awards, making utility companies strictly liable if their equipment causes a fire.
PG&E is one example of a utility company that the courts held responsible for wildfires, including the infamous Camp Fire. Even though PG&E filed for bankruptcy protection after the court awarded more than $30 billion in damages in lawsuits against it, it also established a $13.5 billion trust fund to settle California wildfire lawsuits.
Before a California wildfire case reaches trial, both sides typically participate in hearings, discovery, and settlement discussions. In some cases, mediation can be used to help the parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution. When the evidence demonstrates substantial liability, defendants may choose to settle rather than proceed with a lengthy and costly trial.
During litigation or settlement negotiations, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for losses such as:
At CaseyGerry, our attorneys bring extensive combined experience to wildfire litigation. We use modern tools and investigative methods to build comprehensive cases and advocate for fair outcomes that reflect the full scope of our clients’ losses.
The extent of your settlement depends on the damages and losses you experienced. The CaseyGerry team could determine a suitable settlement, hold the defendant accountable, and deliver justice for all that you have lost.
We also understand that a home is more than the walls, floors, and roof you choose as shelter. A home is family, and when it is lost in a devastating wildfire, CaseyGerry is ready to help you navigate the aftermath. Settlements in California wildfire lawsuits should reflect your actual losses and see you through the rebuilding process. Contact us to schedule your confidential consultation.
