Dealing with a catastrophic loss due to a wildfire is a complicated matter. For most people, getting compensation is a years-long process that is ultimately only resolved through litigation. In these cases, expert witnesses may play a critical role in supporting your wildfire claim.
The experienced attorneys at CaseyGerry have extensive experience guiding clients through the litigation process after a large-scale loss. We have connections with the experts who can strengthen your case by explaining the origins and contributing factors of the fire. Our team can help present complex evidence clearly and effectively as part of a strong legal strategy.
There are different kinds of expert witnesses who can help with California wildfire claims. Every loss is unique, so the necessary expertise in one case might be very different from another. Some examples include the following:
Arguably the most common need for a professional assessment is to determine the fire’s origin. These assessments typically focus on the ignition source and any conditions or failures that may have contributed to the fire. It is not enough to pinpoint where the fire originated, as civil claims will need details on whether a party contributed to the risk of the fire or failed to mitigate it.
Some people study the behavior patterns of wildfires, and their testimony can be helpful under the right circumstances. For example, analyzing the way fires spread and how weather conditions impacted the area may be useful when determining liability.
Some testimony focuses on the property that has been lost in a fire. A property damage assessment can evaluate the extent of your damages, which has a major impact on your possible recovery.
With wildfires, determining the origin is often one of the most complicated issues. Fires can spread across hundreds of miles, and it takes skill and experience to pin down not only where the blaze started but why.
Many professionals in the area of wildfire loss claims are Certified Fire Investigators, or CFIs. Typically, CFIs are employed in positions where these skills are vital, including as firefighters or forensic engineers. In addition to certification, these people typically comply with the NFPA 1033 standards for fire investigators. Our firm can identify qualified, credentialed experts to help support your claim.
There are a few different situations where relying on someone with expertise may be important during a wildfire investigation. For starters, they can provide lawyers with insight into how the fire was caused. Our attorneys confer with these experts while we build your case from the ground up. We have extensive experience with large-scale wildfire litigation, and we know when your case will benefit from bringing in an expert.
One of the most important ways for professionals to help is by testifying at trial. In complex cases involving widespread property damage, it can be difficult to show a jury the full scope of a loss without their testimony. The right witnesses can typically condense complicated material down in a way most people can understand.
A difficult aspect of California wildfire litigation is identifying and engaging expert witnesses. Often, there are only a handful of people in the country with the experience needed for a specific issue or question.
This is where having a legal team with deep wildfire litigation experience can provide valuable guidance and support. The right attorney has connections with the best available people who can testify on your behalf.
Understanding the role of expert witnesses is only one part of building a strong wildfire case. At CaseyGerry, our attorneys work closely with qualified fire origin experts, engineers, and damage specialists to support your claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your wildfire claim.
