The January 2025 Palisades wildfire is causing devastating losses to homes, businesses, and entire neighborhoods. In the face of such disaster, victims often feel overwhelmed. They must deal with the emotional trauma, property loss, and complex insurance claims. This is where an experienced Palisades wildfire attorney can help.
Having had neighbors lose their homes and businesses, our wildfire recovery lawyers understand the unique challenges wildfire victims face and can guide them through the recovery process.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or loss from a wildfire, contact an experienced Palisades wildfire attorney for a free consultation.
Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to call us 24/7.
Understanding the Role of a Palisades Wildfire Attorney
Palisades wildfire attorneys offer vital assistance during challenging times. They help victims of wildfires pursue justice and compensation.
These attorneys have deep knowledge of local laws related to wildfires. They understand the legal landscape and know how to navigate it effectively.
Their role extends beyond simple legal representation. Wildfire attorneys act as advocates for victims’ rights throughout the recovery process.
Clients often struggle with complex insurance claims. Wildfire attorneys guide them through the intricacies, ensuring fair evaluation and compensation.
Beyond insurance issues, these attorneys handle various legal challenges. They take on disputes with utility companies or government entities responsible for the fire’s ignition.
Here are key roles of a Palisades wildfire attorney:
- Analyzing and finding insurance coverage
- Preserving and organizing key evidence
- Assessing the legal merits of claims
- Filing and litigating insurance claims
- Negotiating with responsible parties
- Assessing and proving damages
- Facilitating environmental restoration claims
- Hiring experts to evaluate and appraise damages
- Addressing underinsurance issues
- Providing emotional support to wildfire clients
No doubt, the role of Palisades wildfire attorneys is multifaceted. Their dedication helps ensure victims receive just settlements and the support they need during the recovery process.
Take Prompt Legal Action After the Palisades Wildfire
Taking swift legal action after the Palisades wildfire is crucial. Delays can jeopardize the likelihood of obtaining full compensation. Time is of the essence in addressing claims and documenting damages accurately.
As the aftermath unfolds, evidence can quickly disappear or degrade. Key records or physical evidence might be misplaced or destroyed if not promptly collected. A Palisades wildfire lawyer ensures that evidence is gathered and preserved effectively.
Moreover, the legal process can be intricate and time-consuming. Getting started early allows ample time for building a robust case.
Engaging a legal expert soon after a wildfire can alleviate stress and streamline recovery efforts. Such timely actions can significantly impact the outcomes of insurance claims and lawsuits.
Dealing with insurance claims after the Palisades fire can be overwhelming. Insurers may not always prioritize quick or full payouts. This is where a Palisades wildfire lawyer steps in to assist.
Attorneys help policyholders understand their insurance coverages. Insurance policies often contain complex terms that can be difficult for laypeople to interpret. Having legal expertise ensures a clear understanding of coverage and entitlements.
Disputes with insurers can arise unexpectedly. Insurers might undervalue a claim or dispute the extent of damages. In such cases, an attorney negotiates firmly on behalf of the policyholder.
Palisades wildfire recovery attorneys also assist in presenting claims accurately. Proper documentation and presentation can make a significant difference. The right legal approach can move claims towards favorable resolutions quickly.
Moreover, legal representation can support victims facing delay tactics by insurers. By engaging an attorney, you show insurers that you are prepared to pursue your rightful compensation. This backing helps maintain leverage in negotiations, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.
Common Questions About Palisades Wildfire Claims (FAQ)
At the Fob James Law Firm, we work every day to help victims of wildfires.
If you suffered a loss due to a wildfire, you likely have many questions—and you deserve answers.
Give us a call to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your case.
Meanwhile, these are some of the most common questions that wildfire victims ask us.
What Should I Do After the Palisades Wildfire?
There are a few things you should do in the immediate aftermath of a wildfire. These steps are important to follow, not just to ensure your safety, but also to help ensure that your claim is successful.
The fewer surprises or roadblocks you run into in the process, the better.
Get to a Safe Plance and Contact the Authorities
If you or your family are in danger, call 911 to report the wildfire and to get emergency medical providers to the scene as quickly as possible.
It goes without saying, your safety is the number one priority.
Documenting Losses and Damages for Compensation
Proper documentation is paramount for obtaining compensation after the Palisades wildfire. Collecting evidence early helps build a strong case. It also reinforces claims with clear and tangible proof.
Start by compiling a detailed inventory of all damaged property. This includes homes, personal belongings, and business assets. Photographs, videos, and receipts serve as valuable documentation.
Here are essential steps to document losses:
- Capture clear images of all damaged areas.
- Keep all receipts related to repairs and replacement costs.
- Record any temporary housing or additional living expenses.
- Request a complete copy of your policy from your insurance agent.
- Document conversations with contractors and insurance adjusters.
In addition to physical losses, document health impacts. This includes medical visits due to smoke inhalation or stress-related conditions. Such details can support claims for personal injury compensation.
A thorough approach in documenting ensures no aspect of loss is overlooked. This meticulous preparation is vital for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and seeking full compensation.
Contact a Palisades Wildfire Lawyer
Finally, you should contact a Palisades smoke and ashe damage lawyer to get a consultation on the next steps you should take.
Your attorney can help with documentation efforts, filing your claim, and ensuring readiness for any disputing or detailed review by your homeowner’s carrier.
Make sure you consult with a Palisades wildfire attorney before you speak with the insurance carrier’s adjsuter. It goes without saying that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you.
Confidential Wildfire Intake Form
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Palisades Wildfire Victims?
Wildfire victims can seek various types of compensation after a disaster. These compensations aim to cover different areas of loss and damage. Understanding the types available is crucial for effective recovery.
First, property damage compensation helps rebuild or repair homes and possessions. This covers structural damage as well as lost personal property. It’s often the starting point for claims.
Second, in addition to property claims, victims may seek compensation for personal injuries. This includes costs related to medical treatment and recovery. It extends to cover both physical and psychological impacts caused by the fire.
Third, businesses may seek compenstion for business interruption and loss of income.
Here’s a breakdown of the compensation types available:
- Property Damage: Covers building repairs and personal property replacement.
- Personal Injury: Includes medical bills and trauma-related support.
- Loss of Income: Compensates for business interruption or job loss.
- Temporary Living Expenses: Covers costs incurred while displaced from home.
- Environmental Damage: Funds for restoring land and natural resources.
Finally, victims may pursue compensation for emotional distress. The psychological toll can be significant, impacting overall wellbeing. Seeking this type of compensation acknowledges the broader effects of wildfire devastation.
Legal guidance is pivotal in navigating these complex claims and securing fair compensation for all categories of loss.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Palisades Wildfire Lawyer?
As an initital matter, if you have submitted a claim to your insurance carrier and you’re happy with their appraisal and offer, then you likely don’t need an attorney.
However, if you feel that the insurance company is not paying a fair amount, then you may need to retain an attorney to fight for you.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. Importantly, if we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
For uncontested total loss property damage claims, we do not charge a fee.
However, with contested property damage claims, our attorney fees are only 7% of the amount recovered if the claim is resolved without litigation.
For fire-related personal injury claims against a third party, our attorney fees are 20% of the recovery.
To speak with our California wildfire lawyer about your situation, call us today at 866-837-1010.
Related Content: What Are the Attorney Fees for Wildfire Claims?
How Long Do I Have to File a Palisades Wildfire Claim?
Understanding the “statute of limitations” is essential for Palisades wildfire claims. This legal deadline restricts the time you have to file a lawsuit.
In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury or damage to file a claim.
For Palisades property damage claims, the filing period is generally two years from the date of the incident if the loss is due to a state of emergency.
Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation. It’s crucial to act promptly and consult an attorney to understand these timelines.
Some cases may have exceptions or specific considerations, making attorney guidance invaluable.
Additionally, factors like insurance policy terms and liability issues can influence your case.
Having a Palisades fire attorney navigate these complexities ensures all aspects are addressed. An experienced wildfire lawyer can identify potential claims and craft a compelling legal strategy, maximizing your chance of recovery.
Palisades Wildfire Legal News
Updates on the Palisades wildfires and related legal issues are posted in this section.
If you have questions about Palisades wildfires or insurance coverage, feel free to call us 24/7 at 866-837-1010.
January 15, 2025 – Lawsuits Allege SDC Sparked the Eaton Fire
A wave of lawsuits were filed against Southern California Edision alleging the utility company’s electrical equipment triggered the Eaton fire.
Video footage shows an early fire underneath SDC electrical towers. The source of the Eaton fire is currently under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other authorities.
January 12, 2025 – Is Southern California Edison Responsivle for the Eaton Fire?
It’s early on so take this with a grain of salt. Reports suggest that SCE may have waited too long to turn off electricity in the Eaton/Altadena areas thus contributing to the spread of these fires. Other reports indicate that officials are investigating whether SCE’s downed equipment contributed to the fire.
If SCE is responsible for the Eaton fire, even in part, victims that suffered a fire-related injury may have viable personal injury lawsuits against SCE.
If you suffered an injury from the Eaton or Altadena fires, do not delay. Call an Eaton fire lawsuit lawyer for a free consultation.
January 11, 2025 (3:51 PM) – Death Toll Is 13 as Wildfires Spread
Tragically, the death toll from the Palisades wildfire now stands at 13 and counting. Even more victims are missing.
Unfortunately, the wildfire has spread to neighborhoods in Encino and Brentwood. So far 22 people have been arrested for looting.
January 11, 2025 – California Bans Policy Cancellations for One Year
One strategy by insurance companies after a natural disaster is to cancel policies and delay and deny claims.
In an effort to prevent this from happening, California’s insurance authority imposed a one year ban on policy cancellations in fire areas. Insurance Commisioner Ricardo Lara says that the moratorium prohibits insurance carriers from pulling coverage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and areas affected by the Eaton fire untul January 7, 2026.
While this is good news, this does not reconcile the thousands of polices that were canceled before the fires.
January 10, 2025 – 10 People Reported Dead from Palisades Wildfire
Tragically, 10 victims have been confirmed dead from the recent wildfires in Los Angeles county, including the Palisades fire. According to the L.A’s fire chief, 10,000 structures have burned and roughly 35,000 acres have been destroyed.
January 14, 2025 – California’s AG Issues Warning About Price Gouging
California attorney general Rob Bonta warned businesses about price gouging in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Under California law, during a natural disaster, businesses are only allowed to increase prices by up to 10%. Violators can receive up to a year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
One area of concern is the lack of housing in the LA area. We have heard reports that AirBnb rentals have skyrocketed 40-50% over the last week. Property owners need to be aware of California’s price gouging law, which could remain in effect 30 days to 6 months.
Anyone who is a victim of pricing gouging should report it to the attorney genera;’s office.
January 9, 2025 – Insurance Crisis Brewing After Palisades Wildfire
The initial reports of insurance losses caused by the Palisades wildfire is somewhere between 10 and 50 billion dollars. We think the actual amount of property and business losses will be closer to 500 billion dollars.
Before this crisis, State Farm, AIG, and Allstate stopped writing homeowner policies in California because of wildfire danger.
Many residents of Los Angeles are without homeowner’s insurnace or had no choice but to purchase high cost insurance through California’s FAIR plan.
We expect more insurance carriers will pull out of the California market in the future. The carriers that stay will likely hike insurance rates.
Due to the scope of the Palisades wildfire, we are worried that some homeowner’s insurance companies will deny legitmate claims or make low ball offers.
If you think you are getting short changed by your homeowner’s insurance, you should contact an Palisades wildfire attorney immediately.
January 8, 2025 – Six Wildfires Burn Los Angeles County
According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the Palisades wildfire started on Tuesday morning, January 7th, around 10:30am. It has grown to roughly 20,000 acres in size. Roughly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders. The fire is only 6% contained.
Likewise, the Eaton fire started Tuesday evening near a canyon north of downtown Los Angeles. According to Cal Fire it has burned roughly 13,690 acres is 0% contained. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone estimated the fire will destroy 5,000 structures.
The Hurst Fire also started Tuesday night in Sylmar just north of San Fernando. According to Cal Fire it has burned roughly 771 acres and is 37% contained.
The Lidia Fire started Wednesday afternoon near Acton in between the Sierra Pelona and San Gabriel mountains. According to Cal Fire, it has burned 394 acresand is 75% contained.
The Kenneth Fire started Thursday evening in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, near Calabasas. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department it has burned 960 acres and is 0% contained.
Finally, the Sunset Fire started in the Hollywood Hills before 6 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the fire is 100% contained.
Contact a Palisades Wildfire Attorney Near Me for Help
Our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you are a victim of a wildfire, you should contact our Palisades wildfire lawyers immediately.
We can guide you through the recovery process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case.
Our Palisades wildfire attorneys are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.
Ray Kermani, of counsel, is a member of the California bar. Mr. Kermani is the attorney of record on cases in California.