California Wildfire
For the Californians who lost everything to the fire.
Wildfire cases in California are as complex as they are personal. We represent homeowners, business owners, and families whose lives were upended — and we have the resources and patience these long recoveries require.
What it means
California wildfire claims, in plain English.
When a utility's equipment, a contractor's negligence, or another party's conduct causes a wildfire, the people who lost homes, businesses, and belongings can recover — separately from, and often in addition to, their insurance payout.
Cause
A named investigation or utility responsibility finding for the fire.
Loss
Destruction, damage, smoke, evacuation, and business interruption.
Recovery
Real-property value, contents, additional living expenses, and emotional distress.
Do I have a case?
A quick, honest self-check.
If most of these describe your situation, it's worth a phone call — even if the answer is that we're not the right firm for you.
The fire has a named investigation or utility responsibility finding.
You have records of the property, its contents, and your losses.
You are within the statute of limitations for the specific fire.
You have not signed a full release with the responsible party.
Keep insurance and potential liability records separate
Insurance coverage and a claim against a party alleged to have caused a fire are different paths. Responsibility for a particular fire requires evidence; do not assume a utility or property owner is liable because a fire occurred nearby.
- Follow emergency instructions and do not enter damaged property until authorities permit access.
- Preserve existing pre-loss photographs, inventories, ownership or tenancy records, and available post-loss images.
- Save evacuation notices, lodging and relocation receipts, income records, and cleanup estimates.
- Retain the full policy, claim number, adjuster correspondence, payment explanations, and any releases before signing.
- Track insurance payments alongside claimed losses; overlapping recoveries and insurer reimbursement rights may require review.
Information for specific fires
The Dixie Fire and the Camp Fire in Paradise involve different events and claims processes. Existing claim documents and any prior settlement or release need individual review.
Frequently asked
Questions answered plainly.
Free · Confidential · No obligation
Not sure if you have a case? Start with a conversation.
Tell us what happened, at your pace. We'll listen, answer honestly, and — if we can help — begin quietly, right away.