Wildfire Property Damage Lawsuit Attorney

Filing Wildfire Lawsuits

Wildfires may be completely preventable, but regardless of the cause, every year fires ravage communities across the United States, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.

The financial hardship and emotional trauma that results are significant, and while taking legal action may not fix everything that's been lost, filing a wildfire lawsuit against any negligent party can help many individuals cope with the aftermath.

The frequency and intensity of these disasters, fueled by human negligence and utility company failures, have sparked a surge in wildfire litigation. At The Lyon Firm, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you and ensure you recover the maximum compensation for your losses.

The Growing Crisis of Wildfires & Legal Recourse

Wildfires are a continual threat. In 2022, almost 69,000 wildfires burned 7.6 million acres in the U.S., according to wildfire statistics, with damages exceeding $3.2 billion by 2023. Human error, particularly utility company negligence—such as unmaintained power lines or failure to cut power during high winds—causes many these blazes.

Victims are understandably turning to wildfire attorneys to hold responsible parties accountable, seeking compensation for property damage, personal injuries, wrongful death, and emotional distress.

Lawsuits against established utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Xcel Energy have resulted in important settlements that compensate thousands of California residents.

The recent escalation of wildfire litigation reflects both the increasing frequency of these sometimes-preventable disasters, and the systemic failures exposed in their aftermath. Utility companies face scrutiny for equipment failures, like the 2018 Woolsey Fire allegedly initiated by SCE-owned infrastructure, and inadequate vegetation management.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) plays an important role in enforcing safety regulations, but its investigations often lag, leaving victims to seek out wildfire attorneys for solutions, primarily dealing with insurance companies and taking action against negligent utility companies. Many wildfire insurance policyholders, especially in California, find claims denied or underpaid after disasters.

Wildfire Lawsuit Steps and Deadlines

Filing a wildfire lawsuit and building a case involves the following considerations:

• Evidence Collection: Preserve photos and insurance denials.
• Filing Deadlines: California’s two-year statute for personal injury or property damage, or six months for government claims, demands prompt action.
• Mass Action vs. Class Action: Unlike class actions, mass actions (e.g., Eaton Fire) allow individualized claims.
• Negotiation or Trial: Most cases settle, but top firms are trial-ready, securing verdicts when needed.

We represent clients in California and beyond and challenge the narrative that victims should only work with their insurers, fighting for full compensation for property loss.

Proving liability against multiple parties (utilities and forest service) is complicated. Insurance denials add frustration as companies lowball fire damage claims post-disaster, forcing victims to appeal or sue. To help your own cause, we recommend the following steps following a wildfire that causes damage:

• Document Losses: Take photos and save receipts.
• File Insurance Claims: Act quickly and within policy deadlines.
• Contact a Wildfire Attorney: Join our existing clients for stronger legal leverage.

The Lyon Firm has twenty years of experience, and handles a wide range of class action insurance bad faith and property damage cases on behalf of plaintiffs in all fifty states. Call now for a free and confidential consultation.

Denied Wildfire Insurance Claim? Seek Compensation with a Wildfire Attorney

If your wildfire insurance claim was denied in bad faith, you may have legal options at your disposal. After a wildfire, insurers may deny or delay an outsized number of claims citing unclear policy exclusions. This practice can be deemed bad faith under California laws.

If your property damage claim was rejected despite clear evidence, it may violate your policy’s implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. A bad faith and wildfire attorney can help you with the following:

- File a Bad Faith Lawsuit: Seek damages for the denied claim amount, plus punitive damages if intentional misconduct is proven.
- Breach of Contract Claim: We can argue that the denial breached your policy, entitling you to recoup policy benefits and legal fees.
- Regulatory Complaints: Report to your state’s insurance department, strengthening your case with official findings.

Insurers rely on delays and stout legal defenses, but a wildfire lawsuit attorney near you can build evidence, including fire reports, witness statements, and policy analysis, to win your case.