Wildfire claim lawyers
Lost your home or property to a wildfire? Our team will help you rebuild forward.
When a wildfire is caused by utility equipment or someone’s negligence, those responsible may owe you for your losses. Our attorneys help you understand your options alongside your insurance claim.
- Free consultation
- No fee unless we win
- Available 24/7
- Se habla español
Wildfire claims: the short version
- Some wildfires are linked to utility equipment or other negligence. Official investigations into causes can take time.
- In California, claims against a utility for property damage from a fire caused by its equipment may be possible even without proving negligence, depending on the facts.
- A claim against a responsible party is separate from your own insurance claim.
- Deadlines apply, so it helps to talk to a lawyer early.
- Who may be responsible: a utility, if its equipment started the fire; a company or person whose negligence started the fire; and a government entity, in some cases.
- Cases we handle: loss of a home or structure; damage to land and trees; personal property; business losses; smoke damage; and injuries and loss of life.
- What a claim can include: property, displacement, business losses and personal injury.
- Deadlines: Strict filing deadlines apply to injury claims, and they vary by state and by the type of claim. Some claims, including those against a government entity, have much shorter deadlines. Calling early protects your options.
- Cost to hire us: $0 up front, no fee unless we win.
Right now
What should I do first?
The first days matter. These steps protect your health and your claim.
- 1
Get to safety and follow evacuation orders.
- 2
Document your losses with photos, videos, receipts and lists of property.
- 3
Keep insurance records and every communication with your insurer.
- 4
Track extra costs, such as temporary housing and travel.
- 5
Talk to a lawyer before signing a release with any party other than your insurer.
Your wildfire team
Every attorney at Pathway works wildfire cases, together.
All 8 of our attorneys handle every type of case we take, wildfires included, and they work on them as a team.
Start here · About a minute
What happened?
Three gentle questions. No names, no pressure. At the end you’ll see a clear next step.
How our attorneys work
One team, working on your case.
Your case isn’t carried by one person. Our attorneys review cases and work on them together, as true teams.
- 01
A team on your case
Your case is worked on by a team of our attorneys, who explain your options in plain language and advise you on each decision.
- 02
Reviewed together
Our attorneys review cases together, so every decision on yours benefits from more than one experienced perspective.
- 03
Trial experience when it’s needed
If your case needs to go to court, attorneys with trial experience are part of your team.
Client reviews
In our clients’ own words.
Real Google reviews, quoted word for word as they appear in the review feed on our current site.
Google reviews: 4.7 · Based on 347 reviews★★★★★
The communication from Pathway was one of the things I appreciated the most. I never felt like I was left in the dust during my case. The team kept things moving and were quick to respond whenever I reached out.
★★★★★
Pathway provided the guidance and reassurance I was missing elsewhere. When I reached out for a second opinion, they treated my case with genuine care and explained everything clearly. I couldn't be more grateful for their expertise.
★★★★★
Recovering from the accident while also dealing with insurance calls felt like too much to handle at once. Once I hired them, all of that communication went through their office instead of me. Took a while to fully resolve, but I always had a clear sense of where things stood along the way.
Reviews reflect the individual experiences of past clients and are not a guarantee, warranty or prediction of the outcome of any case.
Read more client reviewsWildfire claims FAQ
Wildfire questions, answered.
Answered plainly. Every case is different, so call 310.414.3898 for an answer about yours.
I have insurance. Why would I need a lawyer?
Short answer: Your insurance claim and a claim against the party responsible for the fire are separate.
Insurance may not cover all your losses.
Do I have to wait for the official cause to be determined?
Short answer: Not necessarily. Talking to a lawyer early can help protect your options.
Who may be responsible in a wildfire case?
Short answer: It depends on the facts, but responsible parties can include a utility, if its equipment started the fire; a company or person whose negligence started the fire; and a government entity, in some cases.
Official cause investigations and expert analysis help show how a fire started.
What should I do first after a wildfire?
Short answer: Start with these steps: get to safety, document your losses and keep insurance records.
Track extra costs, such as temporary housing and travel. Talk to a lawyer before signing a release with any party other than your insurer.
What compensation can I recover in a wildfire case?
Short answer: Depending on the facts, a claim can include property, displacement, business losses and personal injury.
What a claim is worth depends on its facts. We’ll give you a straight assessment in your free consultation.
How long do I have to file a wildfire claim?
Short answer: Strict filing deadlines apply to injury claims, and they vary by state and by the type of claim.
Some claims, including those against a government entity, have much shorter deadlines. Calling early protects your options.
Do wildfire cases go to trial?
Short answer: Most cases settle without a trial, but if the other side won’t offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take the case to court.
Your goals guide our strategy, and attorneys with trial experience are part of your team if your case needs to go to court.
How much does it cost to talk to you?
Short answer: Nothing. Consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney’s fees and no case costs, as described in the written fee agreement. The consultation is free, with no obligation to hire us.
Related
Related practice areas
Locations
Wildfire claim lawyers near you
If you cannot come to us, we come to you, at home or at the hospital.
Your next step
Tell us what happened. We’ll take it from there.
A free, confidential conversation. No obligation, and no fee unless we win.
Call 24/7310.414.3898