On average, there are over 50,000 wildfires that engulf millions of acres of land every year in the United States. Tragically, the blazes topple homes and businesses and claim dozens of lives, leaving behind devastation and loss. If your property was damaged or you were injured in a wildfire, we’re here to protect your rights. Call us to find out how our Wildfire Lawyers can help with your claim for compensation.
Our firm has hundreds of families recover in the aftermath of a wildfire.
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What is a wildfire?
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns wildland vegetation—most often in rural areas. However, while wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, deserts and other ecosystems, they aren’t limited to any one type of environment. Even though most wildfires start in rural areas, they can quickly spread to more populous residential areas. When these out of control burns spread to residential areas, they devastate not only wildlife and natural areas but also the people, homes and businesses in nearby communities.
What causes wildfires?
According to the National Park Service, 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. Studies show human carelessness is not only the majority cause of wildfires, but it also accounts for doubling the length of wildfire season. Often, humans cause wildfires from the following:
- Campfires left unattended
- Burning debris
- Equipment use and malfunctions
- Negligently discarded cigarettes
- Intentional acts of arson
Who is liable for wildfires?
One of the questions we’re often asked is: How can a utility company be held responsible for damages caused by a wildfire? In fact, a utility company may be held accountable through a wildfire lawsuit if a blaze is caused by the following:
- Old, poorly maintained, or malfunctioning power line
- Sparks from equipment
- A nearby tree that hasn’t been properly maintained by the power company
PG&E’s History of Wildfires in California
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, or PG&E, has been responsible for causing 1,500 California fires in the past six years. Whenever there are significant losses, it’s important that individuals and families hold PG&E responsible by filing a lawsuit. Not only does this hold the company accountable for their negligence, but a lawsuit can prompt negligent companies to change their ways.
Further, at The Carlson Law Firm, our National Wildfire Attorneys help individuals, families, landowners, and businesses that have suffered losses resulting from wildfires.
What can I recover after a wildfire?
If you’re hesitant to consider a lawsuit after an uncontrolled blaze, it’s important that you understand that your homeowners or renters insurance or even FEMA, may not cover all of the expenses you incurred. Further, often, bodily injury that you or a loved one suffered is not recoverable through traditional means. In addition, through these avenues, you may not even be able to recover the full cost of the property you lost. By contacting a Wildfire Lawyer, you may be able to recover the following:
- Evacuation Expenses (such as hotel stays)
- Wrongful Death from Fire or Smoke
- Hospitalization
- Serious Burns
- Other Serious Personal Injury
- Long-term Health Effects
- Psychological Impact
- Home Loss
- Structure Loss
- Damage to Animals/Pets
- Damage to Timber/Trees
- Erosion
- Vegetation Loss
- Damage to Landscaping
- Significant Property Damage
- Economic Loss
- Agriculture Loss
- Damage to Infrastructure
- Business Loss
- Business Interruption
- Smoke Damage
- Damage from Soot & Ash
- Underinsured Property
- FEMA Assistance
- Utility & Other Service Interruptions
- Housing Market Impacts
What are my options after wildfire damage?
Many families don’t realize that there are several options available to help them recover after a wildfire. If you are unsure of how to proceed after a wildfire, contact an attorney. We can help you navigate the systems in place that are there to help you recover from the losses you’ve suffered.
FEMA
FEMA is for those individuals and businesses that either have no insurance or are severely underinsured. According to Carlson Law Firm Wildfire Lawyer Bill Rossick, unless you are certain your insurance covers all your losses, you should apply for FEMA.
If you qualify, FEMA provides cash financial assistance to individuals up to $32,000—depending on the number of homeowners or renters insurance you have. Businesses that have suffered losses in a fire can apply for low-interest disaster loans.
Insurance Company
Homeowners or renters who carry insurance may be able to file a claim with their insurance providers. However, often, what is covered is limited
Lawsuits against companies
As mentioned above, electric providers, railroad companies, and other businesses who spark wildfires through carelessness may be held accountable for the losses of people in communities affected by the negligence that led to a wildfire.
Wildfire cases The Carlson Law Firm is handling
If your home is being threatened by a wildfire caused by an entity such as an electric company or a railroad company, you may be able to recover financial compensation through a lawsuit. Contact our wildfire lawyers at 800-359-5690 to discuss your potential claim.
We are currently handling lawsuits for the following fires:
- Dixie Fire
- South Texas fires
If you suffered losses or just have questions about the recovery process after a fire, give our team a call. We’re happy to discuss your legal options and potential for filing a PG&E lawsuit for the Dixie Fire.
Let our Dixie Fire Lawyers Review Your Claim
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a utility company’s wildfire, our wildfire lawyers will seek damages on your behalf. We will fight to cover compensation for any losses you’ve incurred with absolutely no out-of-pocket expenses from you.
The Carlson Law Firm has been helping plaintiffs in fire injuries for more than 45 years. Furthermore, we have a long history of successfully representing clients with devastating property damage, economic losses, and disruption to homes, businesses, and livelihoods caused by wildfires.
To speak with our Dixie Fire lawyers, call us at 800-359-5690 or use the chatbox below.
Affected by the Dixie Fire? Start your road to recovery
See the Latest Dixie Fire Updates
- Cal Fire: See incident reports from Cal Fire’s website.
- Maps: View maps from the U.S. Forest Service.
- Road closures: Get updates from Caltrans District 2’s Twitter feed.
- Evacuations: Find the latest information from Cal Fire.
- Dixie Fire information line: (530) 538-7826.
How to Contact a Wildfire Lawyer
A Wildfire Lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm at 800-359-5690 is available to discuss your property’s fire damage. Not only are we available, but also our compassionate attorneys will provide you with legal guidance to get you what PG&E and other negligent entities owe you.
We Care. We Can Help.
When a fire is caused by the negligence of a company, that company needs to be held responsible for its failures. If you are a victim of wildfire, contact our firm. In fact, we can help you determine your next steps with a Wildfire Lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm.
Our team of experienced and dedicated Wildfire Lawyers understands what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our offices at 800-359-5690 to speak with our legal team for free.