California Wildfire Attorneys
Request Free ConsultationDamage caused by wildfires has left thousands of people wondering where to turn for help. Handling insurance claims, healthcare, and legal issues after such devastating losses is never easy. Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP attorneys want to help. Our Los Angeles injury lawyers understand the challenges faced by those affected by wildfires and want to ensure that residents and business owners are aware of their legal rights.
Insurance issues are one of the most common frustrations to arise after a wildfire. Policyholders require reliable legal representation to effectively manage conflicts with insurance companies and secure the compensation they need following significant losses. Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP has helped thousands of clients recover more than $10 billion in damages since our firm’s beginnings. Contact us today for a free consultation on your California wildfire claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for Your California Wildfire Lawyer?
At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we understand the devastating toll wildfires can take on families, homes, and communities across California. Our firm has a proven track record of standing up to utility companies and insurance carriers on behalf of wildfire victims—and winning.
Deep Experience in Wildfire Litigation
Our attorneys have represented victims in some of the most catastrophic wildfires in California history, including the Camp Fire, Woolsey Fire, and Thomas Fire. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with major utility companies like PG&E and Southern California Edison and secured justice for thousands of clients.
Nationally Recognized Trial Lawyers
Our team includes award-winning trial lawyers who are not afraid to take cases to court. We’ve earned multi-million and even billion-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we bring that same relentless approach to every wildfire case we handle.
Leadership in Complex Wildfire Cases
Partner Rahul Ravipudi has served in key leadership roles in mass tort and wildfire litigation, helping shape the legal strategies that hold utility companies accountable. Our firm is often selected by courts and co-counsel to lead large-scale legal efforts.
Contingency Fee Basis
We represent wildfire victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all litigation costs, so you never have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses.
We Have Experience And Success With California Wildfire Claims
$4 billion settlement for plaintiffs in the Maui wildfire case
At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we’ve helped thousands of wildfire victims recover compensation for wildfires caused by third-party negligence, including obtaining damages for property and business losses, loss of income, personal injuries (including emotional distress), and wrongful death of loved ones.
We have extensive experience advocating for victims of California wildfires and serve in leadership roles in litigation against utility companies.
We’ve recovered more than $10 billion for our clients with a 99% success rate. This includes some of the largest personal injury verdicts and settlements in U.S. history.
Steps To Take After A California Wildfire
If you’ve recently suffered damages due to a wildfire, it’s critical to take the right steps early on to protect your rights and strengthen any future insurance or legal claims.
Dealing with displacement, temporary housing, and emergency needs can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay organized and gather as much documentation as possible. This will make a significant difference when it comes time to file an insurance claim or pursue compensation.
Key Actions to Take:
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Preserve All EvidenceKeep physical and photographic evidence of property damage. Don’t discard damaged items before documenting them.
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Save Receipts and RecordsStore receipts for hotel stays, food, clothing, transportation, and other essentials. These may be reimbursable by your insurance provider.
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Document All CorrespondenceKeep a record of every email, text message, or letter sent to or received from your insurance company, landlord, utility providers, or emergency services.
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Report the Damage PromptlyNotify your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible and request a full copy of your policy to understand your coverage.
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Avoid Making Repairs Without ApprovalUnless they are emergency fixes to prevent further damage, wait until your insurer has assessed your property.
If you’ve been affected by a wildfire, contact the experienced attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. Our firm has a strong record of results and is ready to help you navigate the complexities of insurance and legal claims. Call us today for a free consultation—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Common Insurance Concerns Following A California Wildfire
Insurance companies are in the business of selling protection, but when it’s time to file a claim, many policyholders find the process frustrating and confusing.
While insurers are legally required to handle claims fairly and in good faith, they often send investigators or adjusters to look for reasons to reduce payouts. One of the most common problems people face is getting a much lower settlement offer than expected.
For example, if your policy covers up to $50,000 in property damage, but the insurer only offers $20,000, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Insurance companies may argue that certain losses aren’t covered or that repairs cost less than claimed. That’s why it’s important to have legal support. Your attorney can help interpret your policy, gather evidence, and fight for the full amount you’re owed.
California Wildfire Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a wildfire insurance claim or lawsuit?
Under California law, you typically have two years from the date of the wildfire to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit. Homeowners’ insurance claims should be filed promptly per your policy’s deadlines—usually within days or weeks. Waiting too long could jeopardize your claim.
Can I claim smoke or ash damage separately from the wildfire damage?
Yes. Even if your property avoided direct fire, smoke and ash can cause significant damage to your belongings and HVAC systems. These damages can be claimed separately under most homeowners’ insurance policies.
What is inverse condemnation, and how does it apply?
Inverse condemnation allows you to seek compensation without proving fault if a utility company’s infrastructure (like power lines) caused the wildfire on your property. This strict liability route is often used in utility-related wildfire claims.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from my insurance company?
Typically, not immediately. Insurance adjusters often make low “initial offers” to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney can help you push for a fair settlement or escalate unresolved claims into litigation.
What types of damages can I recover?
You can seek compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Property damage
- Smoke and cleanup costs
- Additional living expenses
- Business interruption losses
- Emotional distress and loss of use
What kind of evidence strengthens my wildfire claim?
Key items include:
- Photos or videos immediately after the fire and during rebuilding
- Receipts for temporary housing, repairs, or storage
- Documentation of cleanup or restoration services
- Expert reports
Can I pursue both an insurance claim and a lawsuit?
Absolutely. Many wildfire victims file an insurance claim and, if necessary, pursue a lawsuit against utilities or insurers.
Rising construction and material costs—and inflated rebuilding demands—mean many homeowners find they’re underinsured. Look for “wildfire sublimits,” check your Replacement Cost Value (not just Actual Cash Value), and compare policy limits against real rebuild estimates.
What happens if my insurer won’t renew my policy?
If your policy is canceled or not renewed due to wildfire risk, California requires insurers to give at least 75 days’ notice, and a 12-month moratorium applies in declared disaster areas. If you’re left without coverage, options include:
Can I get discounts if I harden my home against wildfires?
Yes! California’s “Safer from Wildfires” program offers insurers discounted rates for wildfire mitigation efforts. Not all insurers participate, and discounts vary—so compare options and ask if your mitigation qualifies.
I evacuated—am I entitled to extra living expenses (ALE)?
Absolutely. California law mandates at least two weeks of ALE for evacuees, and for residents who lost their homes, insurers must provide an advance of no less than four months. ALE covers lodging, meals, and other essential costs.
Can renters make wildfire claims—even if they don’t own the property?
Yes! Renters can claim damages to personal belongings, relocation costs, and injuries, just like homeowners.
What should I ask my insurance agent before a wildfire?
Key questions include: “Am I covered for wildfire smoke, embers, and soot?”, “Am I insured for Replacement Cost Value?”, and “Do I have ALE coverage—and how much?” .
Can I sue a utility company if their equipment started the fire?
Yes—especially via inverse condemnation, a legal rule in California holding utilities strictly liable when fires start along their infrastructure, even without proving direct negligence.
What’s the deadline to file wildfire-related claims or lawsuits?
Insurance claims must be filed “promptly” (check your policy—but typically within weeks). For lawsuits—whether against insurers or utilities—you generally have two years from the fire date under California law.
Speak To A California Wildfire Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one has suffered losses due to a California wildfire, don’t face the aftermath alone. The experienced attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for property damage, displacement, emotional distress, and more. With a proven record of holding utility companies and insurers accountable, our team is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation—you pay nothing unless we win your case.