What types of wildfire losses can be recovered in California?

Depending on the facts and the claim, wildfire litigation may involve property damage, smoke damage, loss of use, evacuation and temporary housing costs, cleanup, and other related losses.

Do I need documentation for a wildfire claim?

Yes. Photos, videos, repair estimates, receipts, insurance communications, and an inventory of damaged items can help document losses and support your claim.

Is there a deadline to file a wildfire lawsuit in California?

Deadlines vary by claim type and defendant. Early evaluation is important to preserve evidence and avoid missing time limits.

Can you help if my insurance claim is delayed or underpaid?

Yes. We can review the facts, policy communications, and damages to evaluate legal options if coverage is disputed, delayed, or underpaid.

What should I do right away after wildfire damage?

Prioritize safety, document damage, keep receipts, mitigate further loss when safe to do so, and preserve communications with insurers or other parties.

How do attorney fees work for wildfire litigation?

Fee structures vary by case. Many matters are handled on a contingency basis or another arrangement discussed during your consultation.

California Wildfire Attorneys

The recent wildfires across Los Angeles and the Southern California area—including the Palisades, Easton, Hurst, Kenneth, and Sunset fires—have devastated many homes, and damaged countless more. Whether you’ve lost your home, suffered property damage, or tragically lost a loved one due to a wildfire, Michael Burgis and Associates has the experience to provide the legal support you need to recover and rebuild. No attorney fees until we win.

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Insurance Claims: Maximizing Your Recovery

Many homeowners rely on insurance to cover fire damage, but insurers often try to minimize payouts. Working with the wildfire attorneys at MB&A can help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.

How to File a Wildfire Insurance Claim

Review Your Policy – Our attorneys help you understand what is covered, including dwelling damage, personal property, and additional living expenses (ALE).
File Your Claim Promptly – California law requires insurers to act in good faith, but delays can hurt your case.
Demand a Fair Settlement – Insurance adjusters often undervalue claims; our attorneys ensure you don’t accept an unreasonable low offer.
Appeal Denials or Low Payouts – If your claim is denied or undervalued, attorneys at MB&A can help you challenge the decision.

Common Insurance Issues After a Wildfire

Total Loss vs. Partial Loss – Insurers may try to label a total loss as a partial loss to reduce payouts.
Depreciation Disputes – Your policy may cover the replacement cost, not the depreciated value.
Bad Faith Insurance Practices – If your insurer unfairly denies or delays your claim, you may have grounds for legal action.
If your insurance company is not treating you fairly, legal intervention may be necessary to ensure you receive the full benefits you are owed.

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Third-Party Claims

Many fires are caused by downed power lines, negligent maintenance, or poor fire prevention efforts. You may have grounds for legal action if:

A utility company’s negligence caused the fire (e.g., poorly maintained power lines sparked the blaze).
A government agency failed to take reasonable fire prevention measures, such as clearing brush or responding appropriately.
A third party’s actions or negligence contributed to the damage, such as a contractor’s faulty work leading to increased fire spread.

What Type of Compensation Can You Receive?

If you’ve been affected by a wildfire in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to recover damages. Learn about the types of compensation you can seek for property loss, injuries, and more.

Compensation claims can include:

Damage to your home
Damage to your business property
Business losses due to disruption
Lost income or living expenses
Emotional distress
Personal injury
Wrongful death

Contact Us About Your Wildfire Claims

Fill out the form for a free case review. One of our wildfire recovery attorneys will reach out to you to discuss your claim. No attorney fees until we win.

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