Recovering from a wildfire in California may involve filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against someone for causing or contributing to the disaster. If so, it is important to take the time to find the best wildfire attorney for your individual case, needs and circumstances. Schedule a free consultation with your top choice and ask the following questions to determine if he or she is the right fit for you.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
Begin by verifying that the lawyer has the right type and amount of experience to properly handle your wildfire claim. Wildfire cases are in their own category of personal injury law. Past experience specifically handling and litigating wildfire cases can make an important difference to the outcome of your case. Search online or ask for referrals specifically for a California wildfire lawyer with real-world experience.
What Are Your Past Case Results?
Ask the attorney if he or she was involved in any recent California wildfire cases, such as the Eaton Fire, Woolsey Fire, Creek Fire and North Bay Fires. Inquire about the results of these past cases to verify that the law firm has what it takes to win when going up against utility companies and other powerful adversaries. This can give you confidence in the attorney’s ability to navigate the laws and nuances surrounding your case.
What Is Your Reputation in the Legal Industry?
The right wildfire lawyer for you will have a positive reputation – both within the community and the legal industry. You can verify this by checking to see if the lawyer has faced any disciplinary actions from the State Bar of California. You can also read client testimonials to get an idea of how the attorney treats his or her clients. Do clients feel respected and supported? Legal association memberships, awards, accreditations and educational backgrounds can also prove an attorney’s skill and prowess.
Do You Have the Power to Litigate My Case?
Wildfire cases do not always need litigation; many reach successful settlements through insurance claims outside of court. However, it is important to hire an attorney with litigation capabilities to adapt to the needs of your case. Ask the attorney what his or her approach to your case will be: settlement or litigation? Has the attorney ever been appointed as lead counsel in a wildfire litigation? Does the law firm have connections to relevant experts for testimony? These questions can determine whether the law firm is equipped to fight large corporations and handle mass tort litigation, if necessary.
Who Will Be Handling My Wildfire Case?
Before you hire an attorney, you want to be sure that you know who will actually be handling your case. Will it be dealt with by a lawyer, or handed off to a paralegal or assistant? Ask the attorney if he or she currently has the time to take on your wildfire case. Ask questions about the attorney’s communication methods and frequency of case updates, as well. Whoever you choose should make himself or herself available to answer your questions.
How Much Do Your Services Cost?
Finally, ask how the wildfire litigation attorney charges for his or her representation and legal services. For the greatest financial peace of mind, you should look for a lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer will not charge any attorney’s fees if your wildfire case does not result in financial compensation. At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, we only take attorney’s fees from compensation received for losses that your insurance policy does not cover. We do not take fees on undisputed compensation you receive from an insurance company for rebuilding and repairs. We also offer free initial case reviews, where you can ask all of these questions and more to find out if we are the right fit for your California wildfire case. Contact us today.