If you have always paid your insurance premiums, your first step after a harmful wildfire in California should be to file an insurance claim. If the claim is met with pushback from the insurance company, such as the insurer attempting to shift the blame to a utility company, explore your options for making a financial recovery with a wildfire attorney in California.
How Are Utility Companies Involved in Wildfires?
Utility companies have been responsible for many of California’s worst wildfires in recent years. Destructive wildfires such as the Eaton Fire and Camp Fire have been connected to utility company negligence, such as poor electrical equipment maintenance and fire safety code violations. If an investigation finds that a utility company caused or contributed to a wildfire, victims have the right to sue. Should your insurance carrier shift the blame for the wildfire to a utility service company or another corporation, you can choose to pursue your own claim or lawsuit against the utility company for negligence to seek maximum compensation. Negligence describes a failure to act with proper care to prevent harm to others. Utility companies have a responsibility to understand fire risks and take proactive steps to prevent wildfires, such as properly inspecting and maintaining their equipment. Proof or evidence of utility company negligence in connection with a wildfire in California can result in the at-fault party being held accountable.
Utility Company Lawsuit vs. Insurance Settlement
As a wildfire victim who has sustained injuries, medical bills, property damage or other losses, your insurance should cover at least some of your damages. However, the benefits available based on your policy may not be enough to compensate you for serious or expensive losses. In addition, insurance will not cover pain, suffering or emotional distress, which can be significant. A lawsuit, on the other hand, can fully compensate you for past and future damages. You can hold a utility company accountable for its role in causing the wildfire and seek maximum compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Your claim may also result in punitive damages, or an additional amount that may be awarded to punish a utility company for corporate negligence, recklessness or malicious misconduct. A wildfire lawsuit against a utility company does not necessarily mean you will have to go to court in California. Most wildfire cases reach settlements outside of court, and victims never set foot inside a courtroom. Hiring an experienced wildfire attorney can improve your odds of achieving a fair settlement from an insurance company during pre-trial negotiations.
How a Wildfire Attorney Can Help
Filing a wildfire claim directly against a utility company can be daunting. You will need to navigate a complex legal process that requires strong evidence, witnesses and experts, and knowledge of California’s related laws. A wildfire attorney will have the experience and resources needed to engage in negotiations or – if necessary – litigate against a defendant. Your lawyer can gather evidence, determine how the wildfire started and bring a claim against a utility company on your behalf. You can focus on rebuilding and planning for the future while your attorney handles the legal process for you. Through every step of the way, your lawyer will be there to answer your questions and address your concerns.
At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, our experienced Eaton Fire attorneys are committed to holding utility companies accountable for their actions when they cause California wildfires. We can help you resolve a claim brought directly against a utility corporation with personalized legal services. Contact us for a free case review to learn more.