Wildfires have the potential to be physically harmful, emotionally traumatic and even deadly. A wildfire claim or lawsuit aims to compensate a victim for losses caused by the fire. Seeking fair financial compensation, or damages, for your wildfire claim can allow you and your family to move forward, rebuild and recover as much as possible.
Property Damage
A homeowners or commercial property insurance claim could lead to a settlement that pays for property repairs or rebuilding costs after a wildfire. Your insurance company will determine the value of this payment after receiving repair estimates from its property appraisers or building contractors. You also have the right to hire your own contractors for repair estimates that you can submit along with your insurance claim. A property damage claim can cover any buildings, outbuildings or land on the premises, including vegetation, landscaping, barns and sheds. It can also cover all damaged or destroyed personal belongings and agricultural or livestock losses. In California, an insurance company can pay for either the cost to repair the wildfire damage and restore the property to its pre-fire condition or the loss in the property’s fair market value.
Relocation Costs
When a wildfire uproots a home, family or business, the costs associated with evacuation and temporary relocation can be reimbursed through insurance. This can include the costs of travel, gas, rental vehicles, hotels and per diem expenses. Keep all of your bills and receipts related to your relocation to submit with your insurance claim.
Bodily Injury or Death Coverage
Being closely involved in a wildfire can lead to physical injuries that can be listed as compensable losses on an insurance claim. A victim could be eligible for medical bill reimbursement for all treatments or health care required to heal from injuries such as burns or smoke inhalation damage. If a loved one passes away in a deadly wildfire, surviving family members may be able to file a claim for funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, and grief or mental anguish.
Emotional Distress
If a harmful wildfire is traced back to negligence, or someone’s failure to act with ordinary care, victims may be able to seek financial compensation for noneconomic losses – also known as “pain and suffering.” This can include physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief over losing a loved one or a beloved pet, chronic anxiety or depression, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Business Losses
As a small business owner affected by a wildfire, you could be eligible for financial damages for any business-related losses you suffered.. This can include property damage or destruction, profit losses, interruption to your business, equipment and inventory damage, relocation or rental costs, and marketing losses.
How to Maximize Your Financial Recovery After a Wildfire
Moving on from a devastating wildfire in California may take help from a wildfire litigator. Hiring an attorney can make it easier to receive fair and full financial compensation for your losses. An attorney will know how to negotiate your wildfire claim with an insurance claims adjuster. If necessary, an attorney can litigate your case in the courtroom. A lawyer can determine whether you have grounds for more than just an insurance claim. If someone is responsible for starting the wildfire, such as a negligent utility company, a lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim or join a class action in pursuit of additional financial compensation. Discuss your specific wildfire case today during a free consultation to find out how much it may be worth.