Wild Fires

Wild Fires

Wildfire Lawyer

Wildfires are one of the most potentially damaging disasters that one can face in many parts of the country, particularly the West. The risks of wildfires here is significant, given the presence of old-growth forests, which are less resistant to fires, and the dry air. The damage that these fires can cause may be significant, often resulting in those in their path losing their entire homes. It’s critical that anyone who suffers these losses receive fair compensation.

At the Law Office of Daniel G. Shay, we recognize the challenges of seeking compensation for wildfire damages. We’ve worked with victims of the 242 Fire and others to pursue fair recovery for what they’ve lost. Our firm understands how to work with insurance companies to see that you get everything you’re owed. If the insurance policy doesn’t cover the totality of your damages, we can also help you file a claim against any liable parties that are responsible for the fires.

Compensation for Wildfire Damage

Compensation for wildfire damage can come from a few different sources. The first place for many is their own insurance provider. For those whose homes are damaged by a wildfire, collecting on their own homeowner’s insurance policy is one of the most effective means of receiving compensation. However, insurance companies are notoriously difficult to get full compensation from, so it’s important that the procedure be followed properly. You’ll also need to have a strong understanding of what should be covered.

There are times when an insurance policy may not be enough to cover the full scope of the damages you’re facing. Many wildfires, though, are not entirely natural in their origins. There are times when a wildfire is caused by the negligence of a particular party. In other instances, the impact of the wildfire could have been mitigated if it hadn’t been for negligence on the part of another party. When this is the case, these parties may be responsible for providing some compensation.

Utility Companies

A common source of wildfires involves issues with poorly maintained or malfunctioning power equipment, such as transformers or power lines. This can lead to sparks that could ignite a wildfire.

Contractors and Construction Companies

If proper precautions are not taken when performing welding, cutting, and other activities that could produce sparks, there could be a risk of wildfires.

Equipment Manufacturers

Malfunctioning equipment, particularly in the construction industry, can trigger fires. This could lead to the manufacturer of that equipment being held liable.

Negligent Individuals

Although they may not necessarily have the funds to cover significant expenses, a wildfire may be caused by the negligence of a specific individual, such as someone who didn’t properly care for a campfire or flicked a cigarette out of their car window.

Government Agencies

In most cases, it’s the responsibility of government agencies to manage forests through activities like controlled burns or maintaining firebreaks as a means of preventing wildfires. They are also responsible for firefighting efforts. If they can be shown to have been negligent in any of these areas, they could be liable for a fire or the resulting damage.

What a Wildfire Attorney Can Do to Help

A wildfire attorney can assist those who have suffered wildfire damage in a variety of ways. One is by helping with the process of seeking compensation from an insurance provider. This can be crucial, as a provider may try to avoid paying what they are fully liable for. However, working with the right lawyer can be critical to holding them to account.

The first task that an experienced lawyer can do is take a thorough look at the policy agreement and help you understand what should be covered. This can inform you of whether you are being shortchanged in any way by your insurance provider.

A lawyer can often be particularly helpful in the process of filing a claim as well. There’s a significant amount of paperwork involved, and it’s imperative that the proper procedure for filing a claim be followed. Any kind of error in following the proper process could lead to delays in having the claim addressed. In some cases, the claim could even be rejected.

A wildfire lawyer can also be a critical ally if the insurance policy doesn’t cover the full extent of the damages that the wildfire caused. In this case, an experienced lawyer, like Daniel G. Shay, can identify other parties that may bear potential liability for the fire. They also understand the process of seeking compensation from those parties, so they can skillfully represent you throughout your case. It’s important to work with a talented lawyer to ensure that you receive the full compensation you need after a wildfire.

Get Help From an Experienced Wildfire Lawyer

Wildfires are an unfortunate reality of living in the western portion of the US. Its extensive forests, which are not broken up by huge portions of farmland like in other parts of the country, mean that forest fires can be difficult to fight and can go on for long periods of time. The dry conditions and old growth of many of these forests make the risks of fires all the more likely. These factors can lead to significant damage.

The personal damage caused by these fires can be devastating. Fortunately, as warnings and evacuations have improved, many are able to avoid falling victim to the fires. However, many people who are in the path of the fires lose their homes. Even those who are lucky enough to avoid losing their homes may suffer extensive damage. The right lawyer, however, could help you seek compensation for your damages.

The Law Office of Daniel G. Shay has extensive experience in working with the victims of wildfire damage and helping them seek compensation for their losses. This could mean speaking with insurance providers to ensure that the full terms of a policy are met. However, when insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage, it may be necessary to seek compensation from those who were responsible for the fire, such as a power company whose downed lines may have caused the issue. If you’ve suffered damages from a wildfire, contact our offices today to discuss how we can help.