California Wildfire Damage Lawyers
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer loss and trauma a wildfire causes. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. If someone else’s negligence caused a wildfire that resulted in financial, physical, or emotional damages, you may be eligible to seek compensation against the liable party. When you turn to Cutter Law, you’ll find a fierce and experienced team of California wildfire lawyers ready to fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life.
UPDATE: We are currently accepting cases for the Eaton wildfire in Los Angeles.
Our Story
At Cutter Law, we have seen first-hand the devastation a catastrophic wildfire can leave behind. In 2017, attorney John Roussas’ family lost their dream home and life time’s memories to the Tubb’s Fire in Fountain Grove.
John’s parents went to bed on October 8, 2017, with no idea in just a few hours they’d be evacuated. They woke up to a phone call at 2:00 a.m., alerting them they needed to get out quickly. They had time to get dressed and grab their vehicles before they left, but within hours the home they lovingly and painstakingly built—the home where they raised their children since 1992 and had their children’s friends congregate—was gone.
After staying in a hotel for two weeks, they got a rental home to move to. But they faced the difficult decision of what to do next. And they have to come to terms emotionally with the loss of their dream home and all the memories it held.
Their story is not unique—3,000 families lost their homes that day, and many more suffer profound losses each year throughout California.
Helping Families Rebuild After Wildfires
Our firm applies this personal understanding to every wildfire lawsuit we handle. Since the Tubb’s Fire, our team has dedicated ourselves to helping families who lose everything to California wildfires. Our attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families, many of whom suffered damages due to wildfires, so they can start rebuilding their lives. We are passionate about helping wildfire victims navigate their rights, options, and resources in what may be the most challenging time of their lives. You can expect this same level of dedication if you entrust us with your case.
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Featured Wild Fire Attorney
Brooks Cutter won an important victory on behalf of State Farm policyholders, with the court ruling that State Farm must change how it depreciates personal property after a fire or theft.
Who Can Be Liable for Wildfire Damage?
Any person or organization that acts negligently or intentionally and causes a wildfire to ignite or spread can be liable for the resulting damages. Many times, the liable party is a utility company, such as PG&E, Southern California Edison, and PacifiCorp.
If a utility company’s negligent actions or inactions contributed to the wildfire that caused you harm, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against it. Our fire attorneys have found success in holding large California utility companies accountable for their role in causing wildfires. Your legal options may include filing a property damage claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death action.
Examples of Negligence by a Utility Company
Utility companies are often responsible for wildfires. They operate and maintain potentially dangerous electrical equipment, such as power lines, cables, transformers, and poles. When these companies fail to properly adhere to safety protocols for their equipment, they can spark a wildfire when weather conditions are dry and windy.
Some examples of negligent, careless, or deliberate behavior by a utility company that could result in wildfire liability include:
- Failure to remove trees that could fall onto power lines and ignite a fire
- Failure to trim or clear vegetation near power lines
- Failure to shut off power during high-risk conditions
- Failure to maintain equipment properly
- Failure to repair or replace faulty equipment
You can recover all of your medical bills, lost earnings if you’ve missed work, and pain and suffering – which is often the biggest recovery if you’re significantly hurt.
Brooks Cutter,
Founder of Cutter Law
What Damages Can I Claim in a Wildfire Lawsuit?
In a wildfire case, you can claim damages for any economic and non-economic losses you suffered from the fire, such as the following:
- The costs related to any injuries, including medical treatment, long-term care, or disability accommodations
- Lost income due to the destruction of your business or loss of employment
- Property damage, including damage to your home or its surrounding landscape, vehicles, and personal belongings
- Evacuation and alternative living arrangement costs
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages
Punitive damages may also be available if the liable party has consciously disregarded the rights or safety of others. These damages are meant to punish the liable party and prevent future misconduct.
Can a Utility Company Be Sued for Wrongful Death From a Wildfire?
If a loved one has died from a wildfire caused by someone’s negligence or misconduct, you may be eligible to sue that party for wrongful death damages. Examples of wrongful death damages include the loss of the deceased’s financial support and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of love and companionship.
How Do I Know if I'm Entitled to Compensation From the Utility Company?
In general, anyone who has suffered harm or sustained losses due to the wildfire may seek compensation from any responsible party, including any liable utility companies. This includes those who suffered property damage or bodily injuries due to direct contact with the flames and smoke. In addition, those who suffered indirect harm. For example, if you had to evacuate your home due to the fire, even if the fire never touched your property, you could recover damages for any mental anguish or emotional distress you suffered due to the evacuation.
You may also be entitled to compensation if smoke or soot from the fire damaged your property or caused inhalation-related bodily injuries. Additionally, if firefighters’ efforts to contain the fire caused water or mold damage to your property, you could recover damages from the utility company.
Certain family members of individuals who died from the fire are also entitled to compensation. In general, California law gives priority for filing a wrongful death lawsuit to the deceased’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, surviving children, and the children of any deceased child.
The best way to determine if you’re entitled to compensation for wildfire damages is to speak with a California wildfire lawyer. The experienced wildfire attorneys at Cutter Law can investigate the fire, determine the cause, and identify who is responsible for causing it.
Can I File a Wildfire Lawsuit if I Don't Have Insurance?
In general, you do not need to have insurance coverage to file a wildfire lawsuit. If a utility or other third party caused the fire, you are entitled to compensation for your damages, whether you have insurance or not.
Thus, both insured and uninsured individuals may recover compensation in a California wildfire lawsuit.
Insurance claims may still play a role in the wildfire damage litigation process. If you have homeowners’ insurance, you can pursue a claim for replacement or repair of your home and outbuildings, replacement of your personal property, and lodging while you cannot live in your home.
However, homeowners’ coverage does not cover all of your losses. If your damages exceed your insurance coverage, you could file a lawsuit for your remaining damages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a California Wildfire Lawsuit?
The deadline for filing a lawsuit depends on the type of claim you are pursuing. California’s statute of limitations for property damage is three years from the date the damage occurred. The statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death is two years from the date of the injury or death.
How Long Does a Wildfire Lawsuit Against a Utility Company Typically Take?
No two wildfire lawsuits are the same, and their duration can vary from several months to several years. Factors influencing how long it takes to get compensation from a utility company include the case’s complexity, the amount of evidence available, and whether the case settles out of court or goes to trial.
What Should I Do To Prepare for Filing a Wildfire Lawsuit?
If you’re considering filing a wildfire lawsuit, the following steps can help you prepare:
- Document all property damage and bodily injuries.
- Keep track of all expenses related to the wildfire, such as evacuation costs, property repairs, and medical bills.
- Gather any available evidence that may support your case, such as witness statements or news articles.
- Report the damages to your insurance company and keep a record of all correspondence related to your claim.
- Consult a California wildfire lawyer at Cutter Law to discuss your next steps.
My House Was Destroyed by the California Fires. What Do I Do Now?
Your first priority is to ensure you and your family are safe and have safe housing until you move to a permanent home. If you don’t have a copy of your policy, contact your fire insurance company to obtain a copy. Next, make an inventory of all items you lost in the fires so you can be reimbursed for those items.
At What Stage in the Insurance Process Should I Contact an Attorney?
You can contact an attorney at any stage during the California fire insurance claim process, from before you file a claim to when you fight the insurance company’s decision. The earlier you contact us, however, the better as we can review your policy and advise you of your rights immediately.
I Don’t Have Insurance, and Lost Everything That I Own. Is There Anything That Can Be Done?
Yes. Whether you have insurance or not, Cutter Law can help you. There are private and public organizations out there to help you now, and we can prosecute your claim against those responsible for causing the fire.
Why Is It Important to Speak With an Attorney Today?
The sooner you protect your legal rights, the more likely you are to achieve a good outcome. Rains are coming. Demolition work will soon begin. Whether you lost a loved one, your home, or the property you worked for all of your life, you need to make sure someone you can trust preserves the evidence you will need to get justice.
How Do I Know What Is Included in My California Home Fire Insurance Coverage?
Your insurance company is required to provide you with a copy of your fire insurance policy. If you do not have a copy of your policy, contact your fire insurance company to obtain one. That policy will explain your benefits and policy limits.
My Insurance Company Offered Me Less Than I'm Entitled to Under My Policy. Can I Fight That Decision?
Yes. Insurance companies are required to allow for an appraisal process if policyholders feel the company’s decision is unfair or unjust. Furthermore, if the fire insurance company has acted illegally, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to force the insurance company to change its policies or practices.
What If I Don't Have California House Insurance?
Even if you don’t have California homeowners insurance, if someone was responsible for the fire due to negligence or deliberate behavior, you may be entitled to compensation from the person or party responsible.
What If a Utility Company Was Responsible for the California Fires?
If it is determined that a utility company was responsible for the California fires, people who suffered damages related to the fires may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the person or party responsible. Damages could include property damage, emotional distress, and personal injury.
How Can the Wildfire Attorneys at Cutter Law Help Me?
Getting the compensation you deserve after a wildfire is never easy. Even if your damages are less than your insurance policy limit, your insurance company may still deny or undervalue your claim. Many homeowners are underinsured and must seek compensation directly from the liable utility companies. Those utility companies have seasoned lawyers and other professionals working for them who will do everything they can to limit their liability. Cutter Law can level the playing field and fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing people whose lives have been turned upside down by wildfires. When you turn to us, we’ll listen to your story and inform you of your options and what to expect, including timelines, necessary documentation, and the steps ahead.
If we proceed with a case, we’ll thoroughly investigate the wildfire incident. We’ll gather strong evidence, including expert witnesses or forensic analysis, to demonstrate the utility company’s liability and your resulting damages. Our team will guide you through each phase of the legal process for filing a lawsuit and pursuing compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Start with a free consultation. We listen to what happened, how it’s affected your life, and what you need to move forward.
You’ll have a direct line to our attorneys. We keep communication open and ensure you always know what’s happening with your case.
From day one, we go all in—gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and preparing for trial if needed. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Economic damages are the losses you can measure with dollars and cents, such as your lost wages, your past medical bills, and your future medical bills.
You can pursue compensation from an unlicensed driver, but you must prove their fault in the accident.
Non-economic damages are those quality of life losses that you sustain in an injury, including the pain and suffering, humiliation, and grief.
As a family run California law firm we pride ourselves in providing every client personal attention and representation. The outstanding results we have gotten for our fire clients are a direct result of our commitment to understanding and presenting all aspects of their case.
Hear from our previous clients about the relationships we build together.
Celine Cutter has done a fantastic job negotiating with our insurance company with a possible bad faith claim. We had a house fire over a year ago and were getting nowhere until we hired Celine. She is a perfect combination of kind, compassionate and firm. Her communication has been excellent through the process and her knowledge of the law is very evident. We are so glad we have Celine in our corner.
Cutter Law is as good as it gets! Margot is an outstanding trial attorney. Not only does she have profound expertise in her field, but she also genuinely cares for her clients’ well-being. It’s rare to find such a combination of professional excellence and compassionate care. I highly recommend Cutter Law!
Brooks has a long-established, respected reputation as a skilled trial attorney and a record of proven success.