What To Do If You Have Been Impacted By The LA Wildfires

Posted on 02/9/25

in California Wildfire Litigation, California Wildfires, News, Personal Injury, Wildfire Resources, Wrongful Death

We are saddened to see so many suffering as a result of the Los Angeles Wild Fires. The LA Fires are displacing and injuring so many. If you have been impacted, knowing your resources and rights is important. While we cannot give legal advice to those who are not our clients, we can provide useful information.

In the aftermath of such a disaster, knowing your rights and the steps to take can make a significant difference in your recovery, both financially and legally.

As California wildfire litigation attorneys, we understand the long-term impact of wildfires. Whether you’ve suffered property loss, injuries, or emotional distress, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Helpful LA Wildfire Resources

If you know anyone impacted by the Los Angeles Fires, you may want to ask them to look at the following links for resources after they have reached safety.

This is not a substitute for accessing the homeowner’s insurance policy benefits that may be available but it is worth exploring these options.

Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights After the LA Wildfires

Unless you have experienced a wildfire before, most people are unsure of what to do after suffering a tragic event like this. Here are some steps you can take after a wildfire to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention

The first concern after a wildfire is safety. If you or a loved one has been injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Smoke inhalation, burns, and other injuries can have delayed symptoms, so even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a doctor.

If you have evacuated, wait for official clearance before returning home. Wildfire sites often have hidden dangers like unstable structures, live electrical wires, and hazardous air quality.

Document Property Damage, Losses, and Injuries

Once it is safe to do so, start gathering evidence of your losses. Take clear photos and videos of any damage to your home, vehicles, and personal belongings. Keep track of any expenses related to temporary housing, transportation, and emergency supplies. If possible, locate past home inventory lists, receipts, or appraisals to strengthen your claim. For personal injuries, document medical treatments, symptoms, and any pain or emotional distress you are experiencing. Keep a journal of your daily struggles, including physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, physical impairment, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress.

File an Insurance Claim, But Be Cautious

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, notify your provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Request a copy of your policy and review it carefully to understand what is covered. Do not sign anything that would waive your rights to compensation from your insurance company or others.

Be prepared for delays, underpayment, or pushback from your insurer. Many wildfire victims experience bad faith insurance tactics, where companies try to minimize payouts or deny claims unfairly. Do not accept the first settlement offer without fully evaluating its fairness. If you feel your claim is being mishandled, a California personal injury attorney can help negotiate with the insurance company or take legal action if necessary.

Understand Your Legal Rights Beyond Insurance

Many wildfire victims assume insurance is their only recourse, but in some cases, there may be additional legal options. If the fire was caused by negligence such as faulty power lines, poor land management, or a company’s failure to maintain safety standards, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Potential legal claims include:

  • Personal injury lawsuits for burns, smoke inhalation, and other health conditions caused by the fire
  • Wrongful death claims if a loved one lost their life in the wildfire
  • Property damage lawsuits if negligence contributed to the destruction of your home or land
  • Bad faith insurance claims against companies that deny or delay legitimate claims

An experienced wildfire litigation attorney can help determine if you have grounds for a legal claim and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Beware of Fraud and Scammers

Unfortunately, disaster situations attract scammers who take advantage of vulnerable victims. Be cautious of individuals or businesses offering quick insurance payouts, repair services, or legal representation without credentials. Only work with licensed contractors and verified organizations. Similarly, be aware of potential fraudulent insurance practices. If your insurer pressures you to sign documents you don’t understand or tries to rush a settlement without a full damage assessment, seek legal advice before proceeding.