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The Los Angeles Wildfire Lawsuit is an active lawsuit
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The Los Angeles wildfires have impacted dozens of communities, burned tens of thousands of acres, and left a lasting financial strain on survivors that may last generations. Wildfire victims may be entitled to compensation by filing an insurance claim to help them pay for evacuation costs, property repairs or replacement, medical bills, and other losses related to these fires. They do not have to navigate the complicated claim process alone.

Partnering with an attorney who is knowledgeable in California’s wildfire-related insurance laws can help victims move through the claims process with ease and confidence. Lawyers can call on their wealth of legal knowledge to help fortify people against tactics the insurance company may be using to try to underpay, deny, or delay the processing of claims.

About LA Wildfire Insurance Claim Attorneys:

Why You Need a Los Angeles Wildfire Insurance Claim Lawyer

Hiring an attorney to assist you with your wildfire insurance claim can help ensure you are accurately and fairly compensated for your losses. Wildfire insurance policies can be complex, and insurers often put up unnecessary roadblocks to discourage policyholders from getting the money they deserve according their policies. For example, the insurance company may use delay tactics or unfair valuation techniques to try to avoid paying out the full value of the person’s losses. However, when the insured person has an attorney, the insurance companies often change their tactics.

A wildfire insurance claim attorney can help fortify the policyholder against these unjust strategies. A lawyer can clarify confusing jargon in an insurance contract. A lawyer can also write targeted letters with important terms the insurance company is looking for to trigger part of the policy. If these tactics are not successful, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit related to the losses you sustained during the Los Angeles wildfires.

What Are the Common Challenges in LA Wildfire Insurance Claims?

Many insurance companies have their bottom line at the top of their minds when processing wildfire claims. To this end, they may needlessly deny or delay claims or use inaccurate valuation methods to try to underpay what the victims are owed under their policies.

Denied Claims

Insurers may point to a number of different things to try to deny a wildfire claim. For example, they may wrongly allege that the insured did not send the proper paperwork or pay their premiums on time. Additionally, the insurer may say an issue with the deductible prevents them from reimbursing the victim for their losses. Or, they may say the person’s contract does not include fire damage.

Delayed Claims

Insurance companies may also needlessly delay the processing time for claims. California home insurance law entitles many policyholders to receive automatic payouts to cover things like several months of rent if the person experiences a qualifying fire-related loss. However, insurance companies may drag their feet and refuse to pay this on time, putting unnecessary financial strain on property owners.

Underpaid Claims

Insurance companies may also use misleading and inaccurate valuation methods when estimating the policyholder’s total losses. The insurance company might then use these tactics to pay far less than the actual value of the person’s losses. Insurance companies may go a step further and wrongly assure the victim that these minimal offers are the most they can pay. For many victims, however, the initial proposals they get from their insurance companies are far below what they are entitled to.

Types of Covered Losses in LA Wildfire Insurance Claims

People who live through a wildfire may be entitled to compensation for various losses insured by their insurance policies. Among these are property damage—such as fire-related effects on the land or structures they own—and harm to someone’s personal belongings.

Likewise, people may be eligible for additional living expenses, like hotels and meals, to cover displacement costs. Moreover, business owners—including farmers—can recover commercial losses. The amount people may receive depends on the terms of their policy, the value of the items or property the fire took from them, and other factors.

Property Damage

Wildfire survivors may get insurance payouts to address the loss or defacement of land and physical structures they own. Covered property damage includes destruction or harm to their landscaping, fencing, shrubbery, trees, garden, house, barn, garage, or shed. Insurance companies may also cover damage from smoke, water, or aerial spraying.

Personal Belongings

Many insurance policies cover the repair or replacement costs of the wildfire victim’s belongings, like furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, valuables, and appliances. Someone’s car insurance might reimburse them for the repair or replacement cost of their vehicle if wildfire damage is part of their auto policy.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

California’s insurance laws provide some wildfire victims with additional living expenses if they experience a covered loss, such as their home being destroyed or becoming uninhabitable. These funds help the victims pay rent, buy food, and cover other living costs because of a declared state of emergency. The timing and amount of the person’s additional living expenses depends on their unique circumstances, the law in effect at that time, and the terms of their policy.

Business Losses

The California wildfires significantly impacted business owners, requiring many entrepreneurs to close their doors for good or while taking stock of the damage and crafting a plan to rebuild. Business owners may claim damages for all losses covered under their policies, such as lost revenue or inventory, destroyed or damaged office or warehouse space, interruption in business, and other fire-related commercial costs.

Infographic listing examples of claimable losses in a Los Angeles Wildfire insurance claim.

Steps to Take After a Wildfire to Protect Your Claim

If you were impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires, there are specific steps you can take to help maximize your potential compensation. These include gathering evidence about your losses, initiating an insurance claim, and reviewing your insurance coverage documents. Then, you would negotiate a settlement with the insurance company and consult an attorney to help ensure that you get a fair payout.

Document Your Losses

The first step is to begin documenting your losses. You can do this by locating photographs, video footage from security cameras or cellphones, and witness testimony about what occurred. You may also want to find pictures, receipts, and other evidence showing the condition or value of your lost or damaged property before and after the wildfire. Additionally, compile a thorough inventory of everything you lost or that was harmed in the inferno or its fallout.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Next, you need to open a claim telling your insurance company that you experienced losses due to the wildfires and want to request compensation. Your insurance contract will tell you how long you have to open a claim for the wildfire.

When you talk to people who work for the insurance company, try to limit the conversation to the details necessary for them to understand that you experienced a covered loss and would like to receive a payout you are entitled to under your policy. If you would like tips on how to phrase or word things during your conversations with your insurer, an attorney would be an excellent resource to call on.

Review Your Policy

Reviewing your policy will help you understand what your insurance company has promised to pay you if you experience wildfire losses. Items to pay attention to include covered losses, exclusions, coverage limits, deductibles, the timeline and required steps for filing a claim, and other benefits. Additionally, it may be a good idea to review the process and your rights if you want to challenge a denial or underpayment.

Negotiate a Settlement/Payout

Once your insurer has all the required paperwork, they may send you a settlement offer, which might come in the form of a check, letter, or other communication involving a claim payout estimate or payout proposal. Before you accept the money, it may be a good idea to talk to a lawyer to ensure you are not waiving your rights to negotiate a better offer.

Consult a Los Angeles Wildfire Insurance Lawyer Immediately

Consulting a lawyer early on can be helpful so you know your rights, understand what to expect during the insurance claim process, and have the tools to fight for a fair wildfire settlement. Attorneys can identify key terms in your policy and advocate for you during the claims process. They can also help make sure your claim is moving in the right direction and push back against unfair tactics the insurance company might otherwise use to take advantage of you or your situation.

This infographic shows steps you can follow to help protect your Los Angeles wildfire insurance claim.

How King Law’s LA Wildfire Insurance Lawyers Can Help With Claims

King Law provides comprehensive support to wildfire victims. Our legal services include evaluating insurance policies, gathering robust evidence, and handling the claim submission and dispute processes. We also use our vast knowledge and resources to guide settlement discussions in a fair direction, taking the fight to court if necessary to protect victims’ rights. Our legal partners are well-versed in California’s complex insurance and liability laws and can help craft an effective strategy to maximize your potential compensation.

Why Choose King Law for Your Wildfire Insurance Claim

Partnering with King Law firm provides you with a wealth of benefits. We have over 18 years of experience helping people and businesses seek justice after they are harmed. We stay updated on wildfire, liability, and insurance laws in California so we have the necessary background information to advise our clients. Our firm also offers free consultations to help you better understand your legal options during this difficult time.

Contact a Los Angeles Wildfire Insurance Claim Lawyer Today

Contact King Law today by calling (585) 496-2648 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you file or defend a wildfire insurance claim. When you call us, a member of our intake team will be in touch with you as quickly as possible to collect your information and begin a plan of action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a Los Angeles wildfire insurance claim attorney do?
A Los Angeles wildfire insurance claim attorney helps people submit, defend, and negotiate claims for insured losses based on an insurance policy.
When should I hire a wildfire insurance claim attorney?
It is up to you if or when you hire an attorney. However, hiring an insurance claim attorney early in the process can help make sure your claim is processed accurately and quickly.
How can a lawyer help me with my wildfire insurance claim?
The lawyer can review your policy documents, explain your rights under the contract, negotiate a settlement, and file a lawsuit against the insurance company if it engages in bad faith practices.
How do I know if my wildfire insurance claim was underpaid?
An attorney can help you understand if the settlement you received from your insurance company is fair and what you are entitled to under your contract.
What types of wildfire damage are covered under my insurance policy?
Your insurance contract will tell you what losses are covered under your policy. Examples of what might be covered include smoke or fire damage to clothing, your car, or your house and payment of evacuation expenses.
Can I still file a claim if my insurance company denied my wildfire claim?
If your insurance company denied your wildfire claim, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against whoever caused the wildfire. You may also sue your insurance provider if they acted in bad faith when they processed or denied your claim.
How long do I have to file a wildfire insurance claim in Los Angeles?
Your insurance contract will tell you how long you have to file a wildfire insurance claim in Los Angeles.
What if my insurance company is delaying my wildfire claim payment?
If your insurance company is delaying your wildfire claim payment, you may be able to take legal action against it. A lawyer can help you figure out what your options are and identify ways to speed up the process.
Can I file a lawsuit against my insurance company for bad faith practices?
Yes. You may sue your insurance company for acting in bad faith if you have a valid claim against them and act swiftly to avoid missing the filing deadlines.
Can a lawyer help me negotiate a higher settlement for my wildfire claim?
Yes. A lawyer may help you negotiate a higher settlement or payout so you are fairly compensated for your wildfire-related losses.
What are common reasons wildfire insurance claims are denied?
Wildfire insurance claims may be denied because of missing paperwork, lapsed policies, bad-faith insurance practices, or lack of coverage.
What if I lost important documents like my insurance policy in the wildfire?
Some of your important documents may be found online or be re-sent to you. For example, you can talk to your insurance provider for help accessing your policy documents by logging onto your account or receiving a new copy of your insurance contract. You can follow a similar process to locate other critical documents.
How much does it cost to hire a wildfire insurance claim attorney in Los Angeles?
It depends. Some wildfire attorneys do not charge any upfront legal fees to handle wildfire insurance claims.
How long does it take to resolve a wildfire insurance dispute?
The amount of time it takes to resolve a wildfire insurance dispute can change from one case to the next. It depends on the complexity of the case, administrative delays on the insurance side, and other factors.
Are there specific laws in Los Angeles that protect wildfire victims?
Yes. For example, local governments may put a temporary eviction moratorium in place. Additionally, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to extend the tax payment and filing deadline and protect landowners from real estate speculators looking to take advantage of locals.
What is the role of a public adjuster versus a wildfire insurance claim attorney?
A public adjuster is someone who values property and negotiates a wildfire insurance claim. A wildfire insurance attorney can also take steps to value property and use their legal knowledge to negotiate a fair insurance claim settlement.
What should I do if my claim payment doesn’t cover all my losses?
Talk to an attorney if you think your claim payment is less than what you are entitled to and does not cover all your losses. You may be eligible for additional funds.