California Wildfires
People are filing lawsuits due to extensive damage caused by the Greater Los Angeles wildfires. Homes, businesses, and important structures have been destroyed in these fires, causing billions of dollars in damage. Municipalities and utility companies may have been negligent in actions leading up to the fires and actions taken to contain the fires.
A wildfire can be tremendously devastating. The 1-800-LAW-FIRM Legal Network fights to hold all responsible parties accountable in order to make you whole again. We listen to your needs and tackle problems other firms shy away from. We’ve represented individuals and businesses who have suffered from the loss of their homes, their property, and the lives of their loved ones, after some of the worst wildfire tragedies in history. We have the resources to fight for you and make sure that your case gets the individual attention it deserves.
We work on a contingency fee basis — that means we only get paid if you do. If you do not recover, you will not owe us anything.
It can be difficult to understand who is eligible to pursue a wildfire claim but we are committed to standing by your side every step of the way. Call us today at (800) 529-3476 or complete the form below to schedule a FREE, NO OBLIGATION claim review to see if you qualify.
What are the Los Angeles Fire Lawsuits About?
People affected by the Los Angeles wildfires are filing lawsuits seeking compensation for property, business, and personal losses. These lawsuits seek to hold utility companies, insurance companies, businesses, and government entities responsible for their roles in the fires and response to the fires. Mismanagement of resources and infrastructure before and after these fires has led to unnecessary property losses and casualties.
By filing these lawsuits, victims of the Los Angeles wildfires hope to secure compensation for their many losses and hold responsible parties accountable. People are filing a variety of lawsuits for personal injuries, property losses and damages, and wrongful death. There is a possibility that class action lawsuits will also be formed by victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Devastation Caused by the Los Angeles Wildfires
The Greater Los Angeles wildfires have devastated many people in Southern California, including the communities of Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst. These fires are expected to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Early estimates of losses from the Los Angeles fires total up to $150 billion.
The fires have burned more than 40,000 acres across Southern California and killed more than two dozen people. More than 12,000 homes, structures, and businesses have been destroyed. At least 16 people have been reported as missing. The devastation caused by these fires will likely increase as firefighters look to contain the fires and prevent additional ones. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner is tracking the devastating death toll related to these fires.
Many people have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses. More than 150,000 have fled under mandatory evacuations and at least 166,000 others are living under evacuation warnings, such as the California Department of Forestry and Wildlife Protection. Hundreds of thousands of people continue to be displaced as a result of these fires.
Health Concerns Tied to Los Angeles Wildfires
In addition to the massive personal and property losses experienced by wildfire victims, there are also numerous health concerns linked to these fires. Many people are burned in catastrophic fires, but the dangers do not stop once the fires are extinguished. Exposure to smoke and chemicals found in firefighting agents can have serious risks to short-term and long-term human health of residents and first responders. More than 1,400 first responders have been deployed by Governor Gavin Newson to fight these fires, and many other responders have joined the fight. Many of these people could face serious injuries.
Air quality in Los Angeles and surrounding areas is very low. Toxic chemicals released during the fires and toxins in firefighting chemicals are posing serious risks to people. The long-term health consequences could add to the devastation. For example, PFAS and forever chemicals in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) have been known to contaminate water supplies throughout the U.S. and lead to cancer, neurological disorders, and other serious diseases.
To decrease the likelihood of injuries and toxic exposures, public health officials have advised people to abide by evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels.
Where Are the Fires in Los Angeles?
The Greater Los Angeles wildfires have affected many people in and around Los Angeles County, California. These fires have caused catastrophic losses of life, homes, business, and infrastructure in areas including Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena.
These wildfires are actually several separate fires that are burning throughout Los Angeles County. Locations of these fires include:
- Palisades Fire: This fire originated in Pacific Palisades, an affluent area northwest of Santa Monica, which includes Malibu. This fire is the most widespread of the fires and has already consumed more than 24,000 acres of land, homes, and businesses.
- Eaton Fire: This fire began near Eaton Canyon, affecting Altadena and Pasadena in northern Los Angeles County.
- Hurst Fire: This fire is located in the northern San Fernando Valley, specifically the Sylmar neighborhood.
- Kenneth Fire: This fire is contained. It originated near West Hills and impacted people in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- Lidia Fire: This fire started south of Acton in the Angeles National Forest and was quickly contained.
- Sunset Fire: This fire started in Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon Park. The fire was quickly contained.
- Sunswept Fire: This small fire which started in Studio City, Los Angeles, was quickly contained.
What Structures Have Been Harmed by Fires
Many structures have been damaged as a result of the Los Angeles fires. Many areas have been completely desolated, causing catastrophic losses to the Los Angeles community. Businesses, homes, cultural and historical sites, and forests have been destroyed. Structures damaged by these fires include:
- Homes, condominiums, and apartments
- Public, private, and parochial schools
- Churches, temples, and other places of worship
- Cultural and historical sites
- National, state, and public parks, including the Angeles National Forest
- Businesses, ranging from small businesses to large businesses
How Did the Los Angeles Fire Start?
Local and national experts are still working to determine the causes of the Los Angeles fires and the factors that lead to the progression of these fires. Local officials are working with state and federal agencies and the National Guard to determine the causes of these fires.
It is possible that each of these fires could have been caused by separate events. Authorities in Los Angeles County are still working to find the cause of each fire. They are unwilling to offer specific sources at this time, as it is an open investigation.
Utility poles are a common source of wildfires. For example, the 2017 Thomas Fire was one of the largest wildfires in California’s history. This fire was caused when separate utility wires connected during a windstorm. The power lines were owned by Southern California Edison. That fire burned more than 240 miles of land and killed two people.
Possible Defendants in Los Angeles Fire Lawsuits
As officials and experts determine the causes of the fires and the ensuing failures, it is likely many entities will be responsible for the damages caused by these fires. These individuals, businesses, and public entities could all be held liable for damages caused by these fires.
Possible defendants in the Los Angeles fire lawsuits could include:
- The starters of the fires: Lawsuits could be brought against the people or entities who are determined to have started the fires.
- The City of Los Angeles: The City could face many charges, including charges related to how they managed water supplies, fire hydrants, and reservoirs. Additionally, many officials have gone public saying budget cuts led to less training and resources for disaster preparedness. The LAFD fire chief has gone on record to say these budget cuts hindered the department’s response.
- Los Angeles County: The County’s emergency response department may be held liable for not acting quickly enough or other failures. There have already been reports of failures in LA County’s emergency alert system.
- Southern California Edison; Pacific Gas & Electric Company; Los Angeles Department of Power and Water; and Southern California Gas Company: Powerline and grid failures cause many fires. Additionally, choices made by SCE, PG&E, LADWP, and SoCalGas may have contributed to the spread of the blaze and unnecessary losses.
- Other utility companies: Other utility companies and subcontractors could be held liable for errors or misjudgments that led to injuries and destruction.
- Property and casualty insurance companies: It is likely home and property insurance companies will deny claims or undercompensate people for their losses. It is likely many people and businesses will need to hire lawyers and fight their insurance companies in order to be properly compensated.
Who Is Eligible to File a Los Angeles Fire Lawsuit?
Eligibility criteria to file lawsuits related to the Los Angeles wildfires will vary depending on the type of lawsuit filed. Some individuals may need to pursue personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits, product liability lawsuits, or other types of civil lawsuits. In general, the following people would be eligible to file a lawsuit for injuries and losses related to the Los Angeles Wildfires:
- People who lost loved ones to the fire
- People who were injured in the fires
- People who develop illnesses due to exposure to the smoke and chemicals released by the fires and firefighting agents
- First responders who are harmed by the fires
- People who lost their homes, pets, businesses, possessions, and other assets in the fires
- People who were displaced or lost income due to the fires
- People who suffered psychological harms due to the fires
- People who are not being properly compensated by insurance companies for their losses
- People whose properties were uninsured or underinsured at the time of the fires
The litigation surrounding the Los Angeles fires is in early stages. As information emerges, victims and legal professionals will have a better understanding of whom to hold accountable for their losses. If you have been negatively impacted by these wildfires, the team at 1-800-LAW-FIRM is ready to help you navigate the legal process. We have years of experience in holding large entities accountable for their wrongs against common citizens. We are ready to fight for the compensation you need and deserve.