Wildfire Litigation FAQs

Wildfire losses can involve insurance claims, property damage, smoke and ash contamination, business interruption, utility company liability, government claims, and insurance bad faith. These FAQs are organized according to the type of loss or dispute involved.

Wildfire Insurance Claims

Should I Accept the First Insurance Settlement Offer After a Wildfire?
Can I Reopen a Wildfire Insurance Claim After Accepting a Settlement?
What If Rebuilding Costs Are Higher Than the Insurance Company’s Estimate?
How Soon Should I Notify My Insurance Company After a Wildfire?
What Is a Proof of Loss?
Can My Insurance Company Deny a Wildfire Claim?
Does Insurance Cover Smoke and Ash Damage?
Can I Still Sue the Party That Caused the Wildfire If My Insurer Pays My Claim?
Can I Pursue a Lawsuit After Filing an Insurance Claim?
Can I File a Lawsuit If Insurance Paid Only Part of My Loss?
What Is Insurance Bad Faith in a Wildfire Claim?
Can I Sue My Insurance Company for Underpaying a Wildfire Claim?
What Should I Do If I Believe My Insurer Is Acting in Bad Faith?

Wildfire Deadlines and Evidence

How Long Do I Have to File a Wildfire Lawsuit in California?
Do I Need to File a Government Claim Before Suing a Public Agency?
Why Can Claims Against Public Entities Have Shorter Deadlines?
What Evidence Should I Preserve After a Wildfire?
Should I Throw Away Damaged Belongings After a Wildfire?
Why Is Evidence Preservation Important in a Wildfire Lawsuit?
What Insurance Communications and Claim Records Should I Keep?
Why Should Wildfire Losses Be Documented Before Cleanup or Repairs Begin?

Smoke, Ash, and Property Damage

Does Smoke Damage Increase the Value of a Wildfire Claim?
How Can I Prove Smoke Damage After a Wildfire?
Can I File a Claim If My Property Was Damaged by Smoke but Did Not Burn?
Can Wildfire Ash Contaminate Soil or Water?
Can Smoke Damage Furniture, Clothing, Electronics, and Other Personal Property?
Can Smoke Contamination Make a Home Unsafe to Occupy?
What If My Insurance Company Says the Smoke Damage Is Only Cosmetic?
Can Smoke Affect HVAC Systems, Insulation, and Electronics?
What Testing Can Help Establish Smoke or Ash Contamination?

Wildfire Business Losses

Can a Business Recover Losses Caused by Wildfire Smoke Contamination?
Can I Recover Lost Profits After a Wildfire?
What If My Business Was Not Burned but Had to Close Because of an Evacuation Order?
Can Business Interruption Coverage Apply After a Wildfire?
Does Insurance Cover Smoke Damage to Business Inventory and Equipment?
What Records Should a Business Preserve After a Wildfire?
Can Payroll, Tax, Sales, and Inventory Records Help Prove Business Losses?
Can a Business Recover Losses Caused by Road Closures or Utility Outages?
Can a Business Sue a Utility Company for Wildfire-Related Losses?

Utility Company Liability

Can I Sue a Utility Company After a Wildfire?
What Is Inverse Condemnation in a Wildfire Case?
Can I Sue a Utility Company If My Insurance Already Paid Part of My Claim?
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Utility Wildfire Lawsuit?
Can Property Owners Recover Smoke and Ash Contamination Losses From a Utility?
Can Businesses Recover Lost Income From a Utility Company?
Can Injured Individuals or Surviving Family Members Bring Claims Against a Utility?
How Long Do I Have to File a Wildfire Claim Against a Utility Company?
Why Is Early Investigation Important in a Utility-Caused Wildfire Case?

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