Hundreds of lawsuits and billions of dollars have been paid to people who were injured, lost their homes, or their livelihood as a result of wildfires in California.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting California wildfire cases. If you or somebody you know was injured, had property damage, or financial losses in the winery or hospitality industry, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Natural Disaster Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Dixie Fire Lawsuits – PG&E Equipment May Have Started Fire
In July and August 2021, the Dixie Fire burned over 450,000 acres, destroyed the Gold Rush town of Greenville, and burned around 100 homes and structures in Northern California in Plumas, Butte and Tehama counties. Two weeks after the fire began, PG&E admitted that its equipment may have ignited the fire.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Victims of the Dixie Fire and other California wildfires may be eligible to file lawsuits against PG&E if the company’s equipment is found responsible for starting the fire. Our lawyers may also be able to help you file a FEMA claim for compensation.
What Compensation Can I Seek for Wildfire Losses?
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- Lost wages
- Personal injury
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
- Denial of insurance
- Residential loss
- Business loss
- Property damage
- Loss of personal property
- Business interruption
- Temporary living expenses (hotel, relocation, etc.)
- Evacuation costs
- Cost to rebuild your home or replace lost property
- Harm to pets or livestock
- Harm to trees or timber
And more
SoCal Edison Pays $2.2 Billion Settlement for Deadly Woolsey Fire
In January 2021, Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) announced a $2.2 billion settlement for insurance claims related to the Woolsey fire in Malibu in 2018. Fire officials found that SoCal Edison’s equipment sparked the Woolsey fire, which destroyed 1,643 buildings, killed 3 people, and burned 97,000 acres.
2019 Butte Camp Fire Destroys Town of Paradise, CA
Fire officials have determined that faulty PG&E equipment was responsible for starting the Camp Fire that destroyed the town of Paradise, California in November 2018. PG&E has started paying $1 billion in settlements to local governments to rebuild. PG&E also set aside $10.5 billion to cover lawsuits.
Northern California Wildfires in 2017
Fires swept across California in October 2017, causing horrific damage and death. At least 41 people died in Sonoma County and Napa Valley. At least 220,000 acres were scorched and 5,700 structures were burned, including more than 2,000 homes.
CA Wildfires Devastated Wine and Hospitality
The so-called “Wine Country Fires” were devastating for the wineries and vineyards in the North Bay, as well as countless people who were employed in the hospitality, hotels, and tourism industries. The fires damaged 22 wineries and dozens of inns. The grapes were about 80-90% harvested in Sonoma and Napa Valley, but smoke likely damaged the remaining grapes. The smoke damage may have ruined this year’s harvest.
Northern California Wildfire Lawsuits Against PG&E
Over 100 lawsuits were filed against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) after preliminary investigations determined that strong winds damaged power lines and caused a transformer to explode, starting the blaze.
The first lawsuit was filed by a couple from Santa Rosa who lost their home to the fire. The lawsuit accuses PG&E of failing to properly maintain their infrastructure and cut back trees to prevent winds from damaging power lines. Experts are already estimating $5 billion to $6 billion in damages.
How Can A Lawsuit Help?
Wildfires are one of the worst disasters for property owners and wineries. Not much can withstand the blaze, and not much is left after the fire is out. Unfortunately, PG&E has a history of failing to cut back trees and maintain its power lines in heavily-forested areas.
Lawyers have begun consulting individuals about the next steps to take regarding their insurance claims. By filing a lawsuit, victims can hold insurance companies accountable for the financial compensation they may owe to you. Furthermore, PG&E could also potentially owe victims compensation for injuries, deaths, and property damage.
Do I have a California Wildfire Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting California wildfire cases. If you or somebody you know was injured, had property damage, or financial losses in the winery or hospitality industry, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Natural Disaster Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
