Lawsuits are being filed after Xcel Energy admitted that power lines may have sparked the deadly Smokehouse Creek wildfire in Texas, the 2nd-largest wildfire in U.S. history.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Smokehouse Creek Wildfire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured or had property damage from a wildfire in Texas, 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.
Xcel Energy Admits Role in Sparking Smokehouse Creek Wildfire
In March 2024, the Minnesota-based utility company Xcel Energy admitted that “its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fire.”
What Happened?
On February 26, several wildfires started burning in the Texas Panhandle and quickly spread into Oklahoma. These massive wildfires were fueled by strong winds, unseasonably high temperatures, and dry conditions on the ground.
The Smokehouse Creek fire began about 1 mile north of Stinnett, Texas, a city northeast of Amarillo. The fire burned more than 1 million acres, burned at least 64 homes, killed thousands of cattle, and destroyed more than 500 buildings.
Tragically, authorities also confirmed two deaths. One woman was overtaken by flames as she was trying to escape in her truck. Another woman died after she was trapped in her home.
Lawsuit Blames Broken Utility Pole for Sparking Fires
One lawsuit was filed by a homeowner in Stinnett, Texas, where several homes were burned. The lawsuits claims that Xcel Energy and other utility companies are responsible for the fire because “a wooden pole defendants failed to properly inspect, maintain and replace, splintered and snapped off at its base.”
When the power lines hit the ground, they sparked a fire that grew uncontrollably due to unseasonably dry conditions and high winds, according to the lawsuit.
Lawyers also told USA Today that a heavily dilapidated utility pole is located at the point where the Smokehouse Wildfire is believed to have started. That pole was red-tagged earlier this year by a company who said that it was “not safe to be climbed and needs to be replaced immediately.”
You May Need to File a Lawsuit
Insurance may cover some of your financial losses after a wildfire, but not everything. For these other expenses, you may need to file a lawsuit and seek compensation from a 3rd-party who is responsible, such as the utility company that sparked the fire with its equipment.
Wildfire Lawsuits and Financial Compensation You Can Seek
If you were injured, or your property was damaged in the Smokehouse Creek wildfire, you may be eligible for compensation. There are many ways you can seek financial compensation after wildfires, such as:
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Business expenses
- Relocation expenses
- Loss of cattle or livestock animals
- Loss of personal belongings, vehicle, pets, etc.
- Decreased property value
- Burn injuries & disfigurement
- Wrongful death
- And more
Do I have a Smokehouse Creek Wildfire Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Smokehouse Creek Wildfire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a severe side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Smokehouse Creek Wildfire Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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