Wildfire Lawyer Serving Sacramento, CA
Wildfires have become a nearly year-round concern for Sacramento County residents. You may have only hours to gather critical belongings and documents before being forced to evacuate your home to ensure your and your family’s safety, hoping that you don’t lose everything else while you flee. Upon your return, you want to know that you have a wildfire lawyer serving Sacramento, CA, who can help you manage your case with confidence and compassion.
At Danko Meredith, our team has been fighting for wildfire injury victims for the better part of a decade. Our California utility fire lawyer is experienced in fighting for the rights of wildfire injury victims. Trying to rebuild your life after a wildfire is challenging enough without having to worry about recovering the costs. Whether your injuries were caused by a corporation, government agency, or insurance company, we have your back.
Why Should I Choose Danko Meredith Over Other Wildfire Attorneys Near Me?
When you choose to retain an attorney to help you recover losses from wildfire damages, you need a firm with tenacity and experience. At Danko Meredith, that is what you get. We have a long history of successful case results and are unafraid of litigating your case in court if that is what it takes.
Client satisfaction is a priority, and we will do everything in our power to uncover the truth of your situation. We have access to many of the country’s most respected expert witnesses to support the cases we take. Our dedication to successful outcomes is evident when you review testimonials from previous clients, including those pursuing damages for wildfire injuries.
We often take these cases as individuals in addition to class action lawsuits. Each person has unique circumstances, and we can help you determine the path forward most appropriate to you. With over a century of combined experience, we understand each case’s need for individualized attention.
We Have Experience Taking on Utility Companies
On the evening of January 7, 2025, a fire broke out near Pasadena. Overnight, the Eaton Fire quickly spread to cover thousands of acres. It was discovered that Southern California Edison (SCE) has high-voltage powerlines that run over the area where the fire originated. In early January, the utility fire lawyers with Danko Meredith Trial Attorneys filed a complaint alleging their lines were responsible for starting the fire.
We are not strangers to challenging California utility companies and winning the fight for our clients. In recent years, we have won several cases on behalf of individuals against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), who initially blamed a contractor for a fire. We ultimately showed that their negligent training practices were responsible.
What Causes Sacramento, CA, Wildfires?
Some causes of wildfires affecting the Sacramento area are clear and preventable, while others develop and spread as a result of combined factors. California wildfire season is generally between February and May. Cal Fire suggests that the 2025 burn season risks will be more typical for most of Northern California, but has concerns regarding southern parts due to lower precipitation levels and drier fuel sources.
Negligence
An unfortunate number of fires are preventable and caused by residents and visitors who are careless. One example of this was recently brought back into the public eye when the father in the gender reveal party that began the wildfire in 2020 pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Other examples include the man who started the Thompson Fire in 2024 by throwing fireworks from his car window.
From a utility perspective, California power companies have contributed to some of the most devastating losses in recent years. Poorly maintained landscaping or infrastructure may ignite or facilitate the spread of wildfires. Additionally, ineffective policies and procedures for emergency shutoffs may lead to a faster spread. Active powerlines may create additional ignition sites if they are damaged or felled.
Climate Change
In many other places around the United States, these instances may not have been as catastrophic as they were. However, the effects of climate change have led to longer and more widespread droughts. These conditions make ideal conditions for fires like the June Fire, which began after a lightning strike.
How Can I Minimize the Damage from a Wildfire?
The process of protecting your home and property from wildfire damage is known as “hardening” your home. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection explains that facing a wildfire in California is much less an issue of “if” and more an issue of “when.” However, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your property as you prepare.
Hardening Your Home
One of the key steps to protect your home from fire is through hardening, which largely consists of assessing the materials your home is made of and using more fire-resistant options whenever possible. This may include using metal, clay, or tile roofing instead of wood shingles, clearing gutters from flammable debris, closing your chimney flue, and adding mesh covering to vents. If your home has a gas line, ensure this is turned off.
On the outside of your home, you may want to use fire-resistant siding such as stucco or wood treated specifically for fire resistance. Deck areas should have minimal clutter and ember-resistant zones underneath, meaning they are free of leaves and other debris that may easily catch fire.
Creating a Defensible Space
California wildfire experts suggest creating a “defensible space.” This includes removing accelerants, combustibles, or easily flammable materials from the area immediately surrounding your home. As you travel further from your home, creating a defensible space might also include installing a fire-resistant landscape by strategically choosing your landscaping materials and plants.
Further away from your house, it is advised to clear out any dead material that could easily ignite from windblown embers. Part of this fireproofing should include trimming low-hanging tree branches and ensuring plants are spaced appropriately to minimize spread and prevent climbing.
Document Your Home and Belongings
When you have completed preparations on your property, our wildfire lawyers may advise you to take photos of your efforts. This can include pictures of trimmed bushes and hedges, fire-resistant landscaping, cleared gutters, and other protective measures. Take photos of the inside of your house to provide evidence of base-level conditions.
Additionally, collect any invoices or receipts from home improvements you completed, such as having fire-resistant siding or roofing installed.
Staying Safe When You Return Home from Evacuation May Affect Your Claim
One of the many hardships for Sacramento wildfire victims is pushback from insurance and “proving” damages for a claim or lawsuit. Regarding safety, the Returning Home Checklist from Cal Fire suggests tackling your return in three stages.
Immediate Safety Precautions
Though evacuation orders might be lifted, the situation could change quickly, making it critical to your safety to stay aware of your environment. Cal Fire advises making sure you are still able to receive emergency communications and being alert to flash flood warnings. Areas surrounding wildfires may be particularly vulnerable to flooding if the fires clear areas of dense vegetation, as we saw with the Montecito mudslides.
On-Site Safety Measures
When you get back home, do a walkthrough around and within your property. Check for any hidden embers that may start a new fire, damaged trees, power poles, or other structures that may be at risk of falling. Use a battery-powered flashlight to check your home, and avoid using lights or power until it is determined safe to do so. Turn on the flashlight outside to avoid igniting potential leaked gas. If you notice that your home smells like there may be a gas leak, do not turn your power back on.
Utility and Consumption Safety
When you have established that the property’s physical structure is safe, it is time to check the safety and condition of propane or heating systems and wells on the property and discard any food that was exposed to contaminated water or fire components like soot or heat. You are generally advised to use bottled water until you confirm that tap water is safe. If you have any doubts or concerns about the safety of your home, contact the appropriate professionals.
Filing a Claim for Wildfire Damages
Once you can inventory the damage, take pictures before you begin any cleanup, including clearing debris or sweeping. You want to provide all evidence of damage as it was, not after hours of cleanup, and without pictures, the adjuster can only assess and value your claim based on what they see. Avoid making any significant repairs before speaking with your insurance company and adjuster.
Each insurance company will present its own process for filing a claim. For most providers, you have the option to call or begin your claim online or in an app. Make sure you are prepared by knowing how to make a claim and what your policy covers. Generally speaking, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, many homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage in the event of a wildfire. However, this is often an add-on policy and not included in your general coverage.
Submitting Documentation
Once you initiate the claim, your provider will likely request additional information. This will often include the documentation discussed above, such as photos of the property or receipts for efforts to minimize damage. If you are seeking coverage for items you have lost, you may also need to provide an inventory list of the items you need to have replaced, along with pictures of those items in the home or receipts if you have them.
Get Estimates
Unless the damage leaves your home as a total loss, your insurance company will typically pay your claim based on the cost of repairing the damages. They may provide you with a list of approved contractors to contact, or you may choose your own to determine if they will accept payment through insurance, but obtaining quotes or estimates is a critical step to getting your life back up and running.
Save Receipts
If you are displaced from your home while waiting for repairs, you may be eligible for additional compensation. Many policies provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, which includes the costs of a hotel or expenses that exceed your normal amount due to fire damage and displacement. This coverage is meant to be supplementary to your standard expenses. For example, ALE payments will cover a hotel, but you are still responsible for your mortgage.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Wildfire Claim?
Whether you sheltered in place or evacuated the area for a wildfire, promptly assessing damages and calling your insurance provider is an important part of starting and paying your claim. It is unlikely that you are the only home with damage, and therefore, your insurance company is often inundated with claims after wildfires, which can cause delays.
The average timeline of a personal injury lawsuit in California can be difficult to determine because several other factors may contribute to how long it takes to resolve your situation.
Supporting Documentation
Most of the claim process will not happen until you provide the necessary documentation. A wildfire attorney may suggest keeping a folder with the necessary documentation that makes it easy to send over. Additionally, prevent delays on your end by quickly completing and submitting any paperwork they request, such as proof of loss forms.
Repair Time
For the most accurate estimate of damages for your home, an attorney may sometimes advise you to wait for the repairs to be completed before engaging in negotiations. This prevents you from missing the costs of unexpected setbacks in your final settlement.
Value of the Claim
While insurance is often necessary, companies prioritize protecting their assets by minimizing claim payouts. Higher-value claims may face more scrutiny and negotiations, often leading to longer negotiation processes.
Whether Your Case Goes to Court
Many civil lawsuits will be resolved through a settlement agreement without ever having to go to court. However, if you cannot come to an agreement with the insurance company, a utility fire attorney from Danko Meredith is prepared to take your case to trial. Our team takes on each case with the mindset that it could go to court, so while we are preparing for the possibility during negotiations, it may take months to get a date set for trial.
What Your Case Needs for Litigation
The crux of any personal injury case is negligence. In order for the courts to hold an individual liable, you and your attorney must show four things to be true. That is:
- Duty: The responsible party has a duty of care. In utility fires, this is often related to their duty to keep equipment in safe working order and ensure employees and contractors have the appropriate resources to safely do their job
- Breach: The party failed in its duty to protect others
- Cause: This failure caused harm. In these cases, this is a wildfire
- Damages: The harm resulted in losses and damages
California utility companies like SCE and PG&E have set a precedent showing us that their negligence can contribute to wildfires in a number of ways. In no other situation can someone burn down your house and simply walk away, and we will fight to prevent that at the hands of large companies.
Danko Meredith Trial Attorneys Will Fight for Your Right to Damages Resulting from Sacramento Wildfires
The damages resulting from wildfires can be devastating. Without accountability for utility companies who should know better, it can mean financial ruin for many Sacramento residents. If you choose to pursue a lawsuit against California utility companies, some of the damages you may have the option to claim include:
- Compensation for property damages
- Evacuation costs
- Medical costs for injuriescaused by the fire caused
- Pain and suffering
If you have lost a loved one to the fires, you may also choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. Under Article 6 of the California Civil Code and Procedure, a decedent’s surviving spouse or children may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of recovery can give a much-needed financial cushion that may allow continued support to dependents and space to grieve in the way you see fit.
Call Danko Meredith Trial Attorneys to Fight for Your Rights to Live Free of Utility Company Negligence
Many utility companies, like Southern California Edison and PG&E, rely on their ability to throw money at problems or be “too big to fail.” No amount of power gives a company the right to jeopardize the safety of our community to save money on maintenance or repair costs, and our utility fire attorneys in Sacramento, CA, have over 30 years of experience facing down large companies like PG&E.
Danko Meredith offers no obligation, free case consultations to help you assess your situation and determine the needs of your case. The cost of an attorney is often a concern to wildfire injury victims, which is why we work on contingency. You will not owe fees until we win. We are used to being outnumbered, but we are never out-lawyered. So, contact us today.