California Wildfire Attorneys

Wildfires have destroyed homes, businesses, and acres of land across numerous California cities over the years. At Arnold Law Firm, we are well aware of the great emotional, financial, and physical toll these events cause. Having represented wildfire victims for decades, our California wildfire lawyers have obtained millions in compensation for clients dealing with insurance conflicts, burn injuries, and property loss.

Every claim carries a narrative of loss and hardship with it. With lives permanently changed, victims may seek compensation for damages. Victims may not only want to rebuild their properties, but also reclaim priceless family artifacts lost, cover medical bills that document their suffering, recover the lost income that represents a stolen future, and find relief and justice from the emotional burden that weighs on them every waking moment.

Whether you’re a company owner, tenant, or homeowner that has suffered from a wildfire in California and are looking to pursue justice, we are here to help you. If you have lost your property, suffered serious injuries, or are dealing with insurance companies, our wildfire attorneys at Arnold Law Firm will help you negotiate the complexity of California wildfire litigation and hold negligent parties liable.

If you’ve experienced devastating loss after a wildfire, don’t face it alone. Take action today— contact our wildfire attorneys at Arnold Law Firm. We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What is California Wildfire Litigation?

California has thorough laws covering responsibility, safety regulations, and responsibilities for controlling and preventing wildfires. Companies like Southern California Edison (SCE) could be held liable should their equipment spark a wildfire. Similarly, property owners who fail to maintain fire-safe premises could find themselves in legal hot water as well.

State and federal legislation regulate fire safety precautions, including controlled burning and the removal of dry vegetation. California wildfire litigation’s legal precedents have established high criteria that guarantee victims may pursue compensation from liable parties. These guidelines define who should be held accountable for fire-related damages.

A qualified California wildfire attorney is able to help with case development, insurance negotiations, and evidence collection, to maximize your compensation.

What is the Wildfire Law in California?

The government has created wildfire laws and regulations to prevent fires and determine liability when they occur. California has had to deal with numerous natural disasters; this has raised the necessity to create clear regulations for homeowners, businesses, utility companies, and insurers. Key principles include:

Strict Liability for Utilities: Power companies could be held responsible for fires created by their equipment even without proven negligence. This is really vital in ensuring communities from any utility-related tragedy.

Property Owner Responsibilities: Landowners must properly manage vegetation and clear dry brush to reduce wildfire risks and prevent hazardous conditions.

Government Agency Accountability: Agencies that fail to enforce approved fire safety regulations can be sued, ensuring oversight and responsibility at all levels.

Recent court rulings—including the SCE wildfire case on the Eaton Fire in 2020—demonstrate how these laws empower victims to seek compensation for their losses.

What is the Fire Legal Liability Coverage?

California’s wildfires have caused terrible personal injury and property destruction. Whether you own a house, rent, or run a business, understanding your rights and legal options for a California wildfire liability claim is crucial. Fire legal liability coverage is a specific type of insurance that is meant to safeguard a tenant or business should they be found liable for a fire that spreads to nearby acreage. However, it does not usually cover fires that spread to neighboring properties or wildlands.

For example, this coverage can cover damages to other properties should a campfire on your land start a wildfire; however, insurance companies may undervalue or reject these claims, leaving victims without support.

What Does Fire Legal Liability Cover?

• Homeowners and Renters Insurance: It can cover costs if your property gets damaged or stolen, and it can also be used for temporary living expenses if you need to stay elsewhere.
• Business Insurance: Covers damages to commercial buildings, lost income due to disruptions, and safeguards business operations from financial setbacks

If you’re a wildfire victim, it’s important to know the limits of your coverage in order to understand your options and decide the right path for you. A California wildfire attorney can help give you clarity regarding the options available to you, and help you file a claim.

Who Can File a Wildfire Lawsuit in California?

If you’re dealing with the devastating aftermath of a wildfire that has destroyed your property or caused you harm, you may be wondering if you can file a wildfire lawsuit in California to seek compensation. Before moving forward, it’s important to determine if you are eligible to file a claim.

To qualify, you must belong to one of the following groups:

• Homeowners: Those who lost their homes or suffered property damage.
• Renters: Individuals who lived in a fire-affected home and lost belongings or were forced to relocate.
• Business Owners: Those whose businesses sustained fire damage or financial losses due to operational disruptions.
• Injured Victims: People who suffered burns, respiratory issues, or other fire-related injuries.

In the midst of a crisis, this procedure can be confusing and taxing.Consulting a California fire damage lawyer can help you build a strong case, prove the extent of your losses, and navigate the claims process successfully.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Wildfire Damages?

Wildfires are complex disasters with multiple potential causes, ranging from extreme weather conditions to human negligence. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for the damage.

Utility Companies and Power Lines

Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment and power lines have been linked to devastating wildfires. Northern California fire attorneys have filed lawsuits against major utility companies, including SCE wildfire lawsuits, for their role in igniting the recent Eaton and Hurst fires in California.

Negligent Property Owners

Property owners and landlords who fail to comply with California fire safety regulations or ignore known hazards may be held liable for wildfire damages. For example, if a landlord neglects to remove dry vegetation and debris, allowing a fire to spread onto your property, you may have grounds to file a claim against them.

Government Entities and Fire Prevention Failures

Government agencies responsible for fire prevention, emergency response, or public safety may be held liable if they fail to take necessary precautions, promptly warn residents about fire risks, or properly implement evacuation plans. While suing a government entity can be challenging, an experienced team of California wildfire lawyers may be able to establish their liability and help you pursue compensation.

Common Causes of California Wildfires

Sadly, California sees some of the worst fires in the country, where only in 2020 a record-breaking 4.2 million acres of land burned, caused by multiple different factors. The main causes of California wildfires include both natural accidents and human errors:

• • Electrical Power Line Failures: Electrical sparks from utility company equipment have caused some of the state’s most devastating fires. For example, Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) most recent wildfire lawsuit is based on the company’s failing equipment being the alleged cause of the recent wildfires.
  • Arson: This is a major cause of wildfires. In 2021, more than 10% of wildfires in California were caused by arson, according to CAL FIRE.

• Campfires and Cigarettes: Unattended campfires and discarded cigarette butts can easily start wildfires in dry brush, according to Ready for Wildfire.

• Drought and Dry Conditions: Drought and dry weather can start wildfires and make them spread quickly.

What Compensation Can Wildfire Victims Recover?

Wildfires leave behind devastating losses, and if you’ve been affected, you may be entitled to compensation to help rebuild your life. Victims can recover damages for property destruction, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Each case is unique, and the compensation you receive depends on the extent of your losses and the circumstances surrounding the fire. Experienced wildfire attorneys can carefully assess damages by evaluating property value, medical records, and financial losses, ensuring you get the support that you deserve. Below are the key types of compensation that you may be eligible to recover as a wildfire victim in California.

Property Damage and Home Loss

Losing a home or personal property to a wildfire is life-altering. Property damage and home loss covers the expenses of rebuilding or fixing houses and businesses that the fire destroyed or damaged. It also covers reimbursement for the replacement of personal items including electronics, furniture, and clothes. Compensation for temporary accommodation is also available, including hotel stays or rental accommodations, to ensure that individuals have a safe place to stay while recovering and rebuilding.

Medical Bills and Burn Injuries

Wildfires can cause severe burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and other health complications that require costly medical treatment. Compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and ongoing therapy. In severe cases, victims may also seek damages for long-term disability or reduced quality of life due to wildfire-related injuries. A wildfire lawsuit ensures that medical expenses, both immediate and future, are accounted for.

Lost Wages and Business Interruption

If the wildfire forced you to evacuate, miss work, or shut down your business, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and financial disruptions. Business owners can recover damages for property destruction, inventory loss, and operational setbacks caused by the fire. Employees may also be compensated for lost wages, benefits, and reduced earning capacity if the fire impacted their ability to work. These losses are carefully calculated to ensure that victims are fairly compensated for various financial hardships.

Emotional Distress and Pain & Suffering

Wildfires leave invisible scars, included but not limited to PTSD, grief, anxiety, and despair. The loss of homes, valuable possessions, loved ones, and security, causes deep emotional pain. You deserve compensation for this suffering. Don’t suffer alone. Contact a California wildfire attorney today for help.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires in California?

While most homeowners insurance policies in California do cover damage caused by wildfires, it’s not always a straightforward process. Although most plans cover damage resulting from wildfires, insurance companies routinely contest claims by claiming policy exclusions. Our California fire damage lawyers have reversed false denials to make sure our clients receive just compensation.

One of the most common challenges homeowners face is insurers downplaying the extent of wildfire damage or failing to fully cover losses as outlined in the policy. If your wildfire claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, we’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common issues with wildfire insurance claims include

• Claim Denials or Underpayment: Insurers may dispute the value of a total loss, offering actual cash value (ACV) rather than replacement cost.
• Delays in Payouts: Insurances often delay payouts or tend to refuse agreements as a tactic to reduce the amount owed.
• Non-Renewals and Policy Cancellations: Some refuse payouts entirely, leaving homeowners with debt and forcing them to seek state-backed options like the California FAIR Plan.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wildfire Claim in California?

According to California laws, you normally have a period of three years from the moment of the incident to file a lawsuit for a property damage claim and two years for a personal injury claim. However, it is very important that you consult with your fire damage attorney regarding the specific deadlines, throughout every step of the process. There are exceptions to this timeline that may vary depending on your specific case. For example, when the issuer is a minor, the time limits may differ. No matter the case, it’s critical to have your deadlines clear, as missing them may cause you to lose compensation.

Recent Wildfires and Lawsuits in California

California has seen several devastating wildfires in recent years, many of which have led to lawsuits against utility companies for alleged negligence. Some notable cases include:

• Eaton Fire (2025): A lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) claims that poorly maintained power lines ignited the fire, causing widespread damage.
• Hurst Fire (2025): Victims have filed claims against the utility company SCE, alleging failure to properly trim trees near electrical equipment, which led to the fire.
• Corral Fire (2024): This fire was allegedly caused by downed power lines, with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) as the involved utility. The estimated damages are over $10 million, and the case remains under ongoing investigation.
• Mosquito Fire (2022): This was attributed to faulty PG&E equipment, leading to damages exceeding $750 million. The case is still in ongoing litigation.
• Dixie Fire (2021): One of California’s largest wildfires, allegedly sparked by PG&E equipment, has resulted in lawsuits holding the company accountable for the destruction.

For the latest updates on these wildfire lawsuits, please visit our pages on the Eaton Fire lawsuit and Hurst Fire litigation.

Why Choose Arnold Law Firm for Your Wildfire Claim?

At Arnold Law Firm, we understand that every wildfire claim represents a personal story of loss. With over 40 years of experience, our California wildfire attorneys combine compassion and legal expertise to fight for the justice you deserve. We have successfully recovered millions for wildfire victims, taking on utility companies, insurance providers, and responsible parties to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.

With extensive experience in wildfire litigation, Arnold Law Firm offers:

• Proven success: A strong track record of securing payouts for wildfire victims.
• Complete legal support: Guidance through insurance disputes, claims processing, and litigation.
• Aggressive advocacy: Dedicated representation that pushes aggressively for just pay means.

Contact Our California Wildfire Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you’ve lost property in a California wildfire, you don’t have to fight insurance companies or utility providers alone. Rebuilding your life after such devastation is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it by yourself.

At Arnold Law Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help wildfire victims understand their legal options. Our experienced attorneys have successfully helped clients recover compensation and rebuild after catastrophic losses. Visit our client testimonials to see how we’ve made a difference, or call today to speak with some of California’s most trusted and experienced wildfire attorneys.

Contact our California wildfire attorneys today to learn more about your legal options, the claims process, and how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.