Your Legal Rights After a Wildfire: What You Need to Know

The smoke has cleared, the embers have cooled, but the challenges of rebuilding after a wildfire are just beginning. One of the most important steps in your recovery is filing a claim with your homeowner's insurance company. This process can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. Making the wrong move could significantly impact the compensation you receive, delaying your recovery or even jeopardizing your claim altogether. Here are 10 crucial mistakes to avoid when filing a wildfire insurance claim: Delaying the Filing of Your Claim: Time is of the essence. Most insurance policies have deadlines for reporting losses. Delaying your claim can raise red flags with your insurer and potentially jeopardize your coverage. Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after the fire to initiate the claims process. Failing to Document Everything: Thorough documentation is your most powerful weapon in the claims process. Photograph and Videotape: Take extensive photos and videos of all damage to your property, both inside and out, before any cleanup or repairs begin. Capture wide shots and close-ups, documenting the full extent of the destruction. Create a Detailed Inventory: Compile a comprehensive list of all damaged, destroyed, or lost personal belongings. Include descriptions, quantities, estimated values, and any available receipts, purchase records, or appraisals. Keep All Receipts: Save every receipt related to expenses incurred due to the fire, including temporary housing, meals, clothing, transportation, and any other out-of-pocket costs. Throwing Away Damaged Items Before the Adjuster's Inspection: Resist the urge to discard damaged items before the insurance adjuster has had a chance to inspect them. These items serve as crucial evidence to support your claim. If you must dispose of anything for safety or health reasons, take detailed photographs and videos first, and notify your adjuster. Not Understanding Your Policy: Your homeowners insurance policy is a complex legal document. Failing to thoroughly understand its terms, coverage limits, exclusions, and your responsibilities as a policyholder can lead to costly mistakes. If anything is unclear, seek clarification from your agent or an attorney. Pay particular attention to: Dwelling Coverage Limits: The maximum amount your insurer will pay to repair or rebuild your home. Personal Property Coverage: The limits for replacing your belongings. Loss of Use/Additional Living Expenses (ALE): The extent of coverage for temporary housing and other living expenses. Deductibles: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in. Exclusions: Any specific types of damage or losses that are not covered. Accepting the First Offer Without Question: The first settlement offer from your insurance company is often a lowball offer, especially after a major event like a wildfire. They are hoping you'll accept it out of desperation or lack of knowledge. Don't be afraid to negotiate or seek a second opinion from an independent contractor or a lawyer. Downplaying Your Losses or Damages: Be honest and thorough when describing your losses to the insurance adjuster. Don't minimize the damage or omit items from your inventory. It's better to overestimate initially than to leave something out and have to fight for it later. Making Permanent Repairs Before Authorization: Avoid making any permanent repairs to your property before obtaining authorization from your insurance company. They may deny coverage for repairs made without their approval. Emergency repairs to prevent further damage are usually acceptable, but document them thoroughly and notify your insurer as soon as possible. Not Keeping Records of Communication: Document every interaction with your insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings. Note the date, time, name of the representative, and a summary of the conversation. This creates a valuable paper trail that can help protect your rights if a dispute arises. Failing to Seek Professional Help: The insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially after a traumatic event like a wildfire. An experienced wildfire insurance lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by: Evaluating your policy and explaining your rights. Gathering and organizing evidence to support your claim. Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit if necessary to challenge a denial or bad faith practices. Ignoring Deadlines: Insurance claims are subject to various deadlines, including the time to file a claim, submit documentation, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Missing a deadline can have serious consequences, potentially barring you from recovering the compensation you deserve. Bradley/Grombacher LLP: Your Advocates for a Fair Recovery At Bradley/Grombacher LLP, we understand the devastation that wildfires inflict on California homeowners. We're committed to helping victims of events like the Palisades Fire secure the full and fair compensation they need to rebuild their lives. With over 50 years of combined experience in employment law, personal injury, and consumer protection , we're well-equipped to handle complex wildfire claims and fight for your rights. Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. If you're facing challenges with your wildfire insurance claim, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at (866) 881-0403 or fill out our online contact form. We're here to help you every step of the way.

The Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) , a pivotal piece of California labor law, has recently undergone significant reforms that have sparked a mixed response among legal professionals. These changes, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in June 2024, aim to address long-standing concerns from both employers and employees regarding the 20-year-old legislation. However, the compromises have left the legal community divided, with opinions varying widely on the potential outcomes of these adjustments.

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An Abercrombie clothing lawsuit has led to a $25 million settlement over allegations that employees were required to purchase the clothing they were selling in the store.

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Marcus Bradley is a founder and partner at Bradley/Grombacher, LLP, and focuses much of his practice on complex consumer litigation, class actions, mass torts, product liability, personal injury, and more.

Kiley Grombacher is a founder and partner at Bradley/Grombacher, LLP, and focuses much of her practice in complex litigation including consumer and employment class actions, product liability, and pharmaceutical mass torts.

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The retreat is designed for attorneys and provides 6 credit hours of continuing legal education (CLE). During the event, Attorney Grombacher will be a featured speaker presenting on PAGA: What's Next After Viking River Cruises?