Wildfires cost California and the rest of US business owners millions of dollars in lost economic activity each year. And while the exact cost is currently unclear, it’s well known that fires can cause significant financial losses to businesses due to property damage, evacuations, and smoke exposure.
If your business has been impacted by a wildfire, contact Wildfire Law Center for assistance. Our California wildfire business loss lawyers have over 60 years of combined legal experience, and we’ll use our knowledge and skills to fight for your best interests.
Before signing a settlement agreement, reach out to our wildfire lawyers for a consultation. You may be accepting an amount that is far below what you deserve. Call or contact us online to discuss your options for compensation.
How Wildfire Law Center Can Help If You’ve Suffered Business Losses in a California Fire
Whether you lost business due to fire damage, heavy smoke, or evacuations in your area, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Even if your business insurance policy doesn’t cover the accident, another party may have caused the fire leading to your business losses. In that case, you may be able to file a wildfire lawsuit against them for damages.
We’re a victims-only law firm, meaning we only work for those who have been negatively affected by wildfires. We’re on your side and know how to fight insurance companies and other opposing parties for fair compensation.
If you hire our California wildfire business loss attorneys for help, we’ll:
- Investigate the fire, including coordinating with local, state, or federal government agencies to determine how the fire started and who may be liable
- Review your business insurance policies to evaluate your options
- Help you value the full extent of your business losses
- Negotiate on your behalf and handle your claim(s) from start to finish so that you can focus on rebuilding your business
- File a wildfire lawsuit on your behalf if the fire started due to negligence or intentional acts
Insurance claims for fire damage can be complicated. Insurance companies are known for undervaluing business loss claims – even if you’ve always paid your premiums on time. Let us take on your legal fight to ensure you recover a fair amount that accounts for the full extent of your losses.
What Compensation Can I Receive for Business Losses After a Wildfire in California?
The compensation you can receive will depend on the types of claims you can file. For example, you may have general liability insurance and/or business income coverage (or business interruption insurance). Additionally, if another party caused the wildfire – such as a utility company – you may be able to file a fire lawsuit for damages.
Depending on your options, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property damage to structures
- Loss of profits and sales
- The cost to fix or replace damaged equipment and other business property
- Lost inventory
- Expenses associated with relocating
- Operating expenses you may owe if your property wasn’t completely destroyed (e.g., rent)
- Business interruption damages, such as an interference in your supply chain
- Additional expenses, such as replacement materials and cleanup services
Your business insurance policy should indicate the losses it covers in the event of a fire. We will review all available avenues for compensation, including your coverage and/or a lawsuit.
What Is Negligence, and How Do I Prove It in My California Business Loss Claim?
Most wildfires are caused by people, including unattended campfires, poorly maintained power lines, or carelessly discarded cigarettes. While intentional acts of arson may also be a cause of some wildfires, negligence is most often the culprit.
Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, causing harm to others, and consists of four elements:
- Duty of care: Everyone owes others a duty of care to act reasonably to avoid causing accidents (e.g., fires) and damage
- Breach of duty: If a party acts unreasonably under the circumstances – compared to a reasonable person – they likely breached their duty of care
- Causation: The breach of duty must have directly caused harm to the plaintiff
- Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered damages (e.g., business losses) as a result of the defendant’s breach of duty
Whether a negligent utility company or camper caused your accident, our California wildfire lawyers will help you seek compensation for your business losses and any other harm you’ve suffered.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our California Wildfire Business Loss Lawyers
Did you sustain a loss of business due to a wildfire in California? If so, you might be able to recover compensation for your property damage, lost profits, business interruption expenses, and more. Contact Wildfire Law Center today to speak with an experienced California wildfire attorney.
We’ll put six decades of combined legal experience behind your case and stand up to insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. Call us today before you settle with an insurance company to ensure you’re getting the money you deserve for your business losses.