If you or a loved one was affected by the Coastal Fire in California, you might be entitled to compensation for your resulting damages. However, insurance companies and other at-fault parties won’t make the claims process easy – which is why you need an experienced attorney advocating for you.
The California wildfire lawyers at Wildfire Law Center are here to help you recover the money you deserve. Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience, and we know how to fight insurance companies for fair settlements. When you hire our award-winning attorneys, you’ll have an ally protecting your legal rights and leveling the playing field.
Don’t let anyone take advantage of you during this difficult time. Enlist our help by calling or contacting us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our compassionate legal team is standing by to listen to your story and get the outcome you need to move on with your life.
How Wildfire Law Center Can Help With a Coastal Fire Claim
The aftermath of a wildfire is chaotic. You may be injured and dealing with medical bills and treatment. You may have lost your home, making your living situation in the foreseeable future uncertain. You shouldn’t have to worry about a legal battle while you’ve got so much going on.
Wildfire Law Center will stand up for you and ensure you receive an amount that accurately reflects the value of your damages. We represent plaintiffs injured by fire damage every day and know how to handle these claims.
If you hire our California fire damage lawyers to represent you in your Coastal Fire claim, we’ll:
- Investigate and coordinate with officials to determine what caused the fire and who may be liable
- Thoroughly examine the terms of any insurance policies that may cover the fire damage
- Handle your fire claim from start to finish and negotiate with opposing parties and insurance companies on your behalf
- Determine all options for compensation, including insurance claims and lawsuits
- Litigate your fire lawsuit in court if we cannot reach a fair settlement agreement
Before agreeing to any settlement offers, call us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss whether we think the agreement is fair and give honest, compassionate legal advice.
History of the Coastal Fire
The Coastal Fire ignited on May 11, 2022. It began as a brush fire in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, located in the San Joaquin Hills of Orange County. Winds led the wildfire to Laguna Niguel, prompting an evacuation of 900 homes.
The fire was 100% contained on May 17, 2022 after burning about 200 acres of land, and caused the following damage:
- At least two reported injuries
- 20 homes destroyed
- 12 homes damaged
- Destruction of wildlife and their habitats
If you or someone you love were affected by the Coastal Fire, contact Wildfire Law Center for help.
What Caused the Coastal Fire?
The cause of the Coastal Fire is still under investigation. However, Southern California Edison (SCE) notified the California Public Utilities Commission of unspecified circuit activity on the same day the fire erupted.
In a subsequent June 2022 report, SCE stated that an electrical component connecting two power lines in the area where the Coastal Fire occurred was damaged.
Residents of Laguna Niguel who lost their homes have sued SCE for damages, claiming that the utility’s negligent maintenance and operation of the electrical equipment caused the fire.
What Are Some Common Injuries Caused By Wildfires?
In addition to property damage and losses, injuries suffered by wildfire victims can include:
- Smoke inhalation, which can cause respiratory complications
- Burns, which can cause severe scarring and disfigurement
- Irritated eyes
- Damaged lungs
- Exacerbated health conditions, such as asthma
- Death of a loved one
Victims of wildfires also suffer debilitating psychological damage due to the emotional trauma of dealing with a fire. For instance, they may suffer anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Wildfire?
The damages you recover will depend on your losses and the claims you file.
Personal injury claims allow you to seek compensation for your economic damages, which cover the financial losses you sustained due to the fire. You can also seek non-economic damages for your personal and emotional losses.
Damages in a personal injury claim may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Property damage claims allow you to seek compensation for the fire damage to your property, including:
- The value of your lost personal property
- The value to replace or repair damaged property
- Erosion and loss of vegetation
- Agricultural losses
Our California wildfire attorneys will help you identify all avenues of recovery and value the full extent of your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Wildfire Attorneys to Discuss a Coastal Fire Lawsuit
Did you or a loved one suffer losses from the Coastal Fire in Orange County, CA? If so, contact Wildfire Law Center today to discuss your legal options. Our California fire damage attorneys have over six decades of combined experience to put behind your case. We’ll fight to recover the compensation you deserve, so contact us for a free consultation.