If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to the Hatcher Mountain or Millstone Gap Fires, you might have a compensation claim for your repair costs, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The Wildfire Law Center is here to assist you from the start.
We’ve dedicated our law practice to helping victims of wildfires get back on their feet. Our wildfire lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience, and members of our legal team have been recognized by esteemed legal organizations like Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers for their excellent legal representation.
Call or text today at 619-566-6464 to begin forming an attorney-client relationship. Our law firm offers a free, no-obligation initial case evaluation.
How Wildfire Law Center Can Help With a Hatcher Mountain or Millstone Gap Fires Claim
The consequences of a wildfire can be so severe and widespread that they can alter the environment they cover forever. The same can be said of the potential impact on you and your family. Business losses, property damage, and pain and suffering may only scratch the surface.
When the circumstances are that drastic, it’s especially important that you have a strong advocate in your corner to protect and assert your rights. That’s exactly what the experienced lawyers with the Wildfire Law Center can do. We’re passionate attorneys who truly care about our clients and seeing them obtain the compensation they deserve. Our legal team can assist with your case by:
- Launching an internal investigation into the extent of your damages
- Collecting evidence in furtherance of your compensation claim
- Negotiating and handling all communications on your behalf
- Hiring experts to analyze your case and testify on your behalf if need be
Reach out to our law office today to schedule your free initial consultation.
An Overview of the Hatcher Mountain and Millstone Gap Fires
The Hatcher Mountain and Millstone Gap Fires each took place in March and April of 2022 in Sevier County, Tennessee. The fires started on March 30th and March 31st, respectively, and were both fully contained within a week’s time.
The Hatcher Mountain Fire was the more serious, covering 2,498 acres and affecting 219 structures. Around 11,000 homes were evacuated, but fortunately, there were no fatalities. The Millstone Gap Fire covered nearly 1,000 acres and affected two structures.
Together, the fires caused the Governor of Tennesee to issue an emergency declaration, and it is estimated that the fires caused $65 million in damage. Local agencies incurred more than $3 million in order to put the fires at bay.
Officials from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture released the official cause of the fires in mid-April, stating that downed power lines were the culprit. Winds were especially high at the time that the fires started, which may have caused the power lines to fall and also caused the fires to spread quickly.
Who Is Liable for the Hatcher Mountain and Millstone Gap Fires?
Because it was officially determined that the Hatcher Mountain and Millstone Gap Fires were caused by downed power lines, it is possible that the utility company or other entity responsible for those lines is liable under a negligence cause of action.
It’s possible that your homeowner’s or other insurance policy could cover your damages, depending on their type and severity. But whether your insurance company is giving you the runaround or the terms of your policy are insufficient to make up for your losses, the Wildfire Law Center can help.
Our lawyers will be sure to apprise you of your legal rights and options at every stage of your case. We’ll explore every possible avenue of liability in order to maximize your compensation award. Reach out to our experienced wildfire lawyers today.
Common Injuries Following Wildfires
Some of the more common types of injuries and harm that a wildfire like the Hatcher Mountain Fire or Millstone Gap Fire can cause include the following:
- Environmental damage
- Burn injuries
- Lung-related diseases
- Property damage
- Agricultural losses
- Business losses
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- PTSD
- Depression
If you’ve suffered any of the above types of harm, contact our attorneys for assistance.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Wildfire?
Victims of wildfires can aim to recover economic, non-economic, and possibly punitive damages.
Economic damages include the financial consequences of the wildfire: property damage and repair costs, lost wages, decreased earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical bills all fall under this category.
Non-economic damages are not as easy to quantify as economic damages. This type of damages includes things such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, depression, and decreased enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages aren’t awarded in every wildfire case; they are reserved for cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was egregious. Instead of compensating you directly – although they do in effect – these damages are instead intended to “punish” the defendant.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Wildfire Attorneys
You deserve compensation after you’ve been harmed by the Hatcher Mountain and Millstone Gap Fires. While it might be the case that no amount of money can truly make you whole again, depending on what you’ve lost, you can still seek justice and hold the at-fault party responsible.
The attorneys with the Wildfire Law Center are here to help, whether it’s representing your interests in front of an insurance company or pursuing a monetary award through the courts.
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning instead of paying us upfront to represent you, we will receive our fee as a percentage of the financial award we obtain for you. When you win, we win, and we’ll be incentivized to increase the value of your claim as much as possible.
Call today at 619-566-6464 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced lawyer.