Wildfire Lawsuit Attorneys

Helping People Recover from Devastating Fires

When a fire is started by negligence, such as poor maintenance of power lines owed by a utility company, it is only right to ask questions and demand compensation on behalf of the affected. From medical expenses and burial costs to the many costs associated with rebuilding a home and livelihood, such negligent parties could be liable for every dollar and cent.

Matthews & Associates is proud to stand up for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses in devastating wildfires across the country. If you need legal guidance and moral support after a fire changed your life forever, please reach out to our wildfire lawsuit attorneys right away to discover and use your rights.

We offer FREE case evaluations and can help clients nationwide. Call (888) 923-7001 to get started.

Wildfire Lawsuits We Handle

Our wildfire lawyers can help or have already helped people who were affected by these wildfires and more:

• 2023 Maui Fire: In what has been called the “largest natural disaster in Hawaii’s state history,” the 2023 Maui Fire claimed more than 100 lives, turned entire neighborhoods in Maui and Lahaina into ash, and left thousands of others without power for days. The Maui Fire Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) both concluded that reignited powerlines operated by Hawaiian Electric were the cause of the deadly blaze.
• 2025 Palisades and Eaton Fires: On January 7, 2025, two massively destructive wildfires began in the greater Los Angeles County area of Southern California: the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire. Between the two fires, dozens of people lost their lives and more than 10,000 structures were completely destroyed. The Eaton Fire has been linked to a powerline maintained by Southern California Edison (SCE).
• 2018 Camp Fire: Our firm represented victims of numerous wildfires in Southern California that were linked to Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE) negligence, including the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise that ended nearly 100 lives, displaced more than 50,000 people, and destroyed more than 18,000 structures.

Who Can File a Wildfire Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a wildfire lawsuit if a wildfire started by negligence caused you to:

• Lose a loved one
• Lose your home
• Lose your business or overall business value
• Move out of your home or be displaced for a significant amount of time
• Spend money to relocate or evacuate

Who is Liable for Wildfire Damages?

As mentioned, most wildfire lawsuits are filed against utility companies that fail to properly maintain their powerlines and energy systems. Time and again, investigations into some of the worst fires in recent history have evidence that a downed or damaged powerline was not de-energized properly, likely resulting in a fast-spreading wildfire. If a utility company did not take proper and reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fires being started by their equipment, it is only right to file claims against them in pursuit of justice and damages.

Types of Compensation Available

The aftermath of a wildfire brings many forms of losses, which victims shouldn’t have to bear alone. We help clients recover compensation for the following types of damages where applicable:

• Rebuilding Costs: Compensation can cover the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home, business, or other structures lost to the fire. This includes expenses for materials, labor, permits, and temporary housing during the rebuilding process.
• Medical Expenses: If you or a family member sustained injuries during the wildfire, compensation may include costs for hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Many victims lose income due to injuries, displacement, or loss of their workplace. Compensation can cover lost wages, salaries, or the value of future earning capacity if the injuries were disabling.
• Business Losses: For business owners, compensation can address lost inventory, equipment, and income opportunities caused by the fire.
• Evacuation and Relocation Costs: Reimbursement for temporary housing, relocation, and evacuation expenses.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in the fire, you may pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
• Emotional Trauma: Experiencing a wildfire is often deeply traumatic. Victims may be able to recover damages for emotional distress, grief, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.

How Damages Are Calculated

The value of your claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your loss, the financial impact of the fire, and evidence of negligence. Key factors that influence settlement amounts include the following:

• Cost of repairs, rebuilding, or medical treatments.
• Loss of irreplaceable items, both personal and professional.
• Documentation of emotional and mental health impacts.
• Degree of negligence on the part of the responsible party.

Our wildfire compensation claims attorneys meticulously gather evidence, consult specialists, and advocate for your maximum recovery during negotiations or court proceedings.

Wildfire Lawsuits and Insurance Claims

While insurance can provide relief after a wildfire, dealing with insurance companies can be a challenge. Insurance policies often have limitations or exclusions that leave victims undercompensated or frustrated. Here's where insurance claims intersect with lawsuits, and how we can help.

Common Challenges with Wildfire Insurance Claims

• Lowball Settlements: Insurers often minimize payouts by undervaluing property damage or applying unfair depreciation rates.
• Disputed Coverage: An insurer might claim your losses aren’t covered due to policy loopholes, exclusions, or technicalities.
• Delayed Payments: Many victims experience stressful delays in receiving much-needed compensation from their insurance company.

Insurance Tactics to Minimize Payouts

Insurance companies often employ aggressive strategies to reduce their financial obligations. These strategies include the following:

1. Blaming Another Party: Insurers may try to shift responsibility to avoid payouts. We work to establish clear evidence of utility company or third-party negligence.
2. Demanding Unnecessary Documentation: Some insurers might delay claims by requesting excessive paperwork. Our team expedites this process by handling all communications on your behalf.
3. Intimidating Claimants: Insurers may pressure you into accepting less than what you deserve. Our attorneys act as your advocate and shield, ensuring fair treatment throughout the process.
4. Disputing Value of Losses: Adjusters might undervalue your home, possessions, or lost income. We partner with industry experts to provide accurate valuations and fight for every dollar owed.

How an Attorney Can Help

Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected. We’ll help by doing the following:

• Reviewing your policy to identify the full scope of coverage.
• Challenging unfair payment offers or wrongful denials.
• Gathering detailed documentation to strengthen your case.
• Ensuring you receive the compensation your policy entitles you to.

With our experienced wildfire lawsuit attorneys by your side, you can focus on rebuilding while we stand up to insurance companies on your behalf.

See If You Have a Wildfire Claim – Call Today

Matthews & Associates is standing by to hear from anyone who lost a loved one, home, or business to a wildfire that might have been started by utility company negligence. Throughout our many years of practice, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and awards for our clients who came to us with complex and difficult cases. Let us see what we can achieve for you and your family, too, by reaching out today.

Our fire lawsuit attorneys fight for your rights, and we know how to get results. Call (888) 923-7001 now.