Help for Los Angeles County Wildfire Victims
If You Lost Your Home or Business in the Recent Fires, We Can Help
At Shaumyan & Derbarseghian, LLP, we understand the devastating impact of wildfires on families and businesses in Los Angeles County. The recent fires, including the Eaton Fire, have left many people without homes, possessions, and livelihoods. Our mission is to provide compassionate and effective legal assistance to those affected by these fires. We are currently working with clients who have lost everything in these fires, and we are here to help you too.
Recent Fires in Los Angeles County
Southern California has been hit hard by wildfires, with Los Angeles County experiencing several major fires that have destroyed homes, businesses, and communities. Below are some of the most significant fires in the region:
- Eaton Fire: This fire, burning near Altadena, has consumed over 14,000 acres and caused the destruction of numerous homes and businesses. Tragically, lives have been lost, and hundreds of residents have been displaced.
- Palisades Fire: Originating in Pacific Palisades, this fire has burned approximately 23,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
- Hurst Fire: Burning near Sylmar, this fire has affected nearly 800 acres and caused damage to homes and infrastructure.
These fires have been exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds, which can cause fires to spread rapidly and unpredictably. In addition, dry conditions and high temperatures have created a perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread.
WE OFFER FREE POLICY REVIEWS AND CONSULTATIONS!
If your home, business, or property was damaged or destroyed in the fires, you may have insurance coverage to help you rebuild. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Policies can be complex, and insurance companies don’t always make the claims process easy.
We offer free consultations to review your insurance policies, help you understand your rights, and answer any questions you may have.
Our goal is to help you through this difficult time — not to make money.
The Role of Utility Companies in Wildfires
If evidence shows that SCE’s equipment or negligence played a role in starting the recent fires, victims may have a legal right to pursue compensation for their losses.
Potential Claims Against Southern California Edison (SCE)
Our attorneys can help you explore the possibility of a claim against SCE to seek compensation for:
- Property loss
- Relocation expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of income
- Other damages caused by the fire
Common Issues With Insurance Claims After a Wildfire
After a wildfire, many homeowners and business owners face challenges with their insurance claims, such as:
- Claim denials
- Delays in processing
- Low settlement offers
- Disputes over coverage
These challenges can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to rebuild your life. Insurance companies may use technical language and loopholes to minimize their payouts. We can help you navigate the insurance claims process and advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under your policy.
Important Facts About California Wildfires
- California has one of the most severe wildfire seasons in the U.S.
- Over 4.2 million acres burned in California in 2020 alone, making it one of the worst wildfire years on record.
- In 2018, the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise, killing 85 people and becoming the deadliest wildfire in California history.
- Utility companies have paid billions in settlements to wildfire victims, including PG&E’s $13.5 billion settlement for the Camp Fire.
- Wildfire victims often face long legal battles to get the compensation they deserve from insurance companies and utility companies.
Helpful Statutes
Some of these only apply during declared emergencies. Below is a summary for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every policy and claim should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Insurer should pay in advance 4 months of living expenses immediately when you lose your home in a declared state of emergency. Ins. Code 2061 (a)(1).
- If you do not rebuild, you can use all your coverages, including extended replacement coverage and building code upgrades, to purchase a new home. Ins. Code 2051.5 (c); Ins. Code 10103.7(a)
- Insurer should not deduct the value of your land from a replacement home value. Ins. Code 2051.5 (c)(2)
- Your insurer must offer an immediate payment of at least 30% of your policy limit (up to $250K) for personal property. Ins. Code 10103.7
- You do not need to use your insurer’s inventory form, they must accept the information any way you provide it, and you do not need to itemize, you can bulk-list items. Ins. Code 2061(a)(2)(3)
- Insurer must acknowledge claim, provide forms and begin investigating within 15 days of notice. 10 CCR 2695.5(e)
- Insurer should respond to questions and letters/calls/emails within 15 days. 10 CCR 2695.5(b)
- You can get a copy of your claim file upon request. Ins. Code 2071
- You can get a copy of your policy. Ins. Code 2071; Ins. Code 2084
- If your insurer assigns you to 3 or more claims handlers within a 6-month period, they must provide a written status report summarizing their claims handling to date and provide you with a person as a point of contact, and a direct means of communication with that person. Ins. Code 2071, Ins. Code 14047
- Your insurer must accept or reject your claim within 40 days of receiving proof of claim. If they refuse the claim, they must provide all factual and legal bases for the refusal. 10 CCR 2695.7(b) If they accept the claim, they must pay all undisputed portions within 30 days. 10 CCR 2695.7h They can request more time to review but must put the request in writing, say what else they need, and provide an estimated time frame to decide. 10 CCR 2695.7(c)(1)
- Regardless of the time limits in the policy, in a state of emergency you have 36 months to rebuild from the date of the first payment made. Additional 6-month extensions may be provided for good cause. Cal. Ins. Code sections 2051.5[b][1] and [2]
- When your loss is due to a state of emergency you have 36 months to use your living expense coverage. Ins. Code section 2060[b][1]
- Your insurer must pay living expenses for up to 2 weeks if you are restricted access to your property by a civil authority, with additional two-week extensions available for good cause. Ins. Code section 2060[c].
- If you and your insurer disagree as to the cost of repairs, either side can request appraisal, but cannot compel it if the damage is due to a government-declared disaster. (Cal. Ins. Code section 2071).
- Your insurer cannot cancel your insurance while your home is rebuilt and cannot charge you on renewal for the cost of your non-existent home but can only insure what is actually there on the property. (Cal. Ins. Code section 675.1[a]). Insurer must offer to renew for 24 months after loss caused by a disaster.
- On January 9, 2025, a one-year moratorium was put in place for zip codes in or adjoining the Palisades and Eaton fires– no insurer can cancel or non-renew in those areas for a year.
What We Can Do for You:
Here’s how we can help if you’ve been impacted by the fires:
- Free Insurance Policy Review: We will review your insurance policy to help you understand your coverage and rights.
- Assist With Insurance Claims: We can help you file your insurance claim, address any issues that arise, and negotiate a fair settlement.
- Pursue Legal Claims Against Utility Companies: If SCE or another utility company is found responsible for the fire, we can help you file a claim to seek compensation for your losses.
- Provide Guidance and Support: We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance throughout the process. We want you to feel supported and informed every step of the way.
Why Choose Shaumyan & Derbarseghian, LLP?
- Compassionate Legal Assistance – We understand the emotional toll of losing your home or business, and we’re here to support you with empathy and care.
- Experienced Attorneys – We have experience handling insurance claims and complex litigation against utility companies.
- No Fees Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Local Knowledge – As a Glendale-based law firm, we have a deep understanding of the challenges facing wildfire victims in Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas.
How to Get Started
If you’ve been affected by the fires, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We are offering free consultations to review your policy, answer your questions, and provide guidance on your next steps.
Call us at (818) 746-3764 or fill out the contact form to schedule your free consultation.
We are committed to helping our community rebuild after these devastating fires. Let us help you navigate this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make a claim if I don’t have fire insurance?
Yes, even if you don’t have specific fire insurance, you may have other types of coverage that apply. Additionally, if a utility company like SCE is found responsible for the fire, you may be able to pursue a legal claim against them.
- What if my insurance company denied my claim?
If your insurance company has denied your claim, we can help you appeal the decision and advocate for a fair settlement.
- How do I know if SCE is responsible for the fire?
Investigations are ongoing, but if it is determined that SCE’s equipment or negligence contributed to the fire, you may have grounds for a claim. We can help you stay informed on the investigation and your legal options.
- How much does it cost to hire your law firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
- How long do I have to file a claim?
The time to file a claim may vary depending on the type of claim and who it is against. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more.
At Shaumyan & Derbarseghian, LLP, we are more than just attorneys — we are your neighbors and advocates. We are here to help you recover and rebuild after the fires. Reach out to us today.
