Our Process for Wildfire Claims
Explore the wildfire claims process with Adamson Ahdoot.
Get expert legal help, and start your claim today with a free consultation.
Understanding the Path Forward After a Wildfire
The road ahead can feel uncertain if you've suffered loss from a wildfire. Homes, businesses, and entire communities can be reduced to ashes in hours. When that happens, it's not just about picking up the pieces. It's about figuring out what comes next and how to get there.
Filing a wildfire claim isn't always straightforward. Wildfires cause devastating damage, and your insurance may not cover all of it. The paperwork is dense, the deadlines are tight, and the stakes are high. At Adamson Ahdoot, we make the process transparent. We pursue legal action against the utility company responsible for the fire, striving to secure complete compensation to cover all your loses and expenses. We walk you through every step with purpose and patience, helping you reclaim what was lost and pursue the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Whether you're dealing with denied claims, partial payouts, or complete silence from negligent parties, our wildfire claims lawyers are here to step in and take the weight off your shoulders.
Who Can File a Wildfire Claim?
You don't have to lose your house to qualify for a wildfire claim. You don't need to be a property owner. And you don't need to have all the answers upfront. Our job is to help you determine whether you qualify and what kind of damages you might be entitled to recover.
We've worked with a wide range of clients, including:
- Homeowners whose houses were destroyed or partially damaged.
- Business owners whose income dried up due to the fire.
- Families forced to live in hotels or temporary shelters for weeks or months.
- Tenants displaced by smoke or structural damage.
- Individuals who developed breathing problems due to prolonged smoke exposure.
- People whose emotional and mental health was affected by the disaster.
Wildfire injury lawyers assess every angle of a claim, not just the visible damage. Sometimes, the most overlooked consequences, like chronic stress or family disruption, can be just as devastating as physical losses.
The Legal Process: What to Expect, Start to Finish
From the moment you contact us, we start building your case. You don't have to worry about what to say or what documents to bring. We'll guide you step by step and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a real conversation, no scripts, no sales pitch—just a chance to understand what happened, what you're facing, and what outcome you're looking for. We'll explain whether you have a valid claim and what your next steps should be.
2. Gathering Evidence
Next, we get to work collecting everything needed to support your claim. This includes property assessments, insurance policies, utility reports, evacuation orders, photos, receipts, and medical records if injuries are involved. We may also bring fire-origin experts and structural engineers to build a stronger case.
3. Filing the Claim
Once everything is in place, we file the claim on your behalf. This could be against a utility provider or another party liable for the fire. We handle all communication, submissions, and responses.
4. Negotiation
At this stage, we push to settle the claim out of court. That means working directly with insurers or defense attorneys to secure a financial recovery that reflects the full extent of your losses. We do not settle for quick offers that don't cover long-term costs.
5. Litigation (if needed)
Sometimes, the other side refuses to offer a fair deal. We are fully prepared to take the case to court if that happens. Our team has handled complex wildfire litigation across California, including Camp, Woolsey, and Thomas Fires claims.
6. Resolution and Payment
Once your case is resolved, we ensure that payment is processed promptly. We'll also review the settlement with you in plain language so you understand precisely what you're receiving.
Types of Compensation Available
A comprehensive wildfire claim looks beyond what burned. It factors into every part of your life that was disrupted.
Property Loss
This includes damage to homes, apartments, vehicles, fences, barns, and landscaping. Even if your structure survived, smoke and ash can make it unlivable.
Personal Belongings
Basic insurance policies often do not itemize furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and keepsakes. We can help you pursue replacement costs for your home's contents.
Medical Expenses
Smoke inhalation, burns, anxiety, and trauma can all require medical attention. We make sure your physical and psychological treatment is factored into your claim.
Business Interruption
If your business had to shut down or operate at reduced capacity, those losses are recoverable. This includes lost profits, damaged equipment, and canceled contracts.
Temporary Relocation Costs
Meals, hotels, rental cars, and pet boarding are often reimbursable under a thorough wildfire claim. Keep your receipts, and let us handle the rest.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD following a wildfire. Compensation for emotional distress is not automatic but can be awarded with the proper documentation and legal advocacy.
Why Choose Adamson Ahdoot?
When you work with Adamson Ahdoot, you get more than legal representation. You get a dedicated team that treats your case like it matters; because it does.
Here's what sets us apart:
Extensive Legal Experience
We have handled significant fire claims linked to utility negligence and emergency response failures. We know how to find liability where others stop looking. Furthermore, we have represented the interests of several thousand fire victims across California and litigated some of the largest ever cases against utility companies for causing destructive wildfires. This includes the PG&E bankruptcy proceedings in Northern California, where we helped secure a $13.5 billion settlement on behalf of thousands of fire victims.
Client-Focused Approach
You'll never feel rushed or brushed off. We respond quickly, explain things clearly, and work with your needs and schedule in mind. Moreover, we are always available to answer any questions you may have.
No Recovery, No Fee
You don't pay us anything upfront, and if we don't win, you owe us nothing. This keeps the focus on results, not billable hours.
Respect in the Legal Community
As a nationally recognized law firm with decades of wildfire litigation experience, we have the tools, the resources, and the respect to help us negotiate more substantial settlements and move claims forward more efficiently.
Cultural and Language Access
We serve a diverse community. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff, so your story is never lost in translation.
What’s Next?
Wildfire claims are time-sensitive. There are legal deadlines to file, and the longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather evidence. Even if you're still figuring out your next move, having a conversation now can protect your options for the future.
If you're unsure whether your damages qualify or how to begin, that's perfectly normal. You don't have to figure it out alone. Speak with a wildfire claims lawyer from our team and get honest, helpful information immediately.
We offer free consultations, no-commitment advice, and the experience you need to move forward confidently.
Reach out today. We're here to help you rebuild.
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