Orange County Fire Lawyer

Experienced Fire Lawyers In Orange County, California

Orange County Fire LawyerThe California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that 9,000 fire incidents in 2021 destroyed over 2.5 million acres and 3,600 structures throughout the state. Fire is a constant threat in California and can consume acres and acres of property, homes, and businesses in a flash. It can also cause exponential property damage and devastating injuries and fatalities. While many of our fires are of unknown origin, others are caused by human negligence. If you have sustained property loss, have been injured, or have lost a loved one due to a fire in Southern California, you may be able to hold an at-fault party liable for your injuries or other damages. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, we have spent our careers protecting victims and their families from negligent parties. If you are the victim of fire damage or injuries, our experienced Orange County fire lawyers can help you recover financial compensation so you can heal and move on with your life.

Fire Liability in Orange County

While many fires are caused by natural phenomena here in California, others are caused by negligence. When an individual, company, or government agency is to blame for a serious fire that causes harm to others, they can be held liable for the injuries and damage that results.

Common Causes of Fire in California

The financial liability of a wildfire will depend on the cause. Some of the most common causes of our fires in California include:

  • Vegetation that has become flammable
  • Dry conditions
  • Lightning
  • Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires
  • Fireworks
  • Uncontrolled debris and yard waste fires
  • Discarded cigarettes
  • Other human activity
  • Improper use or maintenance of equipment and vehicles
  • Faulty electrical power lines and poles
  • Arson

After a major fire, an investigation is launched to determine the cause of the fire. When a fire is determined to have been caused by negligence, those who have been harmed may be eligible to file legal claims against the negligent party.

Fires and Insurance Bad Faith

While most people assume that their losses will be covered under their personal insurance policy, insurance companies often deny or downgrade insurance claims. In many cases, the policy limits are not enough to cover the full extent of the losses.

“I am extremely satisfied by Aitken Aitken Cohn. The staff made me feel very welcome. I have and will continue to refer people to this firm. “

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Insurance bad faith can happen when the insurance company has:

  • Failed to respond to your claim
  • Unreasonably delayed processing your claim
  • Undervalued your claim
  • Lied or misrepresented the terms of your coverage
  • Manipulated investigation facts
  • Wrongly denied your claim

Insurance bad faith is fraud, and defrauded parties can recover compensation for their damages, including attorney’s fees, court costs, and in the most egregious cases, punitive damages.

If you have sustained damages not covered under insurance, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party. While homeowners insurance will cover property damage and physical losses, a personal injury claim may recover compensation for injuries and emotional losses due to the fire. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, our experienced team of Orange County fire lawyers can hold your insurance company accountable for their bad faith actions and seek additional compensation through the at-fault party.

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Fires can result in overwhelming injuries and devastating fatalities. Injured parties can suffer from physical injuries, scarring, disfigurement, and long-term disability, causing extensive medical and emotional costs.

Fire injury victims may be able to recover those medical costs, current and future, as well as lost wages, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. If injuries have resulted in a fatality, family members may recover wrongful death benefits to offset the financial consequences of their loved one’s death.

If you have suffered injuries, the death of a loved one, or property loss caused by a fire in Southern California, it is critical to get the guidance of an experienced Orange County fire lawyer to understand your legal rights. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, we can help you through the process and get the recovery you need and deserve. Call us to schedule a no-cost consultation.