The Palisades Fire began on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, the wildfire quickly spread, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. With nearly 25,000 acres burned and over 6,500 structures destroyed, the Palisades Fire is one of the most devastating wildfires in California history.
If you or a family member suffered losses in the Palisades Fire, Wisner Baum is here to help. As wildfire attorneys actively pursuing lawsuits on behalf of LA fire victims, we understand the devastating impact these disasters have on communities and individuals. Our law firm is committed to helping LA recover and rebuild.
Our wildfire attorneys held a virtual town hall meeting to provide helpful resources for LA fire victims. You can learn more about the insurance claims process, common issues people will likely face in rebuilding and recovering, and potential lawsuit(s).
Watch our virtual town hall here.
Contact us today or call (310) 207-3233 for a free consultation. We can answer any questions you may have about the claims process, homeowner’s insurance, property loss, and more. Our Los Angeles law offices are conveniently located at 11111 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 1750, Los Angeles, CA, 90025. When you are ready, we are here to help.
Help for Palisades Fire Victims
Palisades Fire Lawsuit Update
Why Choose Wisner Baum for Your Palisades Fire Claim?
Legal Help for Pacific Palisades Residents
Understanding Your Rights as a Palisades Fire Victim
The Palisades Fire and California’s Insurance Crisis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Palisades Fire Cases
Contact a Palisades Fire Lawyer Today – Free Case Evaluation
Palisades Fire Lawsuit Update
January 24, 2025: A Palisades Fire lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles, alleging that the fire that destroyed thousands of homes was “an inescapable and unavoidable consequence” of mismanagement of the area's water supply. The plaintiffs in the case, reality television couple Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, are suing the LA Department of Water and Power.
Why Choose Wisner Baum for Your Palisades Fire Claim?
At Wisner Baum, we have a proven track record of successfully representing wildfire victims throughout California. Our team of dedicated attorneys has:
- Extensive experience in handling complex wildfire litigation in California.
- Secured justice and compensation for hundreds of victims throughout the state.
- Local law offices in Los Angeles within a few miles of the Pacific Palisades.
- A commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients and holding any negligent entities accountable for causing or contributing to the fire.
- Resources to take in any corporate defendant and win.
How We Can Help Pacific Palisades Residents
Our Palisades Fire lawyers can assist you in various ways, including:
- Investigating the cause and origin of the fire and identifying potentially liable parties.
- Investigating the cause for the lack of water and why the San Ynez reservoir was left empty for so long in light of known fire risks.
- Assessing the full extent of your losses, including property damage, business interruption, and emotional distress.
- Navigating complex fire insurance claims, helping ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your losses.
- Pursuing legal action against any and all negligent entities.
- Providing guidance on available disaster relief programs and resources
Understanding Your Rights as a Palisades Fire Victim
As a victim of the Palisades Fire, you may be wondering about your homeowners insurance claim, and whether you have legal rights. Pending the outcome of the fire investigation, victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Property damage or loss
- Temporary housing and relocation expenses
- Lost wages or business income
- Medical expenses related to fire-induced injuries or illnesses
- Emotional distress and trauma
It's crucial to understand that insurance companies may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim. Our experienced Palisades Fire lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
The Palisades Fire and California's Insurance Crisis
The Palisades Fire has erupted at a particularly challenging time for California homeowners, as the state grapples with an ongoing insurance crisis. Many major insurers have been reluctant to offer new policies or renew existing ones in high-risk fire areas, leaving some homeowners vulnerable.
In fact, CBS reported days after the Palisades Fire that State Farm dropped 1,600 policies in the Pacific Palisades months before the wildfire. The company also dropped over 2,000 policies in nearby Brentwood, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Monte Nido areas.
In response to the insurance crisis, California implemented regulations allowing insurers to factor in reinsurance costs when setting premiums. The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan provides basic fire insurance coverage for properties in high-risk wildfire areas when other insurance companies will not. It is estimated that roughly 15% of homes in the Pacific Palisades are covered by the FAIR plan.
How might this affect compensation for fire damage and/or destroyed property? Victims may need to pursue legal claims against any negligent parties to fully cover their losses.
Our Palisades Fire lawyers are well-versed in these recent changes and can help you navigate the complex landscape of wildfire insurance claims in California. If you have any questions about how the Palisades Fire may affect your claim, contact our legal team today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Palisades Fire Cases
What should I do if I was affected by the Palisades Fire?
Once you and your family are safe, we recommend you follow the steps below. If you have any questions about these steps, please get in touch with us, and our legal team can assist you.
- Contact your insurance company or broker immediately to report your loss.
- Set up a PO Box or similar to ensure you can receive all correspondence related to your Palisades fire claim.
- When you can, document all damage with photos and videos.
- Obtain a current copy of your policy if you don't have one. Insurance companies with policyholders affected by the Pacific Palisades fire will be inundated with requests, so we recommend getting this information as soon as you can.
- Keep all receipts for expenses related to evacuation, temporary housing, food and living expenses, and more.
- Consult with a Palisades Fire lawyer to understand your rights and options.
Is there a deadline to file a claim for Palisades Fire damages?
The California statute of limitations for property damaged by fire is three years from the date of the incident, for injury or other loss it could be two years. Any case against a government entity must first be presented to the government within 6 months of the loss. However, we want you to know that it is crucial to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure you (and your attorney) can build the strongest possible claim well in advance of any deadline.
What if my insurance coverage doesn’t cover all my losses?
If your insurance coverage does not adequately cover your losses, you may have other options for compensation by:
- Filing a claim against responsible parties (if negligence is determined in the fire investigation)
- Applying for federal or state disaster assistance programs
- Exploring legal action against your insurance company if they act in bad faith
Our Palisades Fire lawyers can help you explore all available avenues for compensation.
We can't find our policy information. What should we do?
Don't worry. If you purchased your policy through a broker, they can provide you with a copy. If you bought it directly from an insurance company, contact the company for a copy. Once you have done this, you'll be contacted by an adjustor who will work with you on your claim. If you have any questions about this process, contact the fire lawyers at Wisner Baum today for a free consultation.
How do I find the limits of my homeowner’s insurance policy?
These coverages are usually set out on the Declarations Page of your policy. A typical Homeowner's policy will have the following coverages:
- Dwelling Coverage
- Other Structures (for example, a detached garage); usually insured for up to 10% of the “Dwelling Limits”
- Contents (Personal Property); usually insured for up to 70% of the Dwelling Limits
- Additional Living Expenses; usually cover 12 months but will vary. It is important to read and understand your policy limits.
What are “Additional Living Expenses”? What expenses are covered?
Additional Living Expenses (ALE), also known as Loss of Use coverage, help pay for the extra costs you incur when you can't live in your home due to a covered loss. This coverage helps maintain your normal standard of living while you are displaced.
For Palisades wildfire victims, typical additional living expenses may include:
Temporary Housing Costs
- Hotel/motel stays during immediate evacuation
- Rental home or apartment costs during rebuilding
- Security deposits for temporary rentals
- Pet boarding if temporary housing doesn't allow pets
Increased Food Costs
- Restaurant meals if temporary housing lacks cooking facilities
- Extra grocery costs if you must shop at more expensive stores near temporary housing
- Cost difference if unable to cook at home as usual
Transportation Expenses
- Extra fuel costs if temporary housing is farther from work/school
- Additional parking fees
- Other transportation costs if normal transportation method is unavailable
Other Essential Expenses
- Laundry services if temporary housing lacks facilities
- Furniture rental for temporary housing
- Storage fees for salvaged belongings
- Additional utility setup costs or deposits
We highly recommend that you keep all receipts and document expenses thoroughly. ALE coverage typically lasts until your home is habitable again, within your policy’s limits, and only covers the difference between your normal living expenses and new temporary costs.
Contact your insurance adjuster before making major expense decisions or consult with your attorney if you have retained legal counsel.
Are there any exclusions or conditions in my homeowner’s policy that could affect a claim?
This may depend on your specific policy. it is essential to communicate with your insurance company and keep them informed and updated about your losses to ensure your claim is evaluated appropriately.
We anticipate the biggest problem for Palisades Fire victims will be that their policy does not cover the full extent of their losses. Pending the outcome of the Palisades Fire investigation, fire attorneys may be able to help with this issue.
How much will insurance pay to rebuild our home?
It will take some months to determine the cost of rebuilding. The insurance company may bring in contractors to estimate the cost. You should also bring in your own contractor to bid on the rebuilding costs. We also recommend developing a written "Scope of Loss" - a detailed breakdown of all items and services necessary to rebuild or repair your house. This ensures everyone is on the same page regarding the damage to be repaired as well as what needs to be rebuilt.
What if the insurance company doesn't promptly respond to our claim?
You have recourse. California law requires insurance companies to respond within a reasonable time, typically 15 days. If the insurance company does not respond, you can call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-HELP (4357) or consult with a wildfire attorney.
Can we have money advanced by the insurance company for immediate needs?
Yes, most insurance companies will advance money for immediate needs like hotel rooms and clothes. Once you inform your insurance company of a total loss they should advance you four months of ALE coverage and 30% of your Coverage A amount as personal property, up to $250,000.00. you need more, you should be prepared to explain why and negotiate with your insurer.
Other options for immediate financial help include FEMA disaster assistance and SBA low-interest disaster loans, which can help homeowners and business owners.
Remember, if you're facing any issues with your Palisades Fire insurance claim, don't hesitate to contact an experienced wildfire attorney. At Wisner Baum, we're here to help you navigate the complex process of recovering from wildfire damage and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What if my business was affected by the Palisades Fire?
If your business was affected by the Palisades Fire, you may be able to pursue certain damages, pending the outcome of the investigation. Business owners affected by the Palisades Fire may be eligible for compensation for:
- Property damage
- Business interruption losses
- Loss of inventory
- Relocation expenses
Our attorneys can help you navigate both personal and business-related wildfire claims.
What if I'm underinsured or my wildfire claim is denied?
The unfortunate reality is that most homeowners are underinsured, or not able to receive the compensation they deserve to fully cover their losses after a wildfire. Don't lose hope if you're underinsured or your claim is denied.
Our Palisades Fire lawyers can:
- Review your policy to help ensure your insurance provider is meeting their obligations and acting in good faith
- Explore alternative sources of compensation
- If necessary, take legal action against your insurance company for bad faith practices
How much does it cost to hire a Palisades Fire lawyer?
Nothing up front. At Wisner Baum, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
Contact a Palisades Fire Lawyer Today – Free Case Consultation
If you've been affected by the Palisades Fire, you don't face the aftermath alone. The experienced wildfire attorneys at Wisner Baum are ready to fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life.
Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can answer any questions you may have about your claim. You are under no obligation to retain us. If you would like us to help you with your claim, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
Call (310) 207-3233 or fill out our online form to speak with a Palisades Fire lawyer.
