The recent Los Angeles wildfires have left a trail of devastation, including the loss of homes, businesses, and livelihoods. For those impacted, understanding your legal rights and options is essential to securing compensation for damages and holding responsible parties accountable.
Key Facts About the Fires
- Scope of Damage: The wildfires have burned thousands of acres, destroying homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
- Potential Causes: Investigations are underway to determine if utility companies, infrastructure failures, or other negligent actions contributed to the fires.
- Health Risks: In addition to property loss, prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems.
Some Legal Options for Victims
If you’ve been affected by the wildfires, you may have grounds to pursue legal action, including:
- Property Damage Claims: Recover costs for destroyed or damaged homes, businesses, and personal belongings.
- Business Interruption: Seek compensation for lost income due to forced closures or fire-related disruptions.
- Personal Injury: Address health issues or injuries caused by the fires.
- Class Action Litigation: Join others in holding negligent parties, such as utility companies, accountable for their role in causing the fire.
What You Should Do
- Document Your Losses: Take photos of damaged property, retain receipts, and gather insurance records.
- Track Health Impacts: Keep records of medical visits, prescriptions, and health-related expenses.
- Consult an Attorney: Early legal advice is crucial to ensure your claim meets statutory deadlines and maximizes your recovery.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf is a nationally recognized class action and personal injury law firm. The firm’s partners currently serve as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country and have represented clients in the Holiday Farm Fire in Oregon. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have significantly impacted the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022
The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $500 million on behalf of their clients and class members. Sauder Schelkopf and co-counsel reached a $10.3 million settlement on behalf of businesses impacted by a massive power outage and evacuation caused by a bridge builder on the Outer Banks. Joe Sauder also has a history of environmental litigation where he assisted with the trial of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado, which ultimately resulted in a $375 million settlement.
We Want to Hear from You
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, contact our office for a free consultation. Time is critical—don’t wait to protect your rights.