Deadline for Filing a Fire Damage Claim

In 2024, over 8,000 wildfires swept through the Los Angeles area, destroying more than 1,700 structures and scorching approximately 1.5 million acres. The devastation of these wildfires is ongoing, with the recent January Palisades Fire burning through 23,448 acres and damaging more than 6,800 structures. 

Just hours after the Palisades fire ignited, a fire that began in Eaton Canyon gained momentum, burning down 14,000 acres and destroying or severely damaging 10,491 businesses and homes. Additional fires broke out in the Los Angeles area, affecting an additional 2,300 acres. If the recent California wildfires have impacted you, speak with a California attorney today about your fire-related property damage claim.

What to Do After Experiencing Property Damage Due to Fire

Recovering from a fire can be an incredibly stressful and emotional experience, especially when your home or property has been damaged. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the incident can make a significant difference in how smoothly your insurance claim process goes. From documenting the damage to making temporary repairs and contacting a lawyer, here’s what you should do to protect your rights and begin rebuilding.

Document the Extent of Damage

In the aftermath of a fire, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take. You must take photos of the damage sustained to your home. This may include damage to your residence or adjacent structures. If a video would better represent the destruction, grab your phone and start recording!

Be sure to capture any damage to trees, bushes, and shrubbery on your property, as this damage may be covered as part of your total loss. (On most policies, tree and plant losses are capped at 5% of the cost it would take to rebuild your home, based on today’s labor and material costs.) 

Make Temporary Repairs

You will want to take steps to prevent any further damage to your home. In the event of fire damage, this will involve laying plastic sheeting or plywood over any affected areas of your home. This will prevent water, wind, or other weather occurrences from causing further damage. These temporary repairs will be included as part of your total loss claim, ensuring that your damages are directly related to the fire's destruction. Be sure to save receipts for all repairs so that you can get reimbursed.

Call a California Property Damage Claims Lawyer

As soon as possible, you will want to speak with a property damage claims attorney. You will want to explain the damage sustained to your home and provide information for your homeowner’s insurance policy. A California property damage claims lawyer will review your policy to determine if it covers fire damage and if you have a deductible, as well as the amount of the deductible. Most insurance policies cover fire damage, provided it is not linked to arson or an intentional act.

Property Damage Statute of Limitations in California

While there is no set timeline for filing a fire damage claim with your insurance, the sooner, the better. Once you send your proof of loss and required paperwork to your insurance carrier, a California insurance carrier has 15 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim and 40 days to decide on your claim. If your claim is approved, insurance must forward payment within 30 days. 

At Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, our lawyers handle communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf. The insurance company is notorious for not paying the actual value of your claim. In California, you only have three years to file a property damage lawsuit. An adjuster may use tactics to stall your claim so that by the time you settle, you are out of time to take legal action, forcing you to accept a meager amount. These tactics do not faze us. When you hire our firm, you can feel empowered knowing that you will never have to accept less than you deserve.

Contact Our Property Damage Claims Lawyers Today

Damage to your home or place of business can leave you feeling helpless. At Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, we are not afraid to fight for the compensation that you rightfully deserve. Our California property damage claims attorneys have been helping California residents for over a decade reclaim their losses, and we are ready to work for you. To get started, contact us online or by phone to schedule your free consultation.