It’s a definite possibility for several wildfires at this point. The investigation continues, but electrical tower malfunctions, negligent powerline upkeep, and a lack of water to fire hydrants might all leave utility companies liable for the spread of Los Angeles County fires.
This is an important distinction for victims. If power companies are found responsible for sparking a blaze or contributing to the fast advance of flames, it means they could be held financially accountable for damages. This may provide the victims of any fires with much more recovery help than they might have earned through their homeowner insurance.
How Can a Utility Company Face Blame for a Wildfire?
In California, weather conditions play a big role in the eruption of wildfires each year. Dry conditions, lightning, and high winds are often the culprit. However, in some cases, it’s uncovered that power companies could have done more to prepare for wildfire season. They often neglect to take simple steps that would reduce fires and prevent their spread.
These are just a few of the ways a utility company could be accountable for wildfire damages:
- Failing to care for power lines and power infrastructure
- Failing to trim trees and vegetation from around power lines and substations to mitigate fire risk
- Failing to update and replace aging electrical equipment and infrastructure
- Failure to cut power during strong winds
- Failure to supply water to fire hydrants
There is precedent for holding negligent electric providers accountable for wildfire devastation. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has been held liable for multiple fires over the last decade, including the Dixie Fire in 2021. Southern California Electric (SCE) has paid out fines and penalties for its role in several recent fires, including the Woolsey Fire in 2018.
These fires can result in fire victim trusts being formed, but this funding eventually runs out. Victims need to talk over their options for claims and lawsuits with a skilled California Wildfire Lawyer as soon as they can after a disaster.
Will Power Companies Be Forced to Help Wildfire Victims?
If it’s discovered that a power company’s negligence caused or contributed to a wildfire, victims can immediately move forward with claims against those at fault. It seems like an obvious concept, that those who cause harm to others should take responsibility and try to help restore what’s been lost as much as possible.
Unfortunately, power companies won’t accept blame easily. They’ll have teams of lawyers working to get their employers off the hook for blame. If they must accept liability, their insurance providers work to limit the support victims receive. They often write settlement checks that don’t cover the full cost for victims to rebuild their lives.
Victims will have to fight to avoid having to pay for some of their damages out of their own pockets. This can include the cost of reconstructing homes and business properties and repairing smoke damage. Victims might have to cover part of their medical bills after getting hurt in the fire or after breathing in contaminated air. Families may have to deal with the emotional and financial blow of losing a loved one to a fire themselves.
Contact a Los Angeles Wildfire Lawyer Today
Maison Law is ready to help California victims make sure they receive the most support possible from homeowners insurance companies. If a utility company is found liable for the damages caused in a wildfire, our lawyers can help victims be first in line for support and one of the first to file lawsuits.
Reach out to our Los Angeles Wildfire lawyers for a no-risk, no-obligation free case consultation. Please fill out the contact form below.
The good news is that if you need our help to earn more for your soot damage claim, you won’t need any money on hand to hire a lawyer. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the compensation an insurer is forced to pay you.
