The Support You Need. The Settlement You Deserve.
Hurst Fire Lawyer – Insurance & Southern California Edison (SCE) Lawsuit
In addition to helping clients maximize insurance claims, Maison Law is accepting clients for a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE).
Homeowners, business owners, tenants and other property owners with personal injury, property damage or other damages resulting from the Hurst Fire are eligible to file suit by contacting us by phone or via the contact form on this page.
We believe Southern California Edison (SCE) may be liable for sparking the Hurst Fire which burned hundreds of acres and displaced thousands, starting in the Eagle Rock – Sylmar area,
Maison Law’s experienced Southern California wildfire attorneys want to represent our neighbors affected by the wildfire.
If you’ve faced property loss, smoke / ash / soot damage, personal injury, or lost a loved one due to a fire, our firm can help. This page will cover the legal services we offer, the compensation you’re entitled to, and the next steps to take.
Please fill out the form at the bottom of the page to get on the road to recovery and we will provide you with a free consultation and evaluation of your claim.
How Maison Law Can Help Hurst Fire Victims
A few of the ways we help wildfire survivors include, but are not limited to:
- Investigate the circumstances and prove fault if necessary
- Determine damages you are owed
- Calculate the overall value of lost property and the cost to replace
- Determine financial liability for damages
- Hold responsible parties accountable (third parties, insurance companies, utility companies)
- File lawsuits if the insurance refuses to accept liability
- Demand more if your settlement is not enough to cover damages
If multiple parties are at fault for causing wildfire damage to you or your property, then we’ll ensure you have the legal support needed to hold all responsible parties liable.
What’s the First Step After a Wildfire?
Contact an attorney.
After a wildfire you “shouldn’t” need a lawyer to file a claim and gain wildfire support, however, there are 2 problems that often arise.
- Your attorney or public independent adjuster is almost definitely going to arrive at a different number than your insurance company’s adjuster. We know this as we’ve handled many California wildfire claims before. Our expert adjuster always finds things left out and overlooked. Historically, we help people obtain substantially more money for their claim than they receive without us.
- It is very likely a third party, such as an electric company, will be held liable for these fires. You need an attorney immediately to file a mass tort action (many victims filing a single lawsuit) against the third party who is responsible for the fires.
These are two completely different issues. We’d like to think a claim would go through with no problems and you do not need an attorney. However, that just has not been our experience helping our wildfire clients.
What Qualifies as a Wildfire Claim?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover the following damages:
- Home damage
- Vehicle damage
- Damage to your personal belongings
- Personal injury (burns, smoke inhalation)
- Smoke, soot, ash, and burn damage
- Evacuation Costs
- Hospital bills
- Wrongful death
Insurance companies are required to process claims honestly, even if it results in them losing money. Any insurer’s attempt to manipulate investigations, misrepresent aspects of a policy, or unreasonably deny a claim is called bad faith insurance practice and is illegal under California Insurance Code 790.03:
“Making, issuing, circulating, or causing to be made, issued or circulated, any estimate, illustration, circular, or statement misrepresenting the terms of any policy issued or to be issued or the benefits or advantages promised thereby or the dividends or share of the surplus to be received thereon, or making any false or misleading statement as to the dividends or share of surplus previously paid on similar policies, or making any misleading representation or any misrepresentation as to the financial condition of any insurer, or as to the legal reserve system upon which any life insurer operates, or using any name or title of any policy or class of policies misrepresenting the true nature thereof, or making any misrepresentation to any policyholder insured in any company for the purpose of inducing or tending to induce the policyholder to lapse, forfeit, or surrender his or her insurance.”
Should Homeowners Insurance Cover Smoke Damage from a Wildfire?
Maison Law has helped many clients receive substantially more compensation for their smoke and ash remediation claims than they would have received without an attorney.
We have experts we use when necessary, including an adjuster, and work to uncover damages and losses often overlooked. We work on your behalf to maximize compensation and settlements.
When Do I Need a Hurst Fire Lawyer?
Not every person impacted by the Hurst Wildfire will need legal assistance for their insurance claim. If the wildfire has affected your personal finances, liberties, property, land, family members, or personal well-being, it is strongly recommended you speak to an attorney to hear all of your legal options.
You may need an attorney if your insurance claim is:
- Delayed: Under California Law, insurance companies are required to handle claims quickly. If there is a delay, then a lawyer can look into your claim and make sure the insurance company meets its legal obligation.
- Denied: If your claim is denied without good reason, then it is time to consult with a lawyer. Insurance companies should state their reason for denying your claim that is clear and fair.
- A low settlement: If the settlement doesn’t cover all of your damages, an attorney can help you get a fair settlement by working with fire damage experts and negotiating a payout from the insurance on your behalf.
- Liability: disputes over who or what caused the fire can lead to a delayed claim. A lawyer can help you prove liability and get you what you’re owed.
- Confusing legal and policy issues: if your policy is confusing or doesn’t make sense, then a lawyer can explain your coverage and ensure your insurance company is following regulations.
The more money your claim is worth, the more difficult it can be to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. If you find yourself in this scenario, don’t hesitate to consult with a Wildfire Lawyer to see what legal options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to file a wildfire claim?
Anyone whose property or livelihood was affected by the fire, including homeowners, renters, and business owners may be eligible.
What documented losses can be filed in a wildfire claim?
If you’re a victim of a wildfire, you should save all your receipts for food, lodging, losses from the fire, therapy invoices, medical records, proof of lost income, repair costs, and photos.
Can I recover costs to rebuild my home?
California courts recognize the “personal reason exception,” which enables homeowners with an intent to rebuild their homes to claim their reasonable rebuilding costs.
Contact Us Today
If you need to file an insurance claim or are interested in joining a Southern California Edison (SCE) Lawsuit, please call us or fill this form below out and we’ll be in touch right away.
