Current Fire Cases We're Handling
Immediate legal help for victims of recent California wildfires
Santa Maria Fire
Status: ACTIVELY BURNING
Location: Santa Barbara County
Multiple evacuations, agricultural losses mounting. We're investigating all potential causes.
Get Help NowPacific Palisades Fire
20,000+ acres burned
5,000+ structures destroyed
SCE equipment under investigation. Insurance companies denying claims.
Learn More About Pacific Palisades Fire ClaimsEaton Fire
14,000+ acres affected
Altadena/Pasadena devastated
Thousands displaced. Multiple ignition sources under investigation.
Get HelpHurst Fire
700+ acres in Sylmar area
850+ structures threatened
Foothill communities impacted. Hillside properties face unique challenges.
Learn More About Hurst Fire ClaimsStart Your Free Case Review
Takes less than 3 minutes • 100% Confidential • No Obligation
Complete Legal Services for Fire Victims
One firm handling every aspect of your fire recovery
Insurance Claim Help
Fighting denials, delays, and lowball offers. We know their tactics and how to beat them.
Learn More About Insurance Claims →Utility Company Lawsuits
Holding PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E accountable when their negligence causes fires.
Learn More About Utility Lawsuits →Bad Faith Claims
When insurers break their promise, we make them pay - often beyond policy limits.
Learn More About Bad Faith Claims →Underinsured Recovery
Policy limits not enough? We find additional sources to fully compensate your losses.
Learn More About Underinsured Recovery →Class Action Cases
Join forces with other victims for powerful collective action and shared resources.
Learn More About Class Action Cases →Asset & Estate Protection
Protect your settlement from creditors and ensure your family's future security.
Learn More About Asset Protection →25+
Years Experience
$500M+
Recovered for Clients
5,000+
Fire Victims Helped
100%
No Win, No Fee
California Wildfire Lawyer: Fighting for Fire Victims Across Los Angeles County
When a wildfire destroys your home, your life, and everything you've worked for, you need more than just an insurance claim—you need an experienced California wildfire attorney who knows how to fight utility companies, hold negligent parties accountable, and maximize your compensation.
At the Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene, we represent fire victims throughout California, with a particular focus on the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades Fire, and other recent wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes across Los Angeles County.
Why You Need a Wildfire Attorney (Not Just Your Insurance Company)
Many fire victims make the critical mistake of relying solely on their insurance company to handle their claim. Here's the truth: your insurance company is not on your side. They are a for-profit business whose goal is to pay you as little as possible, as slowly as possible.
A California fire lawyer can pursue compensation from multiple sources beyond your insurance policy—including suing utility companies like Southern California Edison (SCE) and LADWP, filing insurance claims, and holding all responsible parties accountable. This often results in significantly more compensation than insurance alone.
Eaton Fire Lawsuit: Holding Southern California Edison Accountable
The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding communities, destroying over 9,400 structures and claiming at least 17 lives. Southern California Edison's equipment is under investigation as a potential cause of the fire, and Los Angeles County has already filed a lawsuit against SCE.
If you lost your home or business in the Eaton Fire, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against SCE under California's inverse condemnation law. This legal doctrine holds utilities strictly liable for fire damage caused by their equipment—even if they weren't negligent. Our Eaton Fire lawyers are actively investigating claims and filing lawsuits on behalf of victims.
Pacific Palisades Fire Attorney: Suing LADWP for Negligence
The Pacific Palisades Fire has burned over 20,000 acres and destroyed more than 6,800 structures across Malibu, Topanga Canyon, and Pacific Palisades. LADWP faces multiple lawsuits alleging the utility failed to maintain adequate water pressure for firefighting and left the Santa Ynez Reservoir empty during critical fire conditions.
Our Pacific Palisades fire attorneys are representing homeowners, business owners, and renters who lost everything in this catastrophic wildfire. We are pursuing claims against LADWP, the City of Los Angeles, and any other responsible parties to recover full compensation for our clients.
What Compensation Can Fire Victims Recover?
California wildfire victims can recover compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Property damage: Full rebuilding costs at current construction prices (not depreciated value)
- Personal belongings: Furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry, family heirlooms, and all personal property
- Additional living expenses: Hotel costs, temporary housing, increased food expenses, storage fees
- Lost income: If your business was destroyed or you lost rental income
- Landscaping and trees: Often worth tens of thousands of dollars for mature trees and professional landscaping
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the trauma, anxiety, and psychological impact of losing everything
- Wrongful death damages: If you lost a loved one in the fire
The Underinsurance Crisis: When Your Policy Isn't Enough
Thousands of California fire victims are discovering they are severely underinsured. With construction costs skyrocketing and new building codes adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebuilding expenses, many insurance policies fall far short of what's actually needed to rebuild.
If you're underinsured, a wildfire lawsuit against the responsible party (utility company, government entity, or other negligent party) may be your only way to recover the full cost of rebuilding. Our attorneys specialize in recovering the coverage gap—the difference between your insurance payout and your actual losses.
Insurance Bad Faith: When Your Insurance Company Betrays You
After a major wildfire, insurance companies often engage in bad faith tactics to avoid paying what they owe. Common bad faith practices include:
- Denying valid claims without proper investigation
- Offering lowball settlements that don't cover rebuilding costs
- Delaying the claims process for months or years
- Misrepresenting policy coverage or exclusions
- Refusing to pay for legitimate additional living expenses
- Undervaluing your home or personal property
If your insurance company is acting in bad faith, you can sue them for bad faith for not only the full value of your claim but also additional damages, attorney's fees, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish their misconduct.
Critical Deadlines You Can't Afford to Miss
California law imposes strict deadlines for fire claims:
- Government claims (LADWP, City of LA, County): 6 months from the date of loss
- Utility lawsuits (SCE, PG&E): Generally 2 years, but varies by claim type
- Insurance bad faith: Must file within statute of limitations after denial
- Wrongful death claims: 2 years from date of death
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim. Don't wait—contact a California wildfire lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose Our California Wildfire Law Firm?
We are not a mass tort firm that treats you like a number. We provide personalized, aggressive representation to every client:
- 25+ years of experience representing California fire victims
- $500M+ recovered for wildfire victims across California
- No fee unless we win your case—you pay nothing upfront
- We fight insurance companies and have a proven track record of beating bad faith tactics
- We sue utility companies and hold them accountable under inverse condemnation law
- Local Los Angeles attorneys who understand California wildfire law inside and out
Don't Face the Insurance Companies Alone
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Time limits apply.
Start Your Free Case Review Call: (818) 291-6217How Much Can I Recover From a California Wildfire?
Fire damage claims can include dozens of different categories of compensation. Here's what you're entitled to recover:
Based on prior California wildfire settlements:
Homeowners with total losses typically recover $500,000 - $2,000,000+
Depends on property value, policy limits, and whether you have underinsurance or pursue utility lawsuits
How to File a Government Claim After a Fire in California
If a government agency like LADWP, LA County, or a city contributed to your fire, you must file a government claim before you can sue. Here's the exact process:
- Download the claim form from the city, county, or state agency website (e.g., LA County claim form, LADWP claim form). Each agency has its own form.
- Gather documentation: photos of damage, receipts, proof of ownership, insurance denials, repair estimates, and any evidence the government agency caused the fire.
- Fill out the claim form completely—include your name, address, date/location of fire, detailed description of damages, and the dollar amount you're claiming.
- Attach all supporting documents (photos, contractor estimates, insurance correspondence, proof of losses).
- Submit the claim BY CERTIFIED MAIL with return receipt to preserve proof of filing. Keep the tracking number and receipt.
- Keep copies of everything you submit—the claim form, all attachments, certified mail receipt, and tracking confirmation.
- Wait for the agency's response (they have 45 days to respond). If denied or if they don't respond, you have 6 months from the denial date to file a lawsuit in court.
CRITICAL DEADLINE: For the 2025 Eaton Fire and Pacific Palisades Fire (January 7, 2025), government claims against LADWP, LA County, or the City of LA must be filed by July 7, 2025. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to sue. Don't wait—contact a lawyer immediately.
Steps to Take After Your Home Is Destroyed by Fire
Losing your home to fire is overwhelming. Here's exactly what you should do to protect your legal and financial rights:
- Ensure your safety first—don't return to the property until fire officials and authorities say it's safe. Check for hazards like structural damage, gas leaks, and toxic ash.
- Contact your insurance company immediately to report the loss. Most policies require "prompt notice" of claims. Get the claim number and adjuster's contact information.
- Document everything—take extensive photos and videos of all fire damage before any cleanup or repairs. Document the structure, contents, landscaping, and surrounding property.
- Secure temporary housing and keep all receipts (hotel, rent, meals, storage, pet boarding). Your insurance policy's Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage should reimburse these costs.
- Make a detailed inventory of destroyed belongings—use old photos, credit card statements, and memories to reconstruct what you owned. Be thorough; contents claims are often severely undervalued.
- Meet with insurance adjusters but DO NOT give recorded statements without consulting a lawyer first. Adjusters will use your words to minimize your claim.
- Get multiple rebuild estimates from licensed, reputable contractors. Don't rely solely on the insurance company's estimate—they often lowball reconstruction costs.
- Consult a fire damage attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies make low initial offers hoping you'll take less than you're owed. A lawyer can review your policy and maximize your recovery.
Don't Navigate This Alone
We guide fire victims through every step—from the first insurance call to final settlement. Free consultation.
Call: (818) 291-6217Frequently Asked Questions About California Wildfire Claims
Get answers to common questions about fire damage lawsuits and insurance claims
How much does a fire damage lawyer cost?
A California fire damage lawyer typically works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless you win. Standard contingency fees range from 25-40% of your recovery. Most fire attorneys also offer free consultations to evaluate your case before you commit.
This no-risk arrangement means you can access top-tier legal representation without worrying about hourly fees, retainers, or out-of-pocket expenses. We also advance all litigation costs, so you never pay for experts, filing fees, or investigation expenses unless we win your case.
How long do I have to file a fire lawsuit in California?
California wildfire victims generally have 2 years from the date of the fire to file a lawsuit against utilities or other responsible parties. However, government claims against cities, counties, or state agencies must be filed within 6 months for personal property or 1 year for real property damage.
These deadlines are strict and missing them can permanently bar your right to sue. For the 2025 Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire, the government claim deadline is July 7, 2025 (6 months from January 7, 2025). Don't wait—contact an attorney immediately to preserve all your legal rights.
Can I sue SCE or Edison for fire damage?
Yes, you can sue Southern California Edison (SCE) if their equipment caused or contributed to a wildfire that damaged your property. California's inverse condemnation law holds utilities strictly liable for fire damage caused by their power lines, transformers, or other equipment—even without proof of negligence.
This means you don't need to prove SCE was careless or violated any rules. You simply need to prove their equipment was a substantial factor in causing the fire that damaged your property. SCE has already been found responsible for multiple California wildfires, including the 2017 Thomas Fire and others, resulting in billions in settlements.
What compensation can I get from a wildfire lawsuit?
California wildfire victims can recover compensation for property damage and rebuilding costs, loss of personal belongings, temporary housing and relocation expenses, lost income and business interruption, emotional distress and trauma, loss of irreplaceable items, and in some cases punitive damages against utilities.
Based on prior California wildfire cases, homeowners with total losses may recover $500,000 to $2+ million depending on property value and damages. The 2017-2018 PG&E fire settlements averaged $375,000-$1 million per household. We fight to maximize every dollar of your recovery.
Can renters sue for wildfire damage?
Yes, renters can absolutely sue for wildfire damage in California. While you may not own the building, you can recover compensation for destroyed personal belongings, temporary housing costs, relocation expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and any injuries suffered. Renters have the same legal rights as homeowners.
You don't need renters insurance to file a lawsuit against SCE, LADWP, or other responsible parties. Even without insurance, you can recover the full value of your lost furniture, clothing, electronics, and other belongings, plus compensation for the trauma and disruption to your life.
Do I need a lawyer for a fire insurance claim?
You're not required to hire a lawyer for an insurance claim, but it's strongly recommended if your claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. A fire claims attorney levels the playing field and typically recovers 2-3x more than unrepresented claimants.
Studies show that fire victims with attorney representation recover 40-60% more on average than those handling claims themselves. Insurance companies know unrepresented claimants don't understand policy language, valuation methods, or legal rights—and they exploit this knowledge gap to pay less.
Don't Let Time Run Out on Your Claim
California law has strict deadlines. Every day matters. Contact us today for a free consultation.