Lawyer for PG&E Fires in North Bay Area
From October 8 to early October 9, 2017, the North Bay Area’s Wine Country was devastated by fires. People all across the drought-stricken region lost their homes, farms, businesses, and even their lives.
With inspections running their course, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the gross negligence of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is likely responsible. As with any power and utility company, PG&E is legally required to maintain vegetation growing around their power lines, cutting and trimming them as needed.
On October 8, the North Bay Area saw incredibly strong winds that toppled trees and vegetation throughout the area. Unfortunately, it appears that PG&E was negligently allowing these trees and vegetation to grow to unacceptable heights—in some cases, trees as tall as fifty to sixty feet were towering over the lines.
When the heavy winds took these trees down, many crashed into power lines, transformers, and other equipment. This turned out to be a perfect storm, as the exposed electrical equipment quickly ignited the dry vegetation leading to fires that the strong winds then whipped into a raging wildfire.
Victims of PG&E Fires in Need of Compensation
Many of the victims of these fires have literally lost everything. While some will have insurance policies that will allow them to file a life insurance, property damage, or fire damage claim, others may not have this option.
However, PG&E appears to be responsible for starting the fires through their failure to control the vegetation around powerlines. This means that victims have an additional option for seeking compensation through personal injury, wrongful death, and other negligence claims.
PG&E must be held responsible for their role in destroying people’s lives. Working with a lawyer for PG&E fire claims can provide you with the best chance for getting the compensation you deserve so that you can begin putting your life back together.
Lost Homes and Buildings
As the fires raged across Wine Country, they destroyed virtually all of the homes and building in their wake. If you have been left homeless or lost a building you owned to the fires, you can file a claim with your homeowners, fire, or other appropriate insurance policy. The insurers are going to be inundated with fire and property damage claims, so they’ll be looking to minimize the amount they have to pay out in claims. Our attorneys can ensure that you get all the benefits you’re entitled to under your policy.
As PG&E appears to be responsible for the fires, you could also be owed compensation from them directly. Our law firm can help you assess the cost of your lost property and build a case demonstrating how PG&E is responsible for the damage done by the fire.
Lost Businesses and Farms
The PG&E fires also robbed many North Bay Area residents of their livelihoods. Some of these were farmers forced to watch their fields go up in flames, while others lost the commercial business they’ve worked their entire life to build from the ground up.
In many cases, these lost farms and businesses will be worth thousands, possibly even millions of dollars. This is a huge loss, and far more than anyone should have to bear on his or her own. Our PG&E fire lawyers can help you hold the utility company responsible for causing the fire that destroyed your business. Even if they offer to settle, you can’t assume that they’ve fairly valued your claim until an attorney who has your best interests in mind has gone over all the details.
Fire Injuries and Wrongful Deaths
Other victims of the PG&E fires suffered serious and catastrophic injuries in the fires. Many of these consist of severe burns that are incredibly painful and could lead to permanent disabilities and disfigurement.
As PG&E caused the fires that left you injured, they are also responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, related expenses, and pain and trauma. A personal injury claim< could allow you to recover the full compensation you’re owed for your fire injuries and losses.
Many families lost loved ones in the blaze caused by PG&E. If this happened to you, you have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim against PG&E. Money can never replace a loved one, but your family deserves justice and the funds you need to pay for your loved one’s memorial and to secure your future financial wellbeing.
Get Help from an Attorney While Filing a Claim Against PG&E
PG&E was grossly negligent in allowing trees and vegetation to grow up around the powerlines of the North Bay Area. Whatever losses you’ve experienced—whether a home, business, building, farm, injury, or the death of a loved one—you deserve to be compensated for what the wildfires have cost you.
Contact Haffner Law today. Our San Francisco and Bay Area attorneys can help you with insurance claims, as well as negligence claims such as personal injury and wrongful death. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started. Just call 1-844-HAFFNER (423-3637) or simply complete the online form below to arrange a time for yours.
