A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns wildland vegetation—most often in rural areas. However, while wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, deserts and other ecosystems, they aren’t limited to any one type of environment. Even though most wildfires start in rural areas, they can quickly spread to more populous residential areas. When these out of control burns spread to residential areas, they devastate not only wildlife and natural areas but also the people, homes and businesses in nearby communities.
According to the National Park Service, 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. Studies show human carelessness is not only the majority cause of wildfires, but it also accounts for doubling the length of wildfire season. Often, humans cause wildfires from the following:
One of the questions we’re often asked is: How can a utility company be held responsible for damages caused by a wildfire? In fact, a utility company may be held accountable through a wildfire lawsuit if a blaze is caused by the following:
If you’re hesitant to consider a lawsuit after an uncontrolled blaze, it’s important that you understand that your homeowners or renters insurance or even FEMA, may not cover all of the expenses you incurred. Further, often, bodily injury that you or a loved one suffered is not recoverable through traditional means. In addition, through these avenues, you may not even be able to recover the full cost of the property you lost. By contacting a Wildfire Lawyer, you may be able to recover the following:
Many families don’t realize that there are several options available to help them recover after a wildfire. If you are unsure of how to proceed after a wildfire, contact an attorney. We can help you navigate the systems in place that are there to help you recover from the losses you’ve suffered.
FEMA is for those individuals and businesses that either have no insurance or are severely underinsured. According to Carlson Law Firm Wildfire Lawyer Bill Rossick, unless you are certain your insurance covers all your losses, you should apply for FEMA.
If you qualify, FEMA provides cash financial assistance to individuals up to $32,000—depending on the number of homeowners or renters insurance you have. Businesses that have suffered losses in a fire can apply for low-interest disaster loans.
Homeowners or renters who carry insurance may be able to file a claim with their insurance providers. However, often, what is covered is limited.
As mentioned above, electric providers, railroad companies, and other businesses that spark wildfires through carelessness may be held accountable for the losses of people in communities affected by the negligence that led to a wildfire.
Creating a detailed home inventory is crucial for filing insurance claims after a wildfire. Here’s how to do it:
Download our inventory spreadsheet to get started on ensuring the insurance company covers all of your belongings.
With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, San Angelo, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi.
