In 2024, a whopping 64,897 wildfires occurred across the U.S., showing a roughly 14 percent increase when compared to 2023. Alarmingly, 4 out of 5 wildfires are the result of human negligence, as they start, for instance, due to cigarette butts left on the ground, unmonitored campfires, downed power lines, burning debris, or even intentional acts of arson. Roughly 84% of wildfires are the consequence of people's careless actions. On average, 1.2 million acres of woodland burn every year in the country. Natural causes of wildfires include the following:
According to a study, wildfires caused by humans always seem more extreme than naturally occurring wildfires, as human-sparked fires usually spread approximately 1.83 kilometers per day, which is twice as fast as lightning-induced fires. Nevertheless, regardless of how a wildfire was ignited, it is very important to be aware that if you or your home has been harmed by it, you can now file a claim with your insurance company to receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages.
There is a series of factors that have been contributing to the occurrence of wildfires lately, such as excessive drought and heat exacerbated by climate change, overgrown forests that are the result of decades of fire suppression, and rapid population growth along the edges of forests. The following are just some of the most horrifying wildfires to have taken place recently across the country and the destruction they brought about:
If you have been a victim of one of these wildfires or another on this page, we highly suggest contacting our team of experts, as we specialize in evaluating personal injury claims and will promptly help you determine whether you are eligible to file a claim with your insurance company. Nonetheless, you should know that you can obtain compensation only for the damages that your insurance policy does not cover. Because the process of filing a claim for a wildfire can be daunting, we advise you to contact Atraxia Law and discuss your situation with us.
Living in a state whose vegetation is prone to wildfires, such as Texas, Arizona, or California, places you at high risk of suffering injuries and property damage if the fire reaches your home. For this reason, it is paramount to know that, in the unfortunate event that it happens, you have the right to pursue compensation from your insurance company. Furthermore, you can obtain compensation from the person or entity found liable for having started the fire if there is one.
The victims of wildfires can be homeowners, renters, business owners, but also people and entities whose lives were disturbed by the damage. To become entitled to file a wildfire claim, one or more of the following must have been affected by it:
Another fundamental aspect you should be aware of is that you can recover financial compensation only for the damages your insurance does not cover. The majority of insurance companies do not cover vegetation that is outside of your property, financial compensation for the distress stemming from the wildfire, and natural vegetation. Consequently, it is a wise idea to consult with a legal expert if a wildfire has damaged your health or your residence, as the law may cover significantly more than your insurance.
While every case of wildfire destruction is unique, most people who choose to file a claim with their insurance company with the assistance of a legal expert will receive money that will cover the following:
Therefore, you can see how numerous the damages the financial compensation your insurance company will have to offer you can cover are. Choosing to file a claim is free of charge, and if we find that you qualify for it, we will recommend you a specialized attorney to help you with the legal process.
It is important to know that if you or your property was affected by one of the wildfires that come up in the search below, you can also seek financial compensation from your insurance company and the responsible party with the help of a specialized lawyer. We advise you to give our expert team a call if this is the case.
It is noteworthy that this is far from being a comprehensive list, as these are just the most spoken about and infamous wildfires. Whether the wildfire that caused you damage is on this page or not, you have the right to claim financial compensation, which we strongly encourage you to do.
When it comes to wildfire insurance claims, the statute of limitations varies greatly depending on the circumstances under which the fire occurred. For instance, because in 2017 and 2018, the residents of California experienced the terrible aftermath of wildfires, insurance companies had to process a very large number of claims, which is why the statute of limitations was expanded from one year to two.
Such a change can happen in any state and in any situation caused by a wildfire. As a result, it is crucial to discuss your situation with our team of professionals as soon as possible if a wildfire has injured you or your family or has damaged your property. Our experts are up to date with every change occurring in the legal arena, so we can guide you in the right direction.
For over 25 years, our team of professionals has been assessing personal injury claims to ease the legal process for people who are entitled to financial compensation. If you were affected by a wildfire, you should reach out to Atraxia Law, as we have what it takes to determine whether you are entitled to file a claim for the damage caused to you by a wildfire. We will carefully evaluate your situation and, in the meantime, you can attend to more urgent matters.
If we establish that you qualify to file a wildfire claim, we will quickly put you in touch with a specialized lawyer who will help you proceed with the legal process. They will be able to obtain the largest sum of money you are entitled to for the damages the wildfire has caused you from your insurance company, as well as from who is responsible for the fire, if applicable. Filing a wildfire claim is free of charge unless your attorney recovers compensation for you, as they work on a contingency fee basis.