Meet Our California Wildfire Attorneys

Many of California’s most devastating wildfires weren’t natural disasters and were preventable. Investigations by Cal Fire and other agencies have consistently pointed to aging infrastructure and poor maintenance by power companies as leading causes.

For instance, a camp fire in 2018 nearly erased the town of Paradise, killing 85 people. Investigators found that PG&E's faulty transmission lines sparked the blaze. The utility later filed for bankruptcy and settled for $13.5 billion in compensation to wildfire victims.

One of the largest fires in California history, the Dixie Fire destroyed over 1,300 homes. Once again, PG&E equipment was blamed.

These companies have a legal duty to maintain safe, up-to-date infrastructure. When they fail, they can be held responsible for the damage, and Morgan & Morgan can help you hold them accountable.

If you're overwhelmed and unsure what comes next, here's a step-by-step look at how wildfire lawsuits typically unfold in California.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Victims meet with attorneys to discuss the fire, losses, and any potential for recovery. It’s important to act quickly. Evidence fades, and deadlines apply.

Step 2: Investigation

Attorneys gather evidence: property records, fire reports, utility inspection records, satellite images, and eyewitness accounts. This step helps establish fault and calculate damages.

Step 3: Filing a Lawsuit

After building the case, the attorney files a formal complaint against the utility company or other liable parties.

Step 4: Discovery

Both sides exchange documents and conduct depositions. This phase uncovers internal utility records that often reveal patterns of neglect or corporate misconduct.

Step 5: Settlement Talks or Trial

Many wildfire cases settle out of court, especially when utility companies want to avoid lengthy litigation and bad press. But if fair compensation isn’t offered, Morgan & Morgan is prepared to fight at trial.

Step 6: Distribution of Compensation

Once a settlement or verdict is reached, victims receive compensation for damages such as lost property, evacuation costs, emotional trauma, and more.

Choosing the right legal strategy can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Class Action Lawsuits

Class actions consolidate many similar claims into one lawsuit. They’re often filed when:

• A large group suffers relatively uniform damages
• A utility company is facing multiple similar claims
• Plaintiffs want to share legal costs

The pros of a class action lawsuit are lower legal costs, stronger negotiation leverage, and efficiency in resolving the cases. However, the cons are less individual control and that compensation may be evenly distributed, regardless of unique losses.

 

Individual Lawsuits

These are filed by one person or family. They’re appropriate when:

• Your losses are severe or unique
• You want more control over your case
• You want damages tailored to your situation

The pros of an individual lawsuit are that compensation better matches your actual losses, and you may have more legal flexibility. Individual lawsuits, however, can have a slower process and potentially higher legal fees.
 

At Morgan & Morgan, we assess each case on its own merits. In some instances, we pursue a hybrid strategy, filing individual lawsuits as part of a larger coordinated litigation effort.

A major concern for many victims is: Will I owe taxes on my wildfire settlement? The answer: It depends.

Generally Non-Taxable:

• Property damage compensation: If the payment is just replacing a lost asset, it's typically not taxable.
• Personal injury damages: Compensation for physical injuries or emotional distress due to those injuries is usually tax-free.
  
   

May Be Taxable:

• Punitive damages: If you receive additional money meant to punish the utility company, that may be taxable.
• Interest on settlements: Any interest earned while the case was pending might be considered income.

Always consult a tax professional when receiving a large settlement. Morgan & Morgan can also help connect you with financial advisors who understand wildfire cases.

Wildfires don’t discriminate, but recovery resources can be harder to access for lower-income families. In addition to legal support, here are some nonprofit and government programs that offer help:

Federal Aid

• FEMA: Offers grants for temporary housing, debris removal, and basic home repairs.
• USDA Disaster Assistance: Provides loans and grants for rural homeowners and farmers.
  
   

State Programs

• California Department of Social Services: Emergency food, clothing, and shelter assistance.
• California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA): Local governments may provide aid through CDAA partnerships.
  
   

Nonprofits

• United Way Wildfire Recovery Fund: Helps cover unmet recovery needs.
• American Red Cross: Temporary housing, supplies, and emotional support.
• Direct Relief: Distributes medical supplies and cash aid to underserved communities.
  
   

If you’re struggling financially, don’t wait. Contact these organizations immediately, and reach out to us to explore your legal options. Morgan & Morgan works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

While you can't stop wildfires, you can take proactive steps to protect your legal rights before the next disaster strikes.

1. Document Your Property

Take photos and videos of your home, vehicles, belongings, and property lines. Store these in the cloud or offsite.

2. Review Your Insurance

Make sure you understand what's covered and update your policy to reflect your property's current value.

3. Keep Utility Records

Hold onto any communication with PG&E, SoCal Edison, or your local utility, especially notices of maintenance or outages.

4. Manage a Property Itemization List

Excel and other spreadsheet applications offer free and useful templates to keep track of your property. Keep a list and update it annually.

5. Have a Pet Plan

Furry friends can get easily spooked during emergencies. Every second counts during a wildfire, and a scared pet that runs and hides will slow your escape. Be aware of their go-to spots for a quick evacuation.

6. Know Your Evacuation Route

California is known for huge traffic issues during emergencies, with mayn drivers even abandoning their cars, which can worsen road conditions even further. Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans and keep a go-bag ready. Safe evacuation can help support future legal claims for displacement or trauma.

7. Create a Fire Buffer Zone

Follow CAL FIRE’s defensible space guidelines to reduce risk and show insurance companies you were proactive.

8. Talk to an Attorney Early

After a fire, legal evidence disappears fast. Consulting a lawyer early, even just for advice, can make a major difference.

In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the wildfire. But that window can vary depending on your situation, so it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Yes. Renters can seek compensation for lost possessions, relocation costs, emotional distress, and loss of use of the rental property. You don’t have to be a homeowner to have rights.

Victims can seek damages for pain and suffering, PTSD, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life, especially if the trauma is linked to displacement, injury, or loss of life. Expert testimony from mental health professionals is often used to support these claims.

It is also important to note the value of trees affected by wildfires in California. According to the state, if an owner loses a tree, they can recover three times the value of that tree.

Yes, when investigations prove their equipment caused the fire due to poor maintenance, design, or safety protocols. California courts have held these companies liable in multiple high-profile cases.

To file a wildfire displacement claim in California, you’ll need to present solid documentation that proves you were forced to leave your home due to a wildfire. Courts and insurance companies typically require both evidence of displacement and proof of damages or losses. Here’s what’s commonly required:

Proof of Residency at the Time of the Fire

You must show you lived at the address impacted by the wildfire. This can include:

• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
• Lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Government-issued ID with the address
• Voter registration or car registration documents
  
   

Evidence of Displacement

This shows you were forced to evacuate or lost access to your home due to wildfire damage, smoke, or evacuation orders:

• Official evacuation notices (texts, alerts, or news bulletins)
• Photos or videos of the fire’s effect on your home/neighborhood
• Statements from emergency responders or shelters
• Temporary lodging receipts (hotels, Airbnbs)
• Affidavits from neighbors, landlords, or property managers
  
   

Documentation of Related Expenses

You’ll need to prove out-of-pocket costs caused by displacement:

• Receipts for hotel stays, meals, or temporary housing
• Travel expenses (gas, transportation)
• Storage or relocation costs
• Pet boarding fees
• Lost wages (if applicable)
  
   

Proof of Property Loss or Damage

Even if your home wasn’t totally destroyed, partial damage or toxic smoke infiltration counts:

• Insurance adjuster reports
• Contractor estimates for repairs
• Photos showing damage
• Smoke or soot test results
• Mold remediation records (if applicable)
• Property itemization lists (there are great examples of these on Excel that you can use and update annually so that you’re always prepared)
  
   

Medical or Emotional Hardship Documentation (if claiming trauma)

For displacement-related trauma or health issues:

• Therapist or psychologist notes
• Doctor’s visits related to stress, anxiety, or injury
• Prescription medication documentation

California is a fault-based state, meaning that if a third party like a utility caused the fire, you can sue them, even if you already received insurance money. However, your insurer may be reimbursed from your settlement (called subrogation). A lawyer can help maximize what you keep.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

We love talking to our clients. You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager via telephone and email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney via telephone, we will make that happen by scheduling a call.

Morgan & Morgan’s lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Wildfires devastate more than homes—they disrupt lives, uproot communities, and inflict deep emotional wounds. At Morgan & Morgan, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer alone, and you shouldn’t have to fight billion-dollar utility companies without support.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

If you or your family has been affected by a California wildfire, we’re ready to listen and ready to act. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.