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Our team has the experience to fight for fire victims' rights

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LEADERS IN FIRE LITIGATION

We have been appointed as lead counsel for the largest fires in California

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California Wildfire Attorneys

Helping Wildfire Victims in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Windsor & Geyserville

On October 23, 2019, a new wildfire began that would further damage a region already devastated by the unprecedented 2017 North Bay Fires. Fanned by extremely high wind speeds, dry environment, and low humidity, the Kincade Fire spread rapidly through the night. In the largest evacuation Sonoma County has ever enforced, families fled their homes as the fires blazed, covering 10,000 acres by morning. After 13 days, by the time firefighters had it fully contained, the Kincade Fire had burned 77,758 acres and destroyed 374 buildings—including 174 homes and 11 commercial properties, one of them the historic Soda Rock Winery. Today, residents of Sonoma County, including Windsor, Healdsburg, Geyserville, Mark West Springs and other parts of Santa Rosa, are dealing with serious fire damage, total property loss, wrongful death and personal injuries.

With PG&E currently in bankruptcy proceedings and insurance companies already stressed by the demands of preceeding wildfires, the public faces an uncertain recovery from this most recent tragedy. While the Kincade Fire is still under investigation, Eric Ratinoff and his team of dedicated California wildfire loss lawyers are offering free legal assistance to victims of California wildfires, answering questions and providing aid with homeowners insurance claims.

The Impact of the Wildfires in Northern California

Most of us here in Northern California are still recovering from PG&E related wildfires that have devastated our region over the past two years. Some have just begun rebuilding homes that were destroyed in the Tubbs Fire; others are still moving from shelter to shelter after losing everything to the Camp Fire. Thousands of people are still suffering, yet here we are facing what appears to be a repeat performance in a devastating cycle of catastrophe.

Questions demand answers about what appears to be another preventable wildfire related to PG&E’s negligence and mismanagement of California’s utility infrastructure. Sonoma wildfire victims are asking:

  • Will we be able to file a claim against PG&E for the Kincade Fire now that they are in bankruptcy proceedings?
  • Will insurance companies continue to honor homeowners’ insurance policies when wildfires have already accounted for billions of dollars in losses in California?
  • What do I do if my insurance company denies my wildfire claim?
  • What happens if PG&E is found liable, but can’t afford to pay for the wildfire damage their power lines caused?
  • What forms of compensation can I seek to help me get back on my feet after a wildfire?
  • What forms of compensation can I seek to recover financially and rebuild my home?

How the PG&E Bankruptcy Affects Kincade Fire Victims

Even though it appears at this juncture that PG&E was responsible for the ignition of the Kincade fire, the victims of the Kincade Fire are not subject to the PG&E Bankruptcy proceedings because their claims are considered to be Post-Petition claims, which are not subject to the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy proceedings.

So, if you suffered loss due to the Kincade Fire, you should contact a California wildfires lawyer immediately to discuss your recovery options. Our team of California wildfire attorneys has been on the front line against PG&E for nearly every PG&E and other utility company caused catastrophe in the past decade. We have the experience and resources to get you the maximum recovery possible by law. Call us today or fill out the form on this page to get your questions answered about insurance claims, fire damages and litigation.

PG&E Bankruptcy Update for Victims of the 2017 North Bay Fires

The Bankruptcy Court Judge has extended the Claim Bar date to December 31, 2019, which means that all victims of the North Bay fires must file a claim for their losses by that date, or they will no longer be eligible to pursue compensation from PG&E.

While many people have the mistaken perception that PG&E avoided liability to the fire victims by declaring bankruptcy, this is simply not true. PG&E is not going out of business. The bankruptcy filing has just moved the cases to a different courtroom, where an orderly process will be imposed for adjudicating and paying claims. PG&E has assets in excess of $68 Billion and continues to generate approximately $1.5 Billion per year in net profit. It has the ability to borrow billions more.

Our Experience in Wildfire Litigation

If you suffered serious losses or even the wrongful death of loved ones from the North Bay Fires, please contact our California fire attorneys immediately to discuss your situation. With a very limited amount of time to file your claim, it’s imperative that you act quickly or you will lose your opportunity to pursue financial compensation from PG&E for the devastation they caused. We are committed to helping all Northern California wildfire victims seek compensation for their damages. Learn your legal rights by setting up your case evaluation today!

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How a California Wildfire Loss Lawyer Can Help

If the Wine Country Fires have affected you, help is available. Northern California Wildfire Trial Lawyers is a legal team composed of experienced wildfire lawyers who provide excellent resources for fire victims to utilize. Working with a California wildfire loss attorney in the face of burn injuries, property damage, wrongful death, or the loss of a home or business can help you maximize settlements from insurance companies and potentially hold someone liable for fire damages.

There is significant suspicion regarding Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)’s role in the Sonoma County Kincade Fire. With a point of origin admittedly near a malfunctioning PG&E transmission tower by The Geysers geothermal plant, it likely won’t take long before liability is clearly established.

Contact Our California Wildfire Lawsuit Team

As a wildfire victim, you could be eligible to bring or join a lawsuit against an individual or entity that is responsible for causing the fire. A wildfire loss lawsuit could result in financial recovery for your property damage, medical bills, lost wages, injuries and wrongful death. California residents can speak with a local Wine County wildfire attorney regarding wildfire-related insurance policy claims or wildfire litigation, call (707) 306-0752 to schedule a free consultation.

TESTIMONIALS

“We know that Eric Ratinoff went above and beyond… We believed that our attorney and his affiliates truly had our best interest at mind in our case and how it was handled. They helped us get through a difficult time in our lives with very little stress. We are pleased with the outcome and glad to have it all behind us! Our sincere appreciation and thanks are sent to all involved.”

Wildfire Trial Lawyers Client

“Never have we experienced a law group, and the individuals who work there, so interested in putting you first and making you feel like a caring family. Their communication throughout the process was excellent, phone calls, personal meetings, text messages and e-mails keeping us ‘in the loop’. The end result for us, was truly amazing, and we felt we made lifelong friends.”

Wildfire Trial Lawyers Client

“Mr. Jackson took my auto injury case when three other attorneys turned me down. Every other attorney simply wanted to settle the case with the insurance company as quickly as possible, but Mr. Jackson didn’t back down and filed a lawsuit for me. I came to Mr. Jackson to get my medical bills paid for, and not only did he get those covered, the settlement I received was more than I ever thought I could get. I appreciate how much respect everyone at the office treated me with throughout the process.”

Jackson Trial Lawyers Client

"Ariana, I wanted to thank you for your patience and all your help. I recognized that you went above and beyond to help me, and I’m grateful and very thankful. Once again thank you for being awesome."

Demas Law Client

“I was looking for an attorney that would handle my case. I talked with several other attorneys but I never thought we made a connection. My husband and I talked with Eric Ratinoff, we both left his office feeling confident that our case was in good hands. We were very happy with the outcome of our case. I would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to feel secure in their representation.”

Eric Ratinoff Law Corp Client