Call Us Today
Steve Kherkher - June 24, 2025
Wildfires are devastating natural disasters that can destroy entire communities, homes, and livelihoods in a matter of hours. But what happens when your losses or injuries aren’t just due to “nature”, but instead linked to human negligence? If a utility company, landowner, or other party caused or contributed to a wildfire, you may be entitled to file a fire injury claim.
At Kherkher Garcia, we have helped countless clients recover after catastrophic events, including wildfires. If you or a loved one has been injured, displaced, or suffered loss due to a wildfire, here’s what you need to know about your rights.
Yes, you can file a fire injury claim if someone else’s negligence caused or worsened the wildfire. While some wildfires are sparked by natural causes like lightning, many are linked to human error or negligence. In these cases, victims may have grounds for a personal injury or property damage claim.
When investigators trace the source of the fire to human negligence, injury victims may be able to pursue legal action to recover damages.
You may be eligible to file a claim if you were directly affected by a wildfire and experienced:
Even if you weren’t physically injured, you may still qualify to file a property damage or wrongful death claim, depending on your circumstances.
If your wildfire injury claim is successful, you may recover damages such as:
At Kherkher Garcia, we calculate the full scope of your damages, not just what insurance covers. This ensures you have the best means of rebuilding your life.
One of the most common causes of large wildfires in the U.S. is utility company negligence. If a utility provider failed to maintain equipment, trim vegetation, or properly shut off power during dangerous weather conditions, they could be held liable for damages.
Notable Examples:
These cases show that corporations can and should be held accountable for failing to protect public safety.
If you believe negligence contributed to your wildfire injuries or losses, taking the following steps can strengthen your legal claim:
Even if your injuries seem minor, smoke inhalation or burns can worsen. Documenting your injuries also provides key evidence for your claim.
Take photos and videos of:
Save:
Don’t wait. Wildfire claims are complex and often involve large corporate defendants and insurance companies. Having a skilled law firm like Kherkher Garcia on your side makes a difference.
Insurance companies and utility corporations are often quick to deny liability or minimize payouts. They may argue:
Our attorneys know how to investigate, find responsible parties, and negotiate with insurers to get the compensation you deserve. We bring in expert witnesses, fire investigators, engineers, and economists to build the strongest case possible.
If lightning or other natural causes sparked the fire, you may not have a claim against a third party. However, if another factor (such as faulty firebreaks, ignored safety warnings, or inadequate evacuation alerts) contributed to your injuries, you may still have a case.
Yes. Each state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury and property damage claims. In many cases, this is two years from the date of the fire—but this varies. It’s best to speak with an attorney right away.
You can still pursue a lawsuit against a negligent party even if your insurance covered some of your losses. A lawsuit can cover additional damages like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or business losses.
Yes. You don’t need to own property to file a wildfire injury claim. If you were forced to evacuate, lost personal property, or suffered injuries, you may still be eligible for compensation.
No. Our legal team works with investigators to determine the cause of the fire. You don’t need to prove fault on your own. We handle that for you.
At Kherkher Garcia, we know that wildfire survivors are more than statistics. We have represented people who:
We bring compassion, experience, and relentless advocacy to every wildfire case. Our attorneys take the time to understand your story and pursue justice that makes a real difference in your life.
If a wildfire caused by negligence upended your life, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. The experienced attorneys at Kherkher Garcia are here to:
We handle wildfire claims on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
When disaster strikes, you deserve answers and accountability. Whether you have suffered injuries, lost a home, or lost a loved one, filing a wildfire claim may be the first step toward healing and rebuilding. Let Kherkher Garcia fight for you. Get started now by calling us at 713-333-1030, or by submitting our online contact form.
Image by freepik
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.