Palisades Fire Attorneys

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, around 10:30 am the Palisades wildfire began burning in the Los Angeles neighborhood, the Pacific Palisades. The fire initially began in the 1100 block of North Piedra Morada Drive and quickly spread to the surrounding areas. By the very next day, January 8, the fire had grown to nearly 12,000 acres. As of January 16, the fire has scorched nearly 24,000 acres, and is only 22% contained, according to the latest CalFire update. 

As the fire has burned it has destroyed nearly 3,000 structures and damaged just over 500. So far there are known to be at least eight civilian fatalities and three civilian injuries.

Officials attribute the quick spread of this fire to the dry landscape conditions and the strong Santa Ana winds. Wind gusts were reported to have ranged from anywhere between 40-60 mph.

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate due to the fire, and mandatory evacuation orders were in place for the following zones:

• DRY-U026-A
• DRY-U026-C
• LOS-Q0762
• LOS-Q0762-A
• LOS-Q0765
• LOS-Q0767-A
• LOS-Q0767-B
• LOS-Q0778-A
• LOS-Q0780
• LOS-Q0781-A
• LOS-Q0782-A
• LOS-Q0782-B
• LOS-Q0782-C
• LOS-Q0798
• LOS-Q1118
• MAL-C111-A
• MAL-C111-B
• MAL-C112-B
• MTN-U028
• RRC-U027-A
• RRC-U027-B
• RMB-U030-A
• RMB-U030-B
• RMB-U030-D
• RMB-U030-E
• SDP-U029
• SSM-U010-A
• SSM-U010-B
• TOP-U001
• TOP-U002
• TOP-U003
• TOP-U004
• TOP-U005
• TOP-U006
• TOP-U007
• TOP-U008
• TOP-U009
  

A map of the fire, mandatory evacuation zones, and evaluation warning zones can be found on the CalFire Palisades Fire page. 

If you’ve been affected by the Palisades wildfire, call DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo today for a free consultation. 

Why Choose DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo

When you’re faced with the devastating aftermath of a wildfire, choose DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo to help you fight for your rights. Why choose us?

• We have over 30 years of experience successfully handling claims for our clients
• We offer personalized attention to our clients to ensure they get the justice they deserve
• We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us until we win compensation on your behalf. 

Common Losses Victim’s Face After Wildfires

Wildfires like the Palisades Fire often leave devastating losses in their wake, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. Victims of wildfires commonly face the following losses:

• Property damage and destruction – homes, vehicles, and personal belongings can be damaged or completely destroyed. 
• Relocation and temporary housing costs – evacuations often require victims to find temporary housing, which can quickly become a significant expense. 
• Business interruptions – for those who own businesses in the affected areas, wildfires can half operations, leading to lost income and additional financial strain. 
• Emotional distress – beyond physical losses, the emotional toll of losing a home or cherished belongings can have lasting effects on the emotional and mental health of victims. 

The Role Of Insurance in Loss Recovery

While insurance may offer some coverage for the losses wildfire victims experience, these policies often fall short of covering the full extent of their losses. Victims may encounter challenges such as:

• Inadequate coverage – standard homeowners’ insurance policies may not fully account for the cost of rebuilding or replacing all lost items. Additionally, some policies may exclude wildfire damage altogether. 
• Delays in the claims process – insurance companies may take weeks or even months to process claims, leaving victims in limbo during a critical time.
• Policy non-renewal or cancellation – after major disasters like wildfires, some insurers may choose not to renew existing policies or may cancel coverage entirely, leaving homeowners struggling to find alternative insurance options and facing potential increases in premiums.

When insurance falls short, victims may feel they have nowhere to turn. This is where the help of an experienced wildfire attorney can help. Attorneys can assist victims in holding insurers accountable and explore other avenues of compensation to help clients rebuild their lives. 

How Can I Get Compensation in the Aftermath of the Palisades Fire?

Recovering compensation after the Palisades fire involves filing a claim and determining who may be held responsible for the losses you’ve experienced. Identifying the at-fault party is crucial in pursuing justice and rebuilding your home and life. 

Potentially liable parties may include:

Utility companies

Often wildfires can be sparked by faulty equipment, downed power lines, or negligent maintenance by utility companies. If investigations reveal that a utility company’s actions or failures caused or contributed to the fire, they may be held liable for damages. 

Insurance Companies Acting in Bad Faith

While insurance companies are meant to protect victims, insurers may sometimes act in bad faith by delaying, denying, or undervaluing claims. Additionally, in this instance, many insurance companies have been called out for canceling or non-renewing existing policies in the areas that were affected by the fires just months before they hit. If your insurer is acting in bad faith, you may have grounds for legal action to recover the compensation you deserve. 

It is essential to work with an experienced attorney who can help you determine who the responsible party is and help you file a claim against them for your losses.  

Call DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo Today

If you have been affected by the Palisades wildfire, contact DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo today to learn more about how we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

We are also prepared to help victims of the Hurst fire. Reach out today.