HOW TO FILE YOUR PG&E FIRE CLAIM
A step-by-step guide to your wildfire claim
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
The first step is to obtain a case review from an experienced attorney. The team at Northern California Fire Lawyers has more experience investigating and bringing claims against PG&E than any other law firm in California. We provide a confidential case review at no-cost to see if you qualify.
FILE YOUR CLAIM DOCUMENTS
Your attorney will file all documentation for you and pursue claims to maximize your recovery. This includes ensuring that you have completed all necessary filings and do not miss any critical deadlines. Filling out the claim form is only one step in this process.
CALCULATE YOUR LOSSES
If you qualify, your attorney will review your records to document your property damage, personal injuries, business losses and other damage. This process is often complex and time-consuming but is necessary so your attorney can calculate and prove the value of your claim.
REVIEW YOUR SETTLEMENT OFFER
Most wildfire claims will be resolved through bankruptcy court. In the bankruptcy process, funds will be set aside for individual wildfire victims’ claims. You and your lawyer will review any settlement offer together and decide whether to accept the amount offered or appeal the amount offered for your claim.
Trouble Filling out the Claim Form?
Filing your claim can be a rather complex process. If you fill out the claim form wrong, you can substantially reduce the amount of money you are entitled to. There are many problems can you can run into while completing this form.
For example: Saying you are not going to rebuild often reduces your monetary recovery.
We know there are many hidden costs to PG&E caused fires that aren’t apparent yet. Our team does ongoing calculations of your damages to make sure all your costs are included in the case, not just the costs you have incurred so far.
If you are unsure how to fill out the form, or don’t want to risk making a mistake, ask a professional. Our team at Northern California Fire Lawyers is here to ensure you get the payout you deserve.
Please note that the PG&E claims deadline has since passed. If you did not file a claim by the deadline, speak with an attorney.
Many people affected by the fires have the right to file claims, and may not know it. Failure to file your claim could leave more money for PG&E and its investors. Here are some common misconceptions about who is eligible for recovery:
It is NOT true that you can only file a claim if you owned a home that was destroyed by the fire.
You can file a claim for a number of different reasons, including loss of a rental home, loss of personal property, and adverse health effects caused by the fire.
It is NOT true that you can only file a claim if you had an insurance policy.
This is a court claim against PG&E, and is not dependent on your insurance policy. You can file a claim even if your insurance has already covered some of your losses.
It is NOT true that you must have documents to prove every item you lost in the fire.
You may be eligible to file regardless of if you have relevant documentation. In fact, the simple act of having to flee the fire may enable your claim.
It is NOT true that you can only file a claim if you lost a loved one or experienced personal injury.
Other reasons for filing a claim may include damage to your home or loss of personal property as a result of the fire.
✓No Other Firm Has More Experience Suing PG&E.
Our first case against PG&E was nearly 30 years ago. We know PG&E’s playbook and we use that unique knowledge to benefit our clients.
✓We have succeeded in trial against PG&E.
Our lead trial lawyer, Mike Danko, is the only lawyer in Northern California to have taken a case of this type all the way through to trial and verdict against PG&E. Since then, PG&E has offered settlements to our clients in many cases during or just before the start of trial. PG&E knows we are ready, willing and able to take a case to trial, and that approach helps us achieve the best results for our clients.
✓Appointed by judges to lead legal battles against PG&E.
We have been appointed by judges to leadership positions in large-scale cases against PG&E, including the 2017 North Bay Fires cases, the 2015 Butte Fire cases, and the 2010 San Bruno Explosion cases. Judges trust us to represent the best interests of fire & disaster victims.
Northern California Fire Lawyers is a coalition of prominent Northern California law firms: Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle, Danko Meredith, and Gibbs Law Group. Our firms consist of seasoned trial lawyers, leading national personal injury attorneys, and experienced complex litigators. Attorneys on our team have been appointed by California judges to serve in leadership positions in a number of large, coordinated fire and disaster cases. We bring a deep knowledge of the systems and fire-prevention policies of major utility companies and are well-positioned to leverage the hard work from our previous cases to benefit our clients.
Mike Danko
Danko Meredith
Kristine Meredith
Danko Meredith
Amanda Riddle
Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle
Dario de Ghetaldi
Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle
Brad Bowen
Danko Meredith
Steve Lopez
Gibbs Law Group LLP
Matthew Luzaich
Law Offices of Matthew S. Luzaich
Eric Gibbs
Gibbs Law Group LLP
