 | Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers is no longer actively retaining Dixie Fire victims. |
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In 2021, the Dixie fire burned for more than 103 days, destroying nearly 1 million acres of the Sierra Nevada Forest and costing $637.4 million to fight. The fire caused destruction across four counties and was the second-largest fire in California’s history.
If you hope to secure compensation for the damages you suffered, you may need the guidance and support of a Dixie fire lawyer. During a free initial consultation, you can find out what legal options may be available.
Costs of the Dixie Fire
In September 2021, the California Legislature allocated $1 billion to fight wildfires across the state—roughly three times more than the amount needed to stop wildfires the previous year.
That figure doesn’t account for the massive costs of the Dixie Fire, which Cal Fire said destroyed 1,329 structures. However, if your home or business was one of those structures, you could recover compensation to rebuild your life.
Liability for the Dixie Fire
Cal Fire found Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) responsible for causing the Dixie Fire, which began on July 13, 2021, when a downed tree came in contact with a PG&E transmission line, sparking California’s most devastating wildfire. Unfortunately, this incident was not the first time that investigators have found PG&E accountable for causing a wildfire in California.
Their failure to update equipment and make necessary improvements is considered negligence. If you suffered considerable losses as a result of the Dixie Fire, you might be entitled to financial compensation.
PG&E settled two claims and set up a fund to compensate families who suffered both financial and noneconomic losses because of the Dixie Fire. However, the settlement does not preclude a lawsuit to recover damages not eligible for settlement funds. A Dixie Fire lawyer can review your claim and determine your best course for recovering the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if You Suffered Injuries or Damages in the Dixie Fire
If you suffered injuries or sustained considerable property damages because of the Dixie Fire, you have the right to receive compensation from PG&E. PG&E has an online claims portal that you can visit; however, to get the most out of your claim, it might be in your best interest to contact an attorney for help.
If you rely solely on PG&E’s Direct Payments for Community Recovery program, you might not get the compensation you need to recover fully from your losses. However, a civil lawsuit will show PG&E how seriously you take your case.
A Dixie Fire lawyer from our firm can help you hold PG&E accountable to the fullest extent of the law. You deserve to be compensated for every loss you sustained. So, do not let PG&E devalue your losses. With our firm by your side, you can make them pay for their negligence.
Recoverable Damages After the Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire has likely turned your life upside down. As a result, you should receive compensation for every loss you suffered. You know the Dixie fire caused considerable damage across the state, but the damage you experienced is far worse personally. Fortunately, you can get PG&E to compensate you for your damages—and not just your monetary losses, but your noneconomic damages as well.
Economic damages have fixed values. We can prove them with receipts, bills, bank records, financial statements, and other evidence. Some examples of monetary damages you could recover in your Dixie Fire claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Medical equipment
- Property damage
- Increased insurance premiums
- Loss of income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of household services
You also have the right to recover noneconomic damages that account for how the aftermath of the Dixie Fire has affected your life and your family. Some common noneconomic damages you could recoup include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
Could I Recover Punitive Damages from PG&E?
A jury could award you punitive damages in your claim. PG&E has a history of negligence, and if the court finds PG&E’s actions grossly negligent, you may recover punitive damages alongside your compensatory damages.
Find out how much your Dixie Fire claim is worth by speaking with an attorney to discuss your damages in further detail.
Get Help From a Dixie Fire Lawyer Today
Did you sustain severe injury or suffer extensive property damage from the Dixie Fire? Are you unsure where to turn for help? If so, you can reach out to a Dixie Fire lawyer at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers.
Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to Dixie Fire victims across California. So, take advantage of this opportunity today by filling out our contact form or calling our office.
