In recent years, wildfires have ravaged California, destroying communities and residents’ lives. The Fire Victim Trust is designed to evaluate, process, and resolve victim’s legal claims for compensation. You may be entitled to various types of compensation, including the costs to repair or replace your home and your personal property.
You or a loved one may have grounds for a lawsuit or claim as a victim of a recent wildfire in California. If you were injured or your property was damaged, you may be able to recover compensation for those damages and more. The team at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you in filing a claim with the Fire Victim Trust and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
The Job of the Fire Victim Trust
After the wildfires in Northern California in 2015, 2017, and 2018, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed for bankruptcy. Shortly after that, on July 1, 2020, the Fire Victim Trust was established to assist victims with their claims for compensation.
The Trust reviews and resolves claims brought after the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 North Bay Fires, and the 2018 Camp Fire. (As of May 2022, the Fire Victim Trust has not added the 2021 Dixie Fire to the list.)
In an attempt to resolve a claim, the Trust will work to recover compensation for the claimant. This compensation can be for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Real estate damage or destruction
- Personal property damage or destruction
- Living expenses
- Lost earnings
- Business losses
- Medical bills
- Personal injuries
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Am I Eligible for Compensation From the Fire Victim Trust?
The claim filing period with the Fire Victim Trust began in 2020 and continues today. There are several criteria you must meet to be eligible for compensation. These include:
- Having a claim regarding either the 2015 Butte Fire, a 2017 North Bay Fire, or the 2018 Camp Fire
- Having filed a Proof of Claim before December 31, 2019
- Submitting supporting documentation that’s outlined in Section II of the Claims Resolution Procedures or as required by the Claims Administrator
If you meet the first two criteria and once you’ve submitted your supporting documents, the Fire Victim Trust will review your claim and, in accordance with California law, determine the amount of compensation you are due.
Our firm can help you submit the supporting documents you need in order to build a strong compensation claim or become part of a mass tort case against PG&E.
Can I Still Be Compensated If I Didn’t File a Proof of Claim?
Generally, filing the Proof of Claim by December 31, 2019 is a prerequisite for recovering compensation from the Fire Victim Trust. That date was the extended bar date for claimants. However, you may still be able to recover compensation if you:
- Obtain relief from the bankruptcy court to file a late claim; and
- Within 30 days after obtaining the bankruptcy court order, file the claim in the Chapter 11 Cases and submit the claim to the Fire Victim Trust
An attorney from our firm may be able to help you obtain the bankruptcy court order, file your claim correctly, and submit it to the Fire Victim Trust.
Can I Still Get Financial Recovery If My Case Is Unique?
The Claims Administrator for the Fire Victim Trust could consider facts on a case-by-case basis and interpret Trust policies flexibly. An attorney with Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers can assist you in making your case to the Fire Victim Trust.
What a Fire Victim Trust Attorney from Our Firm Can Do for You
So far, our law firm has recovered over $750 million on behalf of wildfire victims, including homeowners, businesses, and vintners who lost their property and suffered other damages. We’re still pursuing actions against PG&E, including claims and lawsuits.
At Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, we have the resources to hire fire liability causation specialists, weather experts, and public adjusters for our clients. These experts helped us build and strengthen our cases. They could help us establish how PG&E failed to properly maintain their power lines and transformers, leading to the fires that caused your damages and losses.
Our firm regularly takes on mass tort cases, so our attorneys know how to handle your wildfire victim case. We are not afraid to stand up to a utility company like PG&E and hold them accountable for your damages.
Why You May Not Want to Prepare Your Claim By Yourself
You have the option of preparing your own claim with the Fire Victim Trust, but having a lawyer by your side can be valuable. PG&E may undervalue your damages, diminishing your case and reducing your payout. A California mass tort case attorney from our firm can help prevent that from happening.
Additional Reasons to Hire an Attorney From Our Firm
Our personal injury and mass tort attorneys in California have recovered over $750 million on behalf of fire victims across the state. As a result of our success, we’ve received over 400 positive reviews on top consumer review websites, such as Yelp, Angie’s List, and Yellowpages.
Additionally, our team works on a contingency basis, making it easy to work with us. You won’t have to pay us anything unless your lawyer recovers compensation for you. Our firm also offers complimentary consultations to learn more about our services at no cost to you.
Call Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers Today for a California Fire Victim Trust Lawyer
Our firm wants to help you and your family recover and rebuild. We’ll assist you in your pursuit of compensation via a claim or lawsuit. We can also assist you if you are the victim of the 2021 Dixie Fire or any other wildfire in California.
Your consultation with us will be completely confidential and free of charge. A team member is ready to hear the details of your case. The sooner you call Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, the sooner we can get to work on your case.
