Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Napa & Calistoga Wildfire Trial Lawyers
On October 8th, 2017, a string of wildfires began that would lead to unprecedented devastation in California Wine Country. Fanned by extremely high wind speeds, dry environment, and low humidity, the fires spread rapidly and without warning. Families fled their homes with no time to spare as the fires blazed throughout the night. Some never made it out alive. Today, citizens are dealing with serious property damage, total property loss, personal injuries, and the deaths of loved ones. Eric Ratinoff and his team of dedicated California wildfire loss attorneys want to help wildfire victims in these dark and difficult times.
The Impact of the Wine Country Fires in California
As of the latest Statewide Fire Summary, fires still burn throughout the North Bay region. More than 4,300 firefighters remain on the scene of nine active wildfires. Firefighters expect to have most fires 100% contained by the end of October. Red flag warnings for wildfires remain in effect from Kern to San Diego counties, due to low humidity and high winds. In the meantime, thousands of displaced residents of Wine Country are struggling to sort out their lives in the aftermath of record-breaking devastation.
At the peak of the Wine Country Fires, there were 21 major wildfires scorching the land. In total, these fires burned more than 245,000 acres, resulting in 100,000 evacuees from the area. The fires destroyed 8,400 structures and counting, and they have tragically taken the lives of 42 people. The victims of the California wildfires range in age from 14-year-old Kai Logan Shepherd to 100-year-old Charles Rippey. Many others have gone to the hospital for fire-related injuries.
The wildfires have left behind a wide path of unimaginable ruin. Acres of land and neighborhoods have burned to the ground, along with thousands of homes and businesses. The fires have caused an estimated $4.6 billion in damages – an amount that will likely increase as the full impact of the fires continues to unfold. One of the conflagrations, Tubbs Fire, made headlines as the most destructive California wildfire in history. Tubbs Fire alone destroyed around 5,500 structures.
read moreHow a Wildfire Loss Lawyer Can Help
If the Wine Country Fires have affected you, help is available. Eric Ratinoff Law is a firm full of legal professionals and excellent resources for fire victims to utilize. Working with a California wildfire loss attorney in the face of burn injuries, smoke inhalation injuries, property damage, wrongful death, or the loss of a home or business can help you maximize settlements from insurance companies and potentially hold someone liable for damages.
There is significant suspicion regarding Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)’s role in the Wine Country Wildfires. One couple has already brought a lawsuit against the utility company, pursuing compensation for their destroyed home in Santa Rosa. The couple alleges PG&E’s negligence in failing to trim branches and repair power lines that police suspect sparked Tubbs Fire.
As a wildfire victim, you could be eligible to bring or join a lawsuit against an individual or entity that is responsible for causing the fire. A lawsuit could result in financial recovery for your property damage/loss, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To speak with a local attorney regarding wildfire-related insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, call (916) 970-9100 to schedule a free consultation.
