COLORADO WILDFIRE ATTORNEYS

Who's Responsible? Colorado Wildfire Liability Explained

Those affected by wildfires have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the party responsible for that fire.

As mentioned, a gas and electric company may be found liable, such as if a fire is traced back to a downed power line or poorly maintained power equipment. A person or group of persons may also be held liable, such as if they intentionally or accidentally started a fire.

An official investigation into the cause of the fire will identify the at-fault party, giving victims the chance to hold them accountable.

Early Legal Action in Colorado Wildfire Cases

It is possible to take legal action even before the exact cause of the wildfire is determined. Our Colorado wildfire lawyers conduct their own investigations at the same time as government agencies and officials. This allows us to determine liability using real evidence, then we can bring forth allegations against a negligent party.

For instance, we started to investigate the cause of the Marshall fire—which ignited December 30, 2021—long before any official investigations concluded. Often, the findings of official investigations greatly strengthen any legal moves already taken.

However, the first step is to contact a Colorado wildfire attorney online. We will go over your rights and discuss how you can get the financial support you need.

Challenging Insurance Companies After Fire Damage

Insured wildfire victims may file a fire damage claim with their insurance providers. These claims can be particularly difficult to get approved: Since all documentation and proof were likely destroyed in the fire, many insurance companies use the victim’s misfortune as an opportunity to act in bad faith. A lawyer’s help may prove essential when seeking compensation via this route.

Common bad faith insurance tactics are:

• Failing to respond or process your claim in a timely manner
• Failing to investigate your claim thoroughly and fairly
• Offering a very low settlement or refusing to pay undisputed parts of your claim
• Making it difficult for you to comply with requests related to the processing of your claim
• Asking you to fill out unnecessary forms to waste your time
• Trying to cut a deal with you by getting you to waive rights or overlook parts of your policy
• Delaying the payment of an approved claim

At Denver Trial Lawyers ®, our team won’t let an insurance company take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances. We can fight to hold it accountable through a bad faith insurance claim. As a premier trial law firm, we are fully prepared to sue your insurance company on your behalf to recover your rightful compensation.

Maximizing Your Wildfire Damage Recovery in Colorado

Wildfire victims may be entitled to compensation for all their damages, including but not limited to:

• Property damage: This includes smoke and fire damage, agricultural damage, death of pets or livestock, and loss of personal belongings, a family home, a business, and more.
• Personal injury damages: If the wildfire causes injury to you, such as a smoke- or fire-related injury, you may be compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, health complications, rehabilitative treatment, etc.
• Wrongful death damages: If a wildfire resulted in the death of a loved one, you may have the right to seek compensation for the damages suffered by them (from the time of injury to death) and the damages you suffered as a result of your loss. This may include funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of companionship, love, care, consortium, among others.

Denver Trial Lawyers ® will work to get you the most out of your claim. We are deeply committed to our work because we care about our community.

Comprehensive Support from Colorado Wildfire Lawyers

Wildfires are devastating, and a changing climate has made them more common in Colorado. Whether you have been the victim of the historic Marshall fire or a much smaller wildfire, Denver Trial Lawyers ® will fight tirelessly for you and your family. We understand nothing can make up for the losses so many experience in these fires. Still, legal action can be the first step toward a safer future. It can also help put you in a position to start again, to make a new home.