Understanding Wildfire Lawsuits & Negligence
Human activity causes the majority of wildfires, many of which could have been prevented. By filing a wildfire lawsuit, families may be able to hold those responsible for their suffering accountable and pursue compensation.
Find out more about wildfire lawsuits:
- Lawsuits may be filed against utility companies that sparked fires by failing to follow safety protocols, groups that didn’t properly manage their land to reduce fire risk, negligent individuals, and more.
- Wildfire settlements can help with costs linked to property damage, evacuation expenses, emotional distress, and lost income.
- Insurance companies are known to delay or lowball valid wildfire claims, especially after large-scale disasters when thousands of families are looking for help at the same time.
Each year, around 3.3 million U.S. homes — worth more than $11 Billion combined — are at risk of wildfire damage, according to Time Magazine.
While homeowners often turn to insurance for relief, many have found that their policies fall short. In fact, 66% of California residents reported being underinsured after wildfires and had to cover rebuilding costs out of pocket, according to California Western School of Law.
At Sokolove Law, we may be able to help you navigate the aftermath of a wildfire by seeking justice from those responsible and pushing back against insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.
Get the Help You Deserve
Our experienced wildfire damage attorneys may be able to file a lawsuit and fight for compensation on your behalf. See if you may qualify now.
Who Can File a Wildfire Lawsuit?
If you, your home, or your business were impacted by a wildfire, you may be able to take legal action — especially if the fire was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Wildfire lawsuits can be filed by those who:
- Experienced the loss of a business or income
- Had to evacuate the area
- Lost their home or belongings
- Were physically injured
Families who lost a loved one in a wildfire may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if you may qualify for a wildfire lawsuit settlement. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Notable U.S. Wildfire Lawsuits
Millions of acres of land are damaged by wildfires in the United States each year, and these disasters have taken place in all 50 states.
Unfortunately, the threat of wildfires isn’t going away. Fire seasons are growing longer, and extreme wildfires are becoming more frequent, putting more families, homes, and communities at risk.
Find out more about some of the most notable wildfires in the country — and how residents are seeking justice by filing wildfire lawsuits.
California Wildfire Lawsuit
California, which experiences more wildfires than any other state, recorded over 8,000 fires in 2024, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center.
Major wildfires in California have included:
- The Camp Fire in Paradise, which was caused by power lines and turned out to be the deadliest fire in California history, with 85 confirmed deaths (2018)
- The Dixie Fire, which spread across five counties and burned over 960,000 acres of land (2021)
- The Eaton Fire in Southern California, which destroyed over 9,000 homes and buildings across Altadena and Pasadena (2025)
- The North Complex Fire in Butte, Plumas, and Tuba counties, which caused 16 deaths and burned over 300,000 acres (2020)
- The Tubbs Fire, which scorched over 36,000 acres across Napa and Sonoma counties (2017)
Multiple utility companies have been accused of causing California wildfires, including Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE).
Pacific Gas & Electric formed a $13.5 Billion wildfire settlement fund for victims after investigators found their equipment was responsible for multiple fires throughout Northern California.
Cape Cod Fire Lawsuit
On May 1, 2025, the National Guard conducted a controlled burn at Joint Base Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The purpose of this burn was to clear overgrown brush and reduce the risk of future wildfires.
However, the fire spread outside of the designated area, burning an additional 24 acres. Helicopters and other fire departments across Cape Cod and the South Shore were called in to help control the flames.
Anyone who experienced property damage or was forced to evacuate due to the heavy smoke may be eligible for compensation from a wildfire claim.
Colorado Wildfire Lawsuit
Colorado has seen a dramatic rise in wildfires over the past two decades due to dry weather, logging, and more. The state, which previously only experienced wildfires in the summer, is now experiencing them all year long.
In December 2021, the Marshall Fire broke out, which was the most destructive fire in Colorado's history. Over 1,000 homes in Boulder County were destroyed.
In 2023, multiple Colorado wildfire lawsuits were filed against Xcel Energy. Investigators determined that the utility company’s power lines likely ignited the Marshall Fire, despite Xcel’s alleged attempts to hide evidence of this.
Hawaii Wildfire Lawsuit
In August 2023, Maui was devastated by wildfires that tore through the historic town of Lahaina, claiming over 100 lives and displacing thousands. It was one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Investigations revealed that Hawaiian Electric’s failure to shut off power during high winds may have sparked the initial fire, causing many victims to file a Maui wildfires lawsuit.
To date, more than $4 Billion has been set aside for victims by the utility company and other parties, though many families believe this will not be enough to rebuild what they’ve lost.
Oregon Wildfire Lawsuit
On Labor Day in 2020, the utility company PacifiCorp failed to cut power to customers despite warnings from fire officials. Four wildfires soon broke out in Oregon, reportedly linked to the company's power lines.
PacifiCorp has faced multiple lawsuits linked to the 2020 fires:
- In June 2023, the company was ordered to pay $90 Million to 17 plaintiffs who lost their homes and businesses in the fires.
- In December 2023, PacifiCorp reached a $299 Million wildfire settlement with over 460 victims impacted by the Archie Creek Fire.
- In January 2024, a Portland jury awarded $85 Million to nine survivors of the Oregon wildfires.
- In March 2024, a jury ordered the company to pay over $29 Million to nine homeowners and a summer camp due to property damage from the fires.
- In June 2024, they reached a $178 Million settlement with over 403 plaintiffs impacted by the Beachie Creek and Echo Mountain Complex fires.
- In February 2025, a jury awarded over $48 Million to seven survivors for economic damages and emotional suffering.
Families deserve to live safely in their homes without the threat of preventable disasters. When a utility company puts communities in harm’s way, residents may be able to hold them accountable for property damage by filing a wildfire lawsuit.
How to File a Wildfire Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we can handle every step of filing a wildfire lawsuit on your behalf, so you can focus on what matters most — healing and rebuilding your life.
Our wildfire claim attorneys and legal team can:
We know how difficult life can become after a devastating wildfire, which is why we strive to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your family.
Past Wildfire Settlement Amounts
In recent years, utility companies have been held accountable for wildfires caused by their negligence, resulting in significant settlements for many families.
Recent wildfire settlement amounts include:
- $13.5 Billion: PG&E filed for bankruptcy after their equipment was linked to multiple fires in Northern California. The utility company agreed to pay victims of the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2016 Oakland Ghost Ship Fire, the 2017 Tubbs Fire, and the 2018 Camp Fire.
- $4 Billion: Hawaiian Electric, the state of Hawaii, Maui County, and Kamehameha Schools have put aside wildfire compensation for families and businesses impacted by the 2023 wildfire in Maui.
- $2.5 Million: After the 2021 Dixie Fire in California, PG&E agreed to pay $2.5 Million to support tribes impacted by the flames.
- Over $1 Billion: In Oregon, PacifiCorp has resolved more than 1,600 claims for their role in multiple fires over Labor Day in 2020, including a recent $178 Million wildfire settlement with victims of the Beachie Creek and Echo Mountain Complex fires.
While every case is different and there’s no guarantee of results, our wildfire lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Wildfire Settlements vs. Verdicts
Wildfire lawsuits can provide compensation in one of two ways:
- Wildfire settlements: Settlements are an amount of money negotiated by attorneys representing those impacted by wildfire and agreed to by the defendants (like a utility company), typically without the case going to court.
- Wildfire verdicts: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case may continue to trial, where both sides present their case. A judge and jury decide the outcome in the form of a verdict.
In one case, a jury ordered a utility company to pay nine survivors an average of $6.9 Million per person for damages linked to a fire in Oregon.
Compensation from wildfire settlements and verdicts can help pay for damaged or destroyed properties, medical bills, costs linked to temporary housing after evacuating, and more.
Let Sokolove Law Fight for You
We’ve secured more than $9.8 Billion for thousands of families nationwide. See if we can help you pursue a wildfire settlement now.
What Can a Wildfire Lawyer Do for Me?
Navigating insurance claims and the legal system in the aftermath of a wildfire can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Our wildfire lawyers can help you by:
- Challenging unfair insurance payouts: If your insurance company is offering a lowball settlement or underestimating the damages you’ve suffered, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Holding negligent parties accountable: Our team will investigate the causes of the fire, identify those whose actions or negligence may have contributed to it, and build a strong case against them.
- Offering legal guidance: We can answer any questions you may have, help you learn more about your options, and provide support throughout the legal process.
- Pursuing compensation: Our wildfire attorneys will work tirelessly to secure compensation for property loss, physical injuries, lost income, and emotional suffering caused by the fire.
- Supporting safer communities: Holding responsible parties accountable can lead to changes like improved regulations and safety upgrades, which may protect families moving forward.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to get help from our wildfire lawyers. Because we operate on a contingency-fee basis, you won’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation for you.
This means you can get the support and assistance you need without any added financial stress during this difficult time.
Get Help from Our Wildfire Claim Attorneys
At Sokolove Law, our wildfire claim attorneys have the resources and experience needed to fight for families like yours.
Find out what makes our firm stand out from the rest:
- Over 45 years of helping those harmed through no fault of their own
- Offices and attorneys across the country
- No out-of-pocket costs to work with our team
- More than $9.8 Billion secured for clients nationwide
We can help families in all 50 states seek compensation and justice after the devastating impact of a wildfire.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free legal case review.
Wildfire Litigation Lawyer FAQs
Can wildfire damage attorneys help with my case?
If you or your family lost your home, experienced property damage, were forced to evacuate, or were otherwise affected by a wildfire, our wildfire damage attorneys may be able to help you pursue compensation.
We can gather evidence showing who was at fault for the fire, calculate the full extent of your losses, and negotiate with your insurance company or the at-fault parties to get you the money you deserve.
Contact us now to find out if our wildfire damage attorneys may be able to fight for you.
Do I need a lawyer to file a wildfire claim?
Insurance companies and negligent utility providers often have extensive resources and teams of attorneys working to protect their interests. Having an experienced lawyer on your side may improve your chances of securing the full compensation you’re entitled to after a wildfire.
Our wildfire claim attorneys are here to help level the playing field against powerful companies and fight for the amount you’re owed.
How can I find the best wildfire lawyer near me?
While a local lawyer at a nearby firm may seem convenient, they might not have the resources or skills needed to handle your wildfire claim. These lawsuits often require significant resources to take on powerful corporations.
National wildfire law firms like Sokolove Law have attorneys who can help families in all 50 states seek compensation for damages caused by a wildfire. With offices and attorneys across the country, we’re prepared to put our experience to work for you.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find a wildfire lawyer. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How much do wildfire attorneys charge?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our wildfire attorneys. Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family.
Who can be held responsible for wildfires?
Many different parties may be held responsible for wildfires, depending on how the fire started. These can include:
- Arsonists who intentionally set fires
- Government agencies that don’t manage public lands properly
- Individuals who don’t extinguish campfires, discard cigarettes, or otherwise act negligently outdoors
- Landowners who conduct illegal burns or neglect fire hazards on their property, like overgrown dry brush
- Utility companies that fail to maintain their equipment or don’t shut off electricity during high-risk conditions
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility based on the circumstances and how the fire spread.
How much money did Paradise fire victims get?
Victims of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California received a portion of the more than $13 Billion paid out from the Fire Victim Trust, a fund established by PG&E after the utility company was found responsible for starting multiple fires in Northern California.
The Northern California wildfire settlement has provided compensation to over 65,400 victims, helping them to rebuild their lives after this tragedy.
What are 90% of wildfires started by?
Almost 90% of wildfires are started by human activity, according to the National Park Service. This includes unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, debris burns, and arson.
Outside of fires caused by humans, natural causes like lightning also lead to a small percentage of wildfires. Regardless of the cause, if you were affected by a wildfire, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from a wildfire lawsuit.
