Franklin Fire in Malibu Fire and Ash Claims

Without a doubt, wildfires can result in extensive property damage. Although every situation is different, the following damage could occur:

• Extensive smoke damage
• Extensive ash damage
• Structural damage (to walls, floors, ceilings, etc.)
• Loss of personal property (family memories, photo albums, heirlooms, etc.)

Many people mistakenly believe that the only damage resulting from fires is structural damage or homes burning down. However, even when homes are not actually affected by the flames, they can sustain smoke and ash damage.

Smoke and ash from wildfires can go into homes and other property and result in significant damage. Smoke and ash can damage the following:

• HVAC systems
• Heating systems
• Ventilation systems
• Plumbing
• Water filtration systems (including water pumps and filters)
• Walls, ceilings, windows, floors, etc.
• All outdoor areas (including gardens and landscaping)
• Closets and other enclosed spaces
• Vehicles
• Furniture
• And more

Yes – if your property sustained smoke and ash damage as a result of the Franklin Fire in Malibu, you could have grounds to file a claim. Based on the details surrounding the fire (that is, if it is determined to be caused by the negligence of others), you could sue different entities, such as a utility company, a business, or more. Of course, you could file a claim with your own homeowner’s insurance company. Unfortunately, many people face difficulties when attempting to file their claims for soot and ash damage. In many cases, insurance companies practice bad faith, meaning that they act intentionally fail to pay out valid claims for property damage. When this occurs, affected homeowners could have grounds to file insurance bad faith claims.

If you have questions about the legal options available to you for the smoke and ash damage resulting from the Franklin Fire, contact us today.

Consider some of the following suggestions:

• Take photos of all visible damage before any clean up or repairs
• Speak to witnesses and collect their contact information (this may include neighbors)
• Gather video footage of the fire (such as home surveillance footage)
• Contact your insurance company and give them the facts
• Keep records of all communication between you and the insurance company
• Collect all evidence surrounding the property damage
• Collect all relevant insurance documents
• Gather receipts for repairs or repair estimates
• Seek legal help with an ash and soot damage lawyer

In California, property damage claims are subject to a three-year deadline, although insurance bad faith claims are subject to a four-year deadline. Of course, the there are certain exceptions that could apply which could result shorter deadlines or paused/tolled deadlines. To ensure that you have a through understanding of the total length of time that you have to file your claim, contact us today.

If the Franklin Fire in Malibu or any other wildfire in California left you dealing with ash and soot damage in your home, it is important that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Based on the details surrounding your specific situation, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for damages. If you are ready to discuss your claim with wildfire property damage experts, contact us today. Our team offers free case evaluations, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free case reviews, our team will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to begin or continue your claim. To schedule your free case review, contact our firm today.

Zero-Fee Guarantee – you will not have to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our law firm works on a strict contingency structure, meaning that you will not be responsible for paying any legal costs if you do not win.

Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about how we can help you with your ash and soot wildfire damage claim.