We Are Accepting Clients Who Are Victims of the Franklin Fire
Depending on the cause and origin (currently under investigation), you may have claims as a result of the Franklin Fire: Malibu, California Victims’ Information
Recent news and updates
The Franklin Fire in Malibu has grown to more than 4,000 acres and is causing extensive property damage, displacing residents and students. As of Thursday, the Los Angeles County Fire Department Deputy Chief Eleni Pappas reported that they had performed a preliminary assessment of 7,600 structures, including around 6,600 estimated to be within the fire’s “footprint.” According to the results of that survey, four homes were destroyed, six were damaged, and five smaller structures had been destroyed. A Malibu spokesperson stated that damage inspectors identified 12 structures that had been destroyed, including “six homes and six outbuildings,” and that ten homes and one outbuilding were damaged. Evacuation orders were originally issued to around 20,000 people in Los Angeles County.
L.A. County fire officials reported that the fire started Monday, December 9th, just before 11 p.m., close to Malibu Canyon Road and Station Boundary. The flames first sparked around three miles to the north of Pacific Coast Highway. By 3 a.m. on Tuesday, the fire spread and was threatening areas in “Malibu Pier, Malibu Road, Malibu Knolls, and Sweetwater Mesa.”
Pepperdine University activated its shelter-in-place protocols, and community members on the Malibu campus relocated to the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library. They lifted the shelter-in-place order around 7:30 a.m. Per the LAist, “Malibu officials also closed all schools for Tuesday, citing the ongoing fire dangers. SoCal Edison also reported large swaths of the area without power due to the fire activity, according to its outage map.”
High winds and low humidity created an environment that allowed the fire to spread, causing challenges for firefighters. A force of about 1,500 firefighters are working to combat the blaze.
As of Friday morning, the fire was about 30% contained. Easing winds and higher humidity are helping to prevent the flames from spreading. No deaths or injuries have been reported as of yet. Power outages impacted 60,000 customers, mainly in San Diego County, including at Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus. Southern California Edison (SCE) cut power to 6,000+ customers through a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). According to a spokesperson for SCE, the PSPS is “a tool of last resort.” Fortunately, as of Thursday, the PSPS is no longer causing any customers to be without power. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District closed schools due to the fire until Thursday.
On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for the fire, which is impacting about 19,982 people in the area and 7,560 structures.
At this point, it is still not clear what started the fire. Utility companies declined to comment on their involvement, and officials are still investigating to determine the cause. However, it is possible that those who experienced losses may have the opportunity to recover compensation. Our attorneys will know more about potential avenues for compensation once the cause and origin are reported.
At McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP, our team fights to recover compensation for California fire victims. Our track record includes the recovery of over $2 billion in settlements, including working on the legal team that recovered a $13.5 billion settlement with PG&E in 2019 for wildfire-related damages. We have represented those impacted by the Camp Fire, Wine Country Fires, Woolsey Fire, Creek Fires, Airport Fire, and others.
Currently, we have litigation ongoing in cases related to these fires:
- Coastal Fire (Laguna Beach Fire)
- Blue Ridge Wildfire
- Bobcat Wildfire
- Silverado Wildfire
- Airport/Trabuco Canyon Fire
- Dixie Fire
- Getty Fire
- Mountain Fire
If you’ve suffered property damage or other harm because of the Malibu Fire or the fires above, reach out to learn how we can help. Again, concerning the Malibu Fire, the cause and origin are still being investigated, and this will help determine if you have a claim. But it's not too soon to be prepared.
Wildfires like the Franklin Fire in Malibu can result in catastrophic property damage:
- Entire neighborhoods can be leveled by fire, leaving residents without shelter or possessions.
- Properties that do not burn down can experience smoke, soot, and ash damage. This can cause expensive cleanups and repairs.
- Furniture, electronics, clothing, and sentimental items are often lost in wildfires, leaving victims with the task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
The emotional toll of losing your home or business can be as significant as the financial burden, and recovery can take years.
Legal support for victims of the Franklin Fire
Was your property damaged or destroyed by the Franklin Fire? The good news is you may have legal options to recover compensation. Our experienced Los Angeles wildfire attorneys can help.
Although we don’t know what caused the Franklin Fire as of yet, wildfires in California are sometimes caused by the negligence of utility companies, contractors, or other entities. If faulty electrical equipment sparked the Franklin Fire, for example, you may be able to hold the utility company accountable.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies may delay, underpay, or deny valid claims. Our wildfire attorneys can negotiate with your insurer or take them to court if necessary to make sure you receive the compensation you’re owed.
What are my insurance options after wildfire damage?
For most Franklin Fire victims, insurance is your first line of defense. However, the process of filing a claim can be complex and frustrating. Here are some tips for working with your insurance company:
First, review your policy. Carefully read through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to understand what is covered. Look for key coverage areas like:
- Dwelling coverage: This pays to repair or rebuild your home.
- Personal property coverage: This covers the cost of replacing damaged or destroyed belongings.
- Additional living expenses (ALE): This reimburses you for temporary housing, meals, and other costs if you’re displaced from your home.
Next, document your losses. Take photos and videos of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Keep receipts for any expenses related to temporary housing, repairs, or cleanup.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide detailed information about your losses and submit all required documentation to support your claim. An insurance adjuster will inspect your property to estimate the cost of repairs or replacement. Be honest and thorough when discussing your losses, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their evaluation.
If your insurer denies your claim or offers less than you believe you’re entitled to, you have the right to appeal. The attorneys at McNicholas & McNicholas can help you dispute the decision and negotiate for a fair settlement.
How can your Malibu wildfire attorneys help?
If you’re struggling to recover after the Franklin Fire, our knowledgeable attorneys can provide invaluable assistance. Here’s how we can help:
- We can work with experts to determine what sparked the fire and identify liable parties.
- From property damage to emotional distress, we work to determine all your losses and include them in your claim.
- Whether it’s negotiating with an insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit, we’re here to handle the legal process on your behalf.
- Dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire is overwhelming. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.
If you’ve been affected by the Franklin Fire, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear over time, and deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits may apply. Contact our trusted wildfire attorneys today to discuss your options and begin the process of seeking justice for your losses.
What economic damages are available for my claim?
Damages in fire claims can provide compensation for a wide range of financial and emotional losses. Some of the types of compensation you might be eligible for include:
- Personal injury damages: If the fire was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could recover compensation for injuries. These damages may cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering related to your injuries.
- Lost income: Business owners and employees who experienced income loss due to the fire, along with property damage, may be entitled to recover those financial losses.
- Emotional distress: Those who lived near the fire zone, were forced to evacuate, or lost property may qualify for compensation for the emotional toll, such as stress, anxiety, or trauma, caused by the disaster.
McNicholas & McNicholas is here to help victims of the Malibu Franklin Fire
If you and your family were affected by the Mountain Fire, you may be able to recover damages. Our attorneys have experience handling large-scale wildfire litigation and are ready to represent you. Call McNicholas & McNicholas at 213-539-2253 or fill out our contact form today to arrange a free consultation.