The destruction caused by wildfires is nothing short of devastating. Damages extend far beyond the loss of physical property. Victims often face the toll of losing not just their homes but also their sense of safety and stability.

Potential losses may include:

• Property damage, including dwelling and contents
• Expenses related to evacuation and temporary residence
• Personal injury, wrongful death, and emotional distress

Choosing a law firm to represent you in wildfire litigation takes careful consideration. This decision will have long-lasting impacts on your recovery—both financially and emotionally.

Need to hire a Los Angeles wildfire attorney? Before you sign a fee agreement form, make sure you ask a lawyer these 7 questions first.

Don’t hire a lawyer before asking these 7 crucial questions.

The right law firm offers the perfect blend of experience and professionalism.

Junk mail and advertisements seem to quickly follow whenever a wildfire rages. If you are a wildfire victim, you may already be inundated with Instagram ads, emails, and even billboards from firms. But how do you weed out the less experienced firms from those at the top of the pack?

When meeting with a wildfire attorney, remember to cover these 7 questions:

1. Were you involved in the Wine Country, Camp, Woolsey, Thomas, or Montecito Fire Cases?
   
   Find a firm with experience in these cases. Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, and the Walkup Law Firm were leaders in these pivotal wildfire cases, recovering billions of dollars against utility companies.      
2. Do you have a history of success in trials?
   Firms with a winning track record against utility companies have developed the necessary strategies, resources, and insight to navigate the complexities of high-stakes wildfire cases. A proven history of favorable verdicts or settlements in similar cases can increase your likelihood of a positive outcome.
3. Have you been appointed as lead counsel for wildfire litigation?
   Lead counsel is responsible for directing the overall strategy and execution of a case. Lead counsel is appointed by the court and is typically the most experienced firm from the group.
4. Do others recognize and consider you a leader in your field?
   A reputable law firm is client-centered and recognized in the community for its successful track record of securing compensation and justice for its clients.  
   
   As you research potential firms, think about these questions. Is the potential firm ranked in prominent industry publications? Have they received awards and accolades? Whom have they represented in the past? You can check organizations like U.S. News or Super Lawyers to see if they have featured a potential firm.   
5. Do your clients feel valued and supported?
   Seek out lawyers who focus on building trusting relationships and providing comfort for clients during the litigation process. You can search for testimonials on a firm’s website to see what past clients have said.
6. Is your firm well-equipped to fight large corporations?
   Prioritize a firm with the financial support, resources, and trial experience necessary to go up against large corporations, including utility companies. A well-equipped firm will give you greater confidence that the firm can effectively advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
7. Are your attorneys free of any disciplinary actions from the State Bar?
   Steer clear of firms with a history of disciplinary issues with the State Bar and those lacking integrity and professionalism. Attorneys can be disciplined for several reasons, such as commingling funds, failure to perform with competence, and moral turpitude. You can find out if an attorney has been disciplined by searching their profile in the State Bar Court case search.

As you begin the journey toward rebuilding, it’s important to know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult path alone. Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, and the Walkup Law Firm have partnered together as the top wildfire litigators in California.

Contact us at eatonfire@cpmlegal.com if you are interested in being represented by our winning team.