By Dale Gribow (dale@dalegribowlaw.com; 760.837.7500)
Our hearts go out to all who suffered fire losses. Patti and I had many family members and friends who were devastated by the Wildfires. Unfortunately, many defense lawyers are trained to Deny and Delay. This is as true with Wildfires as it is with the PI/Accident Cases I normally represent. Insurance Co’s hope they can get the claimant victims to settle for less than full value because they need the money, NOW, and can NOT handle the delays! No one should settle for less than what is right!
Whether you are dealing with the Insurance Co’s; Edison; DWP etc, they will all pose problems with Deny and Delay tactics, and the many SCAMS that will no doubt erupt. Right now, we don’t know who the target Defendants will be. Since I, like most lawyers, don’t handle this area of law, I am not as attuned to what the future will hold. As a matter of fact, in 50 years of practice, I have only met one California Trial Lawyer who has focused on Wildfire Litigation…with hundreds of cases successfully resolved. I am sure however, that many firms with no fire litigation experience will jump into the fray. If you had trouble with your insurance co and do not have a lawyer, contact Ricardo Lara the Insurance Commissioner: 800.927.4357.
I just had dinner at Morton’s a week ago with one of the biggest and most successful Wildfire trial lawyers in California who has hundreds of wildfire cases under his belt. I discussed Wildfire cases with him and he promised to consult and advise with those affected by the fires, and if necessary, represent them on a contingency.
DALE GRIBOW …760.837.7500; dale@dalegribowlaw.com
Remember, the Insurance Co’s are Not on your side, you are Not in good hands, and your friendly neighbor will Not give you a piece of the rock.
WHAT TO DO
First, you must file an Insurance claim, or a claim against PGE, Edison or your Insurance Co if the facts warrant it. Then YOU SHOULD APPLY FOR A REASSESSMENT OF YOUR PROPERTY TAXES as you no longer are insuring a home.
It is important that you are organized and take pictures before the debris is cleaned up and write down all the facts, keeping track of all phone calls or emails with the defending insurance company etc. This is a Recovery Diary that should include notes of everything that happens. It would help if after a call, you sent an email memorializing what was said.
FILE A CLAIM asap. You will be asked to itemize everything that was lost and possibly document where and when you purchased the items. With a Wildfire and a State of Emergency,
your insurance co is required to immediately pay you a minimum of one-third of the estimated value of your personal belongings ie contents. They must also provide a minimum of 4 months’ worth of rent for the local area in which you live. You can also ask your insurance company for a cash advance for living expenses, such as renting furniture. There are co’s that can provide, towels, sheets and kitchen utensils too.
