Losing your home to wildfire is devastating. In the aftermath—while sorting through what remains and trying to figure out how to move forward—it is natural to feel overwhelmed by the insurance claims process. Many victims do not know what to do next or whether hiring a wildfire insurance attorney is necessary.
Short answer: You do not always need a lawyer for a wildfire insurance claim.
Some claims resolve smoothly. But when an insurer delays, denies, or drastically undervalues your losses, having an attorney becomes essential to protecting your rights and rebuilding your home.
The reality is that there are periods when you do not need a lawyer—or at least not right away. Many fire victims understandably assume they need to hire an attorney or public adjuster immediately, but doing so too early can cost thousands in unnecessary fees.
In many cases, insurance companies process wildfire claims fairly and issue checks for full policy limits without dispute. That said, there are specific situations where legal representation becomes crucial: outright claim denials, lowball settlement offers, confusing policy exclusions, or endless delays in processing your claim.
At Kantor & Kantor, we believe in an honest assessment first. We review your policy, inspect your property, and give you a clear answer about whether you need our help.
We are people helping people, and we look forward to helping you. Call 818-886-2525 or complete a brief online form to start your journey toward full and fair compensation.
Why You Should Wait Before Hiring an Attorney
Many fire victims automatically assume they need to hire an attorney or public adjuster right away. This is understandable, especially given the volume of advertisements urging immediate representation. But this assumption can be expensive and sometimes unnecessary.
If you retain legal help on a contingency basis too early—before your insurance company has even had a chance to adjust your claim—you may end up paying 10% to 25% of your settlement for services you did not actually need. That is money that should go toward rebuilding your home, not avoidable fees.
In many wildfire cases, especially when homeowners are severely underinsured, insurance companies issue checks for the full policy limits with little pushback. If that happens, hiring someone who takes a cut of your recovery adds no meaningful value.
This is what an ethical approach looks like:
A law firm should evaluate your situation thoroughly before taking you on as a client. That means:
- Reviewing your policy language
- Inspecting your damaged property
- Assessing how your insurer is actually handling the claim
- Reviewing adjuster reports, correspondence, and settlement offers
Only after this kind of honest evaluation can anyone determine whether legal representation is necessary.
Some firms skip this step entirely, eager to secure a contingency fee before doing any real work. That is not how we operate—and not how any reputable firm should.
Yes, there are times when immediate legal intervention makes sense—for example, when your insurance company flat-out denies coverage and you know the denial is wrong. But those situations are the exception, not the rule.
When Should You Get Legal Help?
There are clear signs that you should consult an attorney immediately. These include:
- Your insurance company denies your claim outright. If you believe the denial is unjustified, you should not wait. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to challenge the decision.
- Your insurer offers a settlement that does not come close to covering your losses. Some insurance companies lowball fire victims, hoping they will accept out of desperation or exhaustion.
- You are facing confusing policy language or exclusions. If your insurer cites obscure clauses—especially for smoke damage, ash remediation, or additional living expenses—you may need help cutting through the jargon.
- Your claim is being delayed with endless requests for documentation. If you are stuck in a loop of constant demands and no progress, legal help can get things moving.
- You discover you are severely underinsured. A lawyer may explore additional avenues for compensation, including claims against third parties like utility companies.
Who Should You Call First—An Attorney, a Public Adjuster, or Your Insurer?
After a wildfire, many homeowners do not know who to contact first. Here is a simple guide:
Start with your insurance company
Report the loss and open the claim.
Then consult an attorney (free consultation)
Not to hire them immediately, but to avoid early mistakes—especially:
- Missing deadlines
- Making statements that can be misinterpreted
- Accepting low initial estimates
Bring in a public adjuster only if needed
A lawyer can help determine whether hiring a public adjuster is beneficial—or an unnecessary expense.
A consultation is not a commitment. It is simply a way to get clarity before big decisions.
What a Wildfire Insurance Lawyer Can Do for You
When legal representation is necessary, the right attorney challenges the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and fights for the full compensation you are entitled to under your policy.
A lawyer can also help you understand what you are actually entitled to claim, including items insurers may not voluntarily disclose.
Types of Wildfire Damage You May Be Entitled to Claim
- Damage to your home and outbuildings – Repair or rebuilding of residences, garages, sheds, and guest houses.
- Personal belongings – Furniture, electronics, clothing, and sentimental items.
- Smoke and ash remediation – Proper cleanup to prevent health and structural issues.
- Additional living expenses (ALE) – Temporary housing, meals, pet boarding, and transportation.
- Landscaping and yard restoration – Trees, fencing, soil, and outdoor structures.
- Loss of business income – Lost profits or expenses for home-based businesses.
Common Questions About Wildfire Claims
How Long Does It Take To Resolve a Wildfire Insurance Claim?
It depends. Some claims settle quickly, while others take longer if coverage is disputed or losses are undervalued.
What If My Insurance Payout Is Not Enough To Cover My Losses?
If policy limits fall short, a lawyer may explore supplemental claims, third-party lawsuits, or overlooked benefits.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer?
Not always. Initial offers are often low. A free consultation can help determine whether an offer is fair.
Take the First Step
If you have been affected by a wildfire, do not assume you need to hire a lawyer right away—but do not navigate the claims process without understanding your rights.
At Kantor & Kantor, our wildfire insurance lawyers offer free consultations to help you understand where you stand.
Your recovery matters more than our fees. That is not just a tagline—it is how we have practiced for decades.
We are people helping people, and we look forward to helping you. Call 818-886-2525 or complete a brief online form to start your journey toward full and fair compensation.
