I’m Seeking Damages Due to the Camp Fire, How Long is the Process?

The California Attorney General’s Office just spoke with a federal judge yesterday in the Camp Fire’s recent news, where they have then stated that PG&E could be facing serious criminal charges due to the wildfire that started due to their recklessness. PG&E allegedly failed to maintain equipment and recklessly operated the equipment in a manner that might have led to the devastating Camp Fire. Because of this, it is very possible that PG&E will be facing not only charges, but be legally responsible for paying out many for the thousands of injuries that have resulted from the fire, 86 deaths, and the loss of property that ripped through an entire city and burned down the structures and family homes of so many.

When you have been injured, lost a loved one, or have suffered property loss at the hands of another person or entity’s negligence, you know that time is of the essence and you might wonder how you can move forward with your case. One of the worst aspects of any case is the fact that they can very easily become a waiting game, which means that you might not get the instant gratification that you and your family need to move forward after one of these difficult incidents that is causing financial and emotional turmoil in your life.

The Reality for Many Attempting to Bring Claims 

If you have suffered the effects of the California Camp Fire, you are like hundreds of others who are now facing a serious scenario where they have had to pay for a loved one’s funeral on their own, covered medical bills on their own, or picked up the pieces of a family home, wondering where they will go during this desperate time. Many people are still in the early steps of speaking with an attorney about their case so that they can get started on the trial or settlement process. However, with the investigation into the matter ongoing at this time, PG&E has yet to be formally charged, putting many people in a desperate situation where they are left to fend on their own in a financial way.

Though attorneys are fighting to expedite the process in the wake of this disaster, it could still be months until anybody sees a resolution. In the meantime, many people are left to pay for out-of-pocket expenses on their own, and many are finding that this is merely impossible to do. How long do these steps tend to take?

Length of Time 

Many people will never see the inside of a courtroom but will instead go through the process of settlement. Faced with desperation, you and many others who have suffered damages might decide to accept any settlement number that is thrown at you in the months to come, but your attorney might advise you that this is not a safe idea. It might just be a lowball offer put in front of you to look enticing so that you will settle more quickly, even though this implies losing more in the end. You want to wait for the compensation that you deserve during this difficult time so that you can move forward, even if it means that it is an ongoing process.

Many cases that involve large settlement numbers such as these or involve difficult factual matters like this one will take longer to settle as investigators iron out the many issues that arise along the way. The Camp Fire is still fresh in our minds, which is why it is important to speak with an attorney immediately so that you can get started on your case so that you are ready when it comes time for settlement or trial. At the Marlene Leiva Law Group, our experienced wildfire attorneys are here during these times of disaster where many people have been affected negatively by the negligence of a large corporation. If you have lost somebody close to you and are looking to file a wrongful death claim or suffered a variety of other serious losses due to the Camp Fire, we want to stand by your side in your time of need. Contact us for more information at 415-459-7300.