Oregon wildfires can be catastrophic, causing significant damage to property, physical injuries, and even death. While many wildfires are an unavoidable consequence of nature, others can be the result of negligence. When you suffer injuries, experience the wrongful death of a family member, or lose personal property in a wildfire, it’s essential to know that you aren’t alone. You have rights, and the Oregon wildfire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are here to help you make the most of them.
At Singleton Schreiber, we’re nationally recognized trial attorneys who’ve helped injury victims and families win billions in life-changing financial awards. As fearless advocates, we force insurance companies and powerful defendants to take responsibility for our clients’ suffering and make things right.
Discover the impact our local lawyers and national resources can have on your wildfire accident case. Call one of our Oregon law offices - conveniently located in Portland and Eugene - to schedule a time to talk about your wildfire accident case for free.
Wildfire Victims in Oregon Trust Singleton Schreiber
Getting compensation after a wildfire in Oregon can be a challenge. Insurance companies will fight you at every turn. Fortunately, you have the power to force the insurance company to take your case more seriously by hiring an experienced wildfire lawyer to fight for you.
Choosing Singleton Schreiber puts a team of award-winning Oregon trial attorneys with decades of combined experience in your corner.
Clients consistently choose our law firm because:
- We have deep experience handling wildfire litigation on behalf of clients who have lost their homes, businesses, personal property, and loved ones
- As fierce defenders of our client's rights, we’ve secured well over $3 billion in settlements and jury verdicts
- Our proven ability to win life-changing results has earned us top honors from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and other respected legal organizations
- Contingency fee representation means there’s no cost to hire our wildfire accident attorneys in Oregon unless we win compensation for you
Wildfire litigation can be incredibly complicated. Our legal team not only has an expansive knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations that might affect your case but also extensive experience actually litigating wildfire injury claims like yours, too.
Choosing Singleton Schreiber means setting yourself up for the financial award you need and deserve. We represent clients throughout the state of Oregon, so reach out to our law office in Portland or Eugene to set a time for a free case assessment today.
What Causes Wildfires in Oregon?
Wildfires aren’t all that uncommon in the Pacific Northwest. Wildfire season typically runs from May to October, peaking in the months of July, August, and September. During these months, dozens of active wildfires - many of which span more than 50 acres - rage throughout the state. Wildfires have intensified in recent years, spreading faster and causing more damage. In 2020, the Holiday Farm Fire outside of Eugene, OR, destroyed more than 173,000 acres before it could be contained.
In these summer months, dry vegetative conditions in Oregon’s forests, hot weather, and a lack of rainfall set the stage for wildfire. All that’s needed is a spark.
While several factors can play a part in wildfires, some of the most commonly cited causes include:
- Lightning strikes
- Unattended campfires
- Burning leaves and debris
- Smoking and improper disposal of cigarettes
- Fireworks
- Arson
- Malfunctioning electrical wires
- Downed power lines
- Powered equipment malfunctions
While some wildfires can occur naturally, many wildfires across the country are caused by human negligence.
When someone’s negligence starts or contributes to a wildfire, they can be personally responsible if physical property is damaged or another person is injured or killed.
Wildfires Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries, Damage to Property
When wildfires rage, they can be very difficult to contain. While some measures can be taken to divert fires from reaching residential neighborhoods, they aren’t always successful. As a result, Oregon wildfires are known for wreaking havoc on personal property, commercial property, vehicles, and human health and life.
Property damage can affect:
- Roof and structural collapses due to fire damage
- Floods, water damage, and/or mold due to firefighting efforts
- Lost crops and livestock
- Utility damage, including damaged electrical and plumbing systems
- Smoke damage
Whether you own a home or a business, damage caused by wildfires in Oregon can typically be covered by insurance. However, insurance benefits will only cover some of your losses. So, it can be important to explore additional avenues for compensation, including a personal injury lawsuit against the person who negligently started the wildfire.
Wildfires can also cause serious physical injuries, especially when they start suddenly or take an unexpected path.
Injuries wildfire victims may suffer include:
- Severe burns
- Amputated limbs
- Crush injuries
- Bruising and contusions
- Internal organ damage
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Infections
- Respiratory distress
- Wrongful death
Injuries can be caused by the wildfires themselves, or as the result of related chemical explosions, smoke inhalation/exposure, or falling debris or objects.
What Compensation Can I Obtain For My Losses in an Oregon Wildfire?
If you’ve suffered losses in an Oregon wildfire, you may be entitled to compensation for the destruction and damage of your property, including:
- Diminished property value: if your home, land, or other real estate has lost value due to wildfire damage, you may be able to recover compensation for this loss.
- Restoration costs: the expenses of rebuilding or repairing damaged structures, restoring vegetation, and replacing landscaping destroyed by the fire.
- Personal property losses: compensation for destroyed or damaged belongings, such as furniture, vehicles, electronics, and other valuable possessions.
In addition to property-related losses, you may also be eligible for compensation for:
- Temporary housing and relocation costs
- Lost business income if your property was used for commercial purposes
- Emotional distress and inconvenience caused by the wildfire
- Medical expenses if you suffered burns or smoke inhalation
- Funeral costs if a wildfire-related death occurred
You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of a wildfire alone. Let your experienced Oregon wildfire attorneys handle your claim while you focus on rebuilding your life. We will investigate your losses, consult with experts, and fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Trusted Oregon Wildfire Attorneys Ready to Fight For You
You’ll have a limited time to seek compensation for your wildfire property damage and injuries, so don’t hesitate to contact Singleton Schreiber right away. Our Oregon wildfire lawyers are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Our personal injury law firm has helped clients win billions. Now, we’re ready to go to work to make a difference in your life after a wildfire, too.
There is no charge for an initial case evaluation, so reach out to our team in Portland, OR, or Eugene, OR, for help today.
