Firefighters in Washington battle about 900 wildfires across the state every year, most of which occur during the state’s wildfire season, spanning July to October. While many of these wildfires are small, they can still do considerable damage to homes, businesses, and people before they’re extinguished. Washington has been home to some of the nation’s deadliest, most destructive wildfires on record, too.
If you’ve lost your home, suffered the devastation of your family’s business, been physically injured, or experienced the tragic death of a family member in a Washington wildfire, it’s important to ask for help. You have rights as a victim, which might include the ability to recover compensation for any costs and suffering you’ve endured.
The Washington wildfire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are here to help you make the most of this challenging situation.
Singleton Schreiber is a recognized leader in wildfire litigation, successfully obtaining over $3 billion in monetary awards on behalf of our clients. We offer a free consultation, so call our Washington law office today to discover how our award-winning law firm can help you move forward after a wildfire.
Wildfires Can Cause Significant Property Damage, Injury, and Death
Even if firefighters are quick to the scene, it can take time to put out a strong wildfire. In 2023, it took firefighters over nine days to fully contain the Tunnel 5 Fire, which spread across Underwood, WA. During those nine days, the fire burned 529 acres and destroyed at least ten structures.
The longer a wildfire rages, the more damage it can do.
Wildfires in Washington state are capable of causing catastrophic damage to physical property - both directly and indirectly - as well as serious physical injuries and death.
Property Damage
Washington property owners and businesses often experience the following types of losses after a wildfire:
- Roof collapses
- Building collapses due to weakened structural elements
- Loss of livestock and crops
- Smoke damage
- Loss of personal effects and property
- Pet loss
- Vehicle damage
- Water damage and flooding
- Utility damage
Whether a fire directly damages property through its flames or indirectly causes damage with smoke or through related firefighting efforts, the results can be devastating for Washington property owners.
Fortunately, as a homeowner, you’ll generally be able to seek compensation for damaged property through your homeowner’s insurance company. Similarly, business owners in Washington should be covered by commercial insurance policies. Benefits can help to offset the costs of replacing damaged property, rebuilding damaged homes and structures, and temporary housing.
Personal Injury and Death
Fires can also inflict serious, potentially life-threatening, injuries to those in the vicinity. Victims can suffer severe burns if they come into contact with the wildfire itself, or sustain injuries indirectly.
For instance, victims may be crushed in a building collapse, struck by debris, or harmed by extended exposure to smoke.
Some of the most commonly reported wildfire injuries in Washington include:
- Amputation injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve damage
- Contusions and bruising
- Cuts and lacerations
- Back injury
- Chest injury
- Crush injury
- Paralysis injury
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Respiratory distress
- Infection
- Wrongful death
Homeowners’ insurance and commercial insurance policies can also cover costs associated with physical injury and death. However, if your injuries are catastrophic, there’s a chance that your insurance benefits won’t cover the full extent of your damages. In these situations, it can be important to explore additional opportunities for compensation to be recovered, including through a civil wildfire lawsuit.
What Can Cause Wildfires in Washington State?
There are three primary conditions that have to exist for a wildfire to ignite: heat, a lack of rainfall, and dry vegetation.
Typically, this means there has to be an extended absence of rain and a heat wave. While Washington and the rest of the Pacific Northwest are known for their wet and rainy weather, precipitation tends to slow down in the late summer through the early fall. This can set the stage for wildfires to ignite and rage across the state.
All they need is a spark.
While things like lightning can cause wildfires, about 85 percent are caused by humans.
Some of the most commonly cited causes of Washington wildfires include:
- Arson
- Fireworks
- Leaving campfires unattended
- Smoking
- Failing to dispose of cigarettes properly
- Burning leaves, debris, or garbage
- Inadequate electrical work
- Defective equipment and machinery
When a wildfire begins because of an act of negligence, the person who’s at fault can be liable for resulting property damage, injuries, and deaths. Victims and/or families can have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages, especially when insurance benefits aren’t enough to cover the substantial costs and suffering they endure because of a wildfire.
Don’t get stressed out about how to recover compensation after a wildfire in Washington. Take the time you need to build your life back up and trust our award-winning Washington wildfire lawyers to handle the rest.
We’ll conduct a thorough investigation into your wildfire injury claim, determine all potential options for recovering compensation, and build a compelling legal claim that helps you maximize your financial recovery. If you aren’t offered a fair settlement, our nationally recognized Washington trial attorneys will be more than prepared to bring your case to trial. We’ll do whatever we can to make a difference in your life.
Wildfire Victims in Washington Trust Singleton Schreiber
It doesn’t matter if you’re filing a claim for insurance benefits or seeking damages in a wildfire lawsuit. You’re going to face a lot of resistance along the way. Unfortunately, insurance companies and defense attorneys will have an advantage from the start. The good news is that you can level the playing field and force the results you deserve by hiring an experienced Washington wildfire attorney to represent you.
Choosing Singleton Schreiber puts a team of nationally recognized attorneys with decades of experience in your corner. We’re recognized by the National Law Journal, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and other respected legal organizations for our unrivaled commitment to client justice and distinguished case results.
You’ll only have a short window in which you can seek compensation for your wildfire damages. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our Washington law offices in Medical Lake, Seattle, Spokane, or Vancouver to set a time for a free consultation now. Members of our team are standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
