Walkup Melodia Kelly & Schoenberger extends its heartfelt concern to the victims of the devastating Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. As firefighters work tirelessly to contain these fires, dangerous winds, and dry conditions continue to threaten the population.
Our thoughts are with all those vulnerable, afraid, confused, and exhausted by their losses. As lawyers, we have an obligation to provide straightforward and helpful advice in this time of need.
Walkup Melodia Kelly & Schoenberger, Cotchett Pitre, and McCarthy LLP, and Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP have represented victims of every major California fire in the last 20 years. In Los Angeles, we are working together to help those who have lost their homes and businesses. Our firms have served in leadership roles appointed by the judiciary, in litigation against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Southern California Gas Company.
The legal and insurance issues in wildfire claims are complex. If you feel the need to retain counsel, make sure you do your homework. Find an advocate who is experienced, honest, skilled, and trustworthy. Make sure you and your lawyer “connect.” You will be working closely together for years. Make sure your lawyer’s number one focus is you and your family and that you believe your lawyer will make sure that your best interests are adequately protected throughout the progress of your claim.
Here are seven key questions clients should ask any lawyer before hiring a firm to seek fire-related damages:
1. Were you involved in the Wine Country, Camp, Thomas, and Montecito fire litigation?
Our consortium of firms was a leader in these fires. This is no time to hire those who were followers or are now beginners. We know the law. We know the experts. We know the path the litigation will take. We know the winning techniques and strategies that increase the likelihood of a successful financial recovery.
2. Do you have a record of trial results that shows you can be successful in court if settlement fails?
When the other side knows that your lawyers have defeated them in the past, they treat you and your attorneys with greater respect. A track record of past success against utilities, public entities, and major utility companies is important. It sends a message that your lawyers are not intimidated by power, size, or money. We have documented success versus all of California’s major utilities, including Sempra, Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric.
3. Have you been selected by a California Superior Court to lead litigation against a utility company causing a wildfire?
Walkup Melodia Kelly and Schoenberger and Cotchett Pitre and McCarthy LLP have been appointed as lead counsel in the Wine Country and Camp/Bute fire litigation. Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are appointed co-lead counsel in the Thomas fire and Montecito/Santa Barbara fire and mudslide cases. A law firm that is selected by the court to lead a civil action shows respect for its talent, honesty, integrity, and skill.
4. Is your firm known to judges and other lawyers as being a leader in the bar?
The law firm you select should have a reputation among judicial officers that is excellent in all respects for upholding the highest professional and ethical legal standards.
5. Do your clients feel comfortable and respected with you as lawyers they can trust?
Attorneys are there for their clients – the attorney-client relationship is a partnership. Clients need to be comfortable and supported throughout the case. Online reviews can be helpful in answering this question. Your lawyer needs to be your representative as well as your friend.
6. Does your firm have the economic resources to finance litigation against defendants who have substantial assets?
Large corporations and utilities have unlimited budgets to defend claims. Your lawyer must be able to finance your case to combat the big spenders on the other side. Your law firm must be able to afford the best experts, the best investigators, and the best trial preparation and exhibits to prepare the best possible case against the defendants.
7. Do any of your attorneys have a record of discipline with the State Bar?
Lawyers who have received disciplinary action by the State Bar are not a good sign of quality or competence – and a law firm that continues to hire such attorneys may be a red flag for clients when choosing a lawyer.