We’re Here to Help You: Contact Our Team
As the Pasadena, Los Angeles County, Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Sunset, Kenneth, Archer, Creek, and Lidia fires continue to burn, homes and businesses are being destroyed and families displaced. Some families have lost loved ones as well as homes, belongings, and beloved pets. With more than 12,000 structures destroyed in the first week alone, the fires have burned well over 40,000 acres and are now threatening Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood as the Santa Ana winds are expected to increase once again.
It is estimated that more than 180,000 people have evacuated, with thousands more who could be evacuated if the fires increase. There are remarkable stories of neighbors helping neighbors during this tragedy. As many people begin thinking about how they will deal with their losses, it is good to know that there are good people out there willing and able to help.
Focusing on insurance bad faith, attorney Scott Glovsky has been helping California families for over 26 years. Scott and his team understand that when an insurance company that is supposed to protect you falls short of providing the support you need, it can be difficult to know where to turn. At the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky, we are ready to help you get all the assistance and support you need.
Scott and his attorney counterparts will review your insurance policy pro bono. They will help guide you through the insurance process to help optimize your insurance recovery. The other attorneys Scott is working with are Robert Jackson and Eric Ratinoff. With over 25 years of experience, Robert has dedicated his practice to advocating for wildfire victims and has overseen settlements totaling over $1.8 billion for those who have lost everything. Eric has worked with thousands of families and businesses affected by catastrophic wildfires across California, providing guidance and support through difficult times.
This page provides things to do and to keep in mind as you move forward.
Resources for Those Facing the Pasadena Fires and Other LA County Fires
Download Our Guide: What To Do Now and What Can Wait
FAQs for Victims of the California Wildfires
Get in Touch with Your Insurer to Let Them Know What is Happening
You may not know just yet the extent of damage to your home. Despite this, you should call your insurance company to let them know you were evacuated and that you do not yet know how much damage you are facing. The California Insurance Commissioner has issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations for those affected by the Pasadena (Eaton) and other fires in the state. You can also call the California State Insurance Commission at 1-800-927-4357 for additional information and evacuation assistance.
Few things in life can cause the same level of devastation as natural disasters, including fires, floods, and tornadoes. Not only is a person’s home destroyed, but personal possessions, including irreplaceable items, are also lost forever. In some instances, people are fortunate to escape with their lives. Many homeowners in California have chosen to purchase additional fire insurance as a means of mitigating potential losses in the event of a fire.
These policies are specifically tailored to each homeowner’s needs and may include replacement of personal property. Unfortunately, denials of these claims are all too common. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and when it looks like that will not happen, an insurer may look for any excuse to deny a legitimate claim. Those who have survived the devastating Pasadena fires can feel like they just received a kick while they are down when an insurance claim is denied.
While you may understandably feel defeated, now is not the time to give up. If your insurer seems to be waffling right now, if your claim has been denied, or if you are being offered less than your policy allows, it is time to speak to an experienced insurance denial attorney who is ready to take up the fight on your behalf. We will comprehensively examine your specific circumstances and then discuss your legal options.
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Dealing with Your Insurer – Stay Organized and Informed
This is a time of sorrow and loss for you, making it difficult to look ahead and deal with an insurer – who may be difficult to contact. While understandable, what you do now can have a huge impact on your future. Create a paper trail that fully documents every communication with your insurer, with names and dates of who you spoke with and when. Begin working on your proof of loss and never mistake a “friendly” claim adjuster for a friend. In the end, this is a business negotiation that can have long-term consequences. Never sign a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement without first consulting a knowledgeable insurance denial attorney.
Be Proactive in Documenting Your Losses from the Pasadena Fires
Every spare minute you have right now should be spent documenting your pre-loss property so you have a starting negotiation point. Any information you may have, including photos, videos, building plans, or drawings of the interior, exterior, and outbuildings can help. Start a list of all the possessions in your home from memory. Mentally “look” at each room and each wall inside the room as you work on this list.
If you have a contractor who can help, begin working on the “scope” of what will need to be replaced. At some point, you will be negotiating a settlement with the insurance company, and you absolutely should never accept a “lowball” offer out of exhaustion or desperation. Having an exceptional advocate in your corner, like Attorney Scott Glovsky, can help ensure your insurer will not be allowed to take advantage of your situation.
Know Your Rights: Contact Scott Glovsky
Causes Your Claim Could Be Denied
If you are able, go online and review your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you purchased fire insurance separately, make sure you review that policy as well. It is important that you know exactly the level of coverage you have been paying for so that your insurer cannot avoid paying what is owed. Insurers will often deny a fire claim by saying the source of the fire was not covered by your policy.
An insurance company may specifically include or exclude such things as electrical fires, cooking fires, fires caused by lightning, fires caused by owner error (smoking in bed), arson, or natural disasters. Insurers may also deny a claim by stating the owner made a fraudulent statement on the application. These are simply tactics to avoid paying the full value of a legitimate claim. Speaking to a Pasadena fire insurance claims denial lawyer like Scott Glovsky can make all the difference in the outcome.
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied
If you feel your insurance company is dodging your calls, delaying or denying your claim, you need assistance. When an insurance company unjustly refuses to pay for a claim, they are in breach of contract. This means the policyholder has the right to take the insurance company to court and demand that it honor the agreement made with the policyholder. A Pasadena fire insurance claims denial attorney will work with those facing claim denials or delays to determine whether those are illegal. When appropriate, we can help you take the proper steps to demand enforcement of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
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FEMA and Other Available Resources
There are currently many resources to help those who are impacted by the Pasadena fires and the other area fires, including:
- https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/offers wildfire tips and the latest information on the fires.
- Information is also available to print in PDF form.
- Online disaster assistance from the federal government can be found at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- Call 800-621-3362
- Access the FEMA smartphone application
How the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky Can Help You In the Coming Weeks
Given the devastation of the Pasadena fires and the fires in the surrounding areas, it is understandable that families are currently hanging on by a thread – both financially and emotionally. We understand that it can be difficult to think about whether you will rebuild when you are doing your best to deal with the devastation you and your family are facing.
At the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky, we want you to know that we are here when you need us. We grew up in this area and have spent our lives helping our neighbors and friends. We do not want you to suffer any more than you already have by having an insurance company act irresponsibly.
We will work with you in any way you need to help you examine your policy and choose the legal path that affords you the best chance of a successful outcome. Contact the Law Offices of Scott Glovsky today.