The devastating Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire have been burning for nearly three weeks in Los Angeles County. With the heroic efforts of firefighters, first responders and volunteers, victims are being supported and the fires are mostly contained. But for the thousands who lost their homes and businesses, the emergency won’t be over any time soon.
If you are one of the many victims who must face the challenge of rebuilding their lives while navigating the labyrinth of laws and regulations that will determine how fast–and how much financial support–you will receive, take some solace in the fact that you are not alone. MSD Lawyers is part of the LA community and our hearts are breaking as we continue to hear our neighbors’ harrowing stories. If you need help, our office can connect you to local resources for support and provide guidance that will help you understand your rights and legal recourse as a wildfire victim.
Due to the unprecedented scale of these catastrophic events, local, state, and federal responses will need to adapt–which makes it more important than ever to stay up to date on the latest developments. In this post, we’ll cover the latest laws impacting wildfire victims on tax relief, insurance claims, and more.
We know it can be frustrating and overwhelming to keep track of it all while trying to rebuild, however, so don’t hesitate to contact us today so you can have an experienced California wildfire lawyer in your corner.
The Latest Legislative Developments for Wildfire Victims
California lawmakers are working to quickly draft more legislation and pass it to support the relief and recovery efforts, as more fires continue to threaten Southern California–such as the Hughes Fire which has displaced over 50,000 residents.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the Pasadena and Altadena area to sign a new legislative package worth $2.5 billion to cover the costs of evacuations, shelters, and cleaning up household hazardous waste. The money will help speed up recovery and relief efforts in LA county. The Associated Press also reported that 270 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and lenders have promised to provide mortgage relief to homeowners impacted by the fires.
But wildfire victims seeking relief and compensation will need to act quickly and within the correct timeframes. Learn more about the essential steps and timelines for seeking compensation and relief here or call us at 213-401-0823.
Wildfire Victims Get Tax Relief from the Federal Government
With the declaration of a disaster in response to these fires, the state and federal government can provide wildfire victims tax relief to individual taxpayers and businesses alike.
On Jan. 11, Governor Newsom announced that the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) would postpone the due date for filing and paying any state tax returns for 2024 earnings until October 15, 2025. Some businesses and corporations are also eligible for the extensions. The extension aligns with IRS’ new rules for providing wildfire victims tax relief. You will have until Oct. 15, 2025 to submit and make tax payments to the IRS.
These extensions for residents and businesses in the FEMA-designated disaster areas give you more time to focus on recovery without fear of penalties or interest.
Wildfire Victims Are Protected from Losing Their Homeowner’s Insurance
Since 2020, millions of California residents have had their homeowner’s policies cancelled by insurers, especially for residents near areas at risk for wildfires. With more insurers pulling out of the California insurance market and rising premiums, the issue is reaching a crisis point. The unprecedented scale of these fires will only compound the issue.
To protect the wildfire victims in Southern California who suffered any amount of loss, the state’s Insurance Commissioner announced a mandatory one year moratorium on non-renewals, which means homeowners within and near the recent wildfires are protected from having their policies cancelled or not renewed. The law also provides an extension on the 60-day grace period for homeowners to make insurance payments. Those who suffered a total loss have additional rights and protections.
To ensure you are in a protected Zip Code, you can visit the CA Department of Insurance’s website here.
There are many things you can do to strengthen your insurance claims–be sure to check out our 10 essential steps to navigating the claims process.
You don’t need to rely solely on insurance claims for compensation. As a wildfire victim, you can pursue legal action with the help of a lawyer at the same time as filing a claim. Experienced lawyers for wildfire victims can help get legal compensation for things like property damage and loss, medical expenses, evacuation costs, and more. In both instances, it is best to pursue these courses of action as soon as possible.
Legal Consultation Now Can Help Make the Coming Months Easier
If you or someone you know has been impacted in any way by the recent fires, you have a large community of people ready to help. For those of you who can, consider supporting the victims by volunteering or donating to charities on the ground in Los Angeles like the World Central Kitchen or the American Red Cross.
As part of the LA community, MSD Lawyers is here to provide you legal help navigating any issues caused by the fires–whether it’s insurance claims, property damage, or other legal matters. Insurance and legal matters are challenging at the best of times, but for those trying to rebuild a sense of normalcy, it is important to have a knowledgeable and trusted team by your side.
Call us at 213-401-0823 to get the support you need through every step of the recovery and relief process and receive the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
