Wildfire Experience
INSURANCE • LITIGATION • RECOVERY
We’ve worked on several of the largest fire cases in U.S. history since 2007, and understand the unique challenges of fire recovery and litigation.
What Sets Us Apart
We understand that the healing process begins now. Our attorneys have extensive experience with insurance companies, claims, and policy questions, and are ready to assist you to maximize your insurance recovery and begin the recovery process.
“After losing my home in a fire, they helped me every step of the way with recovery.” — Don Adair, Chief Relations Officer at Swinerton Builders
Extensive Wildfire Experience
Our attorneys have successfully litigated numerous wildfire and disaster-related cases for decades. We currently represent hundreds of Northern California and Paradise residents as part of the PG&E Wildfire Bankruptcy and have recovered over $100 million in recovery for clients. We also represent over 500 clients in the 2019 Kincade Fire Litigation, including properties as large as 3,000 acres. As part of our fire litigation experience, we have taken on leadership roles and zealously advocated for clients. In the 2007 San Diego Wildfires, Alexander Schack served as lead counsel against Sempra Energy in what became the largest fire case in California history, resulting in over 2 billion dollars in settlement. Mr. Schack also served as lead counsel against Nevada Energy in the 2011 Caughlin Fire, resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement. Ms Serino was appointed Co-Liaison Counsel for Individual Plaintiffs in the Canyon Fire Litigation in Orange County. We have been appointed co-lead counsel in the 2021 Marshall Fire Litigation in Colorado. We also represent individuals who were damaged by the 2023 Lahaina (Maui) Wildfires.
Personal, Individualized Assistance
We prosecute fire damage cases on an individual basis with a very personal touch. Our attorneys have represented clients all along the spectrum of damages, from smoke and soot cases to complex structural and agricultural loss. Our individualized approach allows us to find value for our clients and recover damages they may have forgotten or did not know they could recover.
Fire Cases
Northern California Fires (Tubbs, etc.)
Taylor Waldon, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, et al.
San Francisco County Superior Court: JCCP No. 4955
Counsel for hundreds of Sonoma County residents who were damaged by the fires which ignited in October 2017. Claims pending with the PG&E Bankruptcy Fire Victim Trust. Over $100 million already recovered for clients.
Kincade Fire Litigation
Mayacama Golf Club, LLC, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, et al.
San Francisco County Superior Court, Case No. SCV-266679
Counsel for victims of the Kincade Fire that started in Sonoma County in October 2019. Representing homeowners, wineries, a golf course, numerous local businesses and several large-scale ranches, including properties over 500 acres. Confidential settlements and litigation pending.
Marshall Fire Litigation
Kupfner, et al. v. Public Service Company of Colorado dba Xcel Energy, et al.
County of Boulder District Court, Case No. 2022-cv-30195
Counsel for hundreds of fire survivors from the 2021 Marshall Fire that ignited in Boulder, Colorado. Bringing claims against the local utility for its alleged failure to maintain equipment. Litigation pending.
San Diego Coordinated Wildfire Cases of October 2007
Robert Waldon, et al. v. San Diego Gas & Electric Co., Sempra, Cox
San Diego County Superior Court Case No. 37-2007-00079891-CU-PO-CTL
Lead counsel against Sempra
Member of Plaintiff Control Group and Discovery Coordinator for over 2,000 claims filed after SDG&E and Cox equipment allegedly started three wildfires in October 2007, burning over 1,000 homes. Our firm was the first law firm to file an individual lawsuit against San Diego Gas & Electric on behalf of individuals who suffered damages as a result of the San Diego Wildfires, which were allegedly caused by Sempra Energy and SDG&E. Alexander Schack was lead counsel against Sempra Energy in what became the largest fire case in California history, the 2007 San Diego Wildfire Litigation. He also won a key victory in court that extended the deadline for individuals to file claims against the utilities for property losses. In addition, Schack Law Group was a discovery coordinator and was part of the Plaintiffs' Control Group of attorneys responsible for trial and trial preparation against SDG&E for cases that did not settle. Ultimately, the litigation resulted in the recovery of over 2 billion dollars in settlements for fire victims.
Reno/ Caughlin Wildfires
Teri Boland, et al. v. Sierra Pacific Power Company, et al.
2nd Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada, County of Washoe Case No. CV13-02466
Filed on behalf of a small group of plaintiffs affected by the 2011 fires in Reno, NV and Caughlin, NV. Settlement of $4,000,000. Schack Law Group also prosecuted a case against NV Energy on behalf of homeowners and renters in Reno, Nevada, who lost their homes or experienced fire-related damages as a result of the 2011 Caughlin Fire. As in the San Diego Wildfire Litigation, Alexander Schack was also lead counsel in the case against NV Energy. The litigation resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement.
Camp/Paradise Fire
Daniel Alvarez, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, et al.
San Francisco County Superior Court, Case No. CGC-18-572389
Counsel for victims of the fire that destroyed the town of Paradise in Butte County in November 2018. Claims pending with the PG&E Bankruptcy Fire Victim Trust. Over $100 million already recovered for clients involved in the PG&E Bankruptcy.
Saddle Ridge Fire
Abed, et al. v. Southern California Edison Company, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCV34788
Counsel for victims of the fire that started in Los Angeles County in October 2019. Litigation pending.