Claims Handling Breakdowns From LA Wildfires One Year on

Dan Veroff | Claims Journal It’s been more than a year since the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles, and attorneys who work in first‑party property claims are still seeing a steady rise in disputes. That trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon—these claims will continue moving from adjusters’ desks into legal disputes for at… Continue reading Claims Handling Breakdowns From LA Wildfires One Year on

‘Nation’s First’ Smoke Damage Standards Bill Wending Through California Legislature

Insurance Journal A bill to create a statewide framework for handling wildfire smoke damage insurance claims is now making its way through California Legislature. The Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which primary backer Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said stems from the recovery process after the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and smoke damage claims, is authored… Continue reading ‘Nation’s First’ Smoke Damage Standards Bill Wending Through California Legislature

Where There’s Smoke, There’s…Direct Physical Loss?

Elizabeth Doyle | Zelle The January 2025 Southern California wildfires destroyed more than 18,000 structures, burned nearly 50,000 acres, and caused the evacuation of more than 200,000 people. One year later, thousands of residents of Altadena and Pacific Palisades whose homes did not burn have nevertheless not returned because they claim their homes are uninhabitable… Continue reading Where There’s Smoke, There’s…Direct Physical Loss?

Homes With Toxic Smoke Damage Deepen Insurance Nightmare in LA

Michelle Ma | Claims Journal Months after fire tore through Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, homeowners are struggling to get reimbursed — not for houses reduced to rubble, but for the damage of smoke and toxins in the properties that remain. For residents such as Keri Homolka, fighting for a payout has become a full-time… Continue reading Homes With Toxic Smoke Damage Deepen Insurance Nightmare in LA

California Launches Task Force to Standardize Smoke Damage Claims and Remediation

Jessica E. Gopiao and Amber S. Finch | ReedSmith Addressing a Growing Challenge In response to the increasing severity and complexity of wildfire smoke damage across California, the Department of Insurance announced the creation of a new Smoke Claims & Remediation Task Force. This initiative, spearheaded by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, aims to establish clear,… Continue reading California Launches Task Force to Standardize Smoke Damage Claims and Remediation