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Property Damage Attorney in California: Expert Legal Help for Your Claim

If you’re facing property damage caused by someone else’s negligence, our California property damage attorneys are here to help. With decades of experience, we represent clients dealing with various types of property damage — from car accidents to home damage and more.

What Qualifies as Property Damage?
Property damage can include harm to your vehicle, your home, personal belongings, or any other valuable property. Understanding the specific type of damage you’ve suffered is crucial to building a strong claim.

Free 24/7 Consultation with Top-Rated Attorneys
Our property damage lawyers are available around the clock for a free, no-risk consultation. During this initial meeting, we’ll:

  • Assess the strength of your claim
  • Identify the responsible party or parties
  • Explain the types of compensation you may be entitled to, including repair costs, replacement value, and other damages

Personalized Legal Attention for Every Case
No two property damage claims are the same. We tailor our approach to fit your unique situation, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What types of compensation can I receive for property damage?
A: Compensation can include repair or replacement costs, diminished property value, and sometimes additional damages if negligence caused other losses.

Q: How long do I have to file a property damage claim in California?
A: The statute of limitations typically gives you two years from the date of damage to file a claim, but timelines may vary.

Q: Why should I hire a property damage attorney?
A: An experienced attorney helps navigate complex insurance policies, ensures fair compensation, and handles negotiations with insurers or opposing parties.

Understanding Property Damage vs. Personal Injury in Claims

Property damage and personal injury are two distinct legal concepts. Property damage refers to harm caused to an individual’s possessions or estate, not to their body. This can include damage to vehicles, homes, or other belongings.

Examples of property damage claims often involve compensation for the replacement value of the damaged item or the costs to repair or replace it.

What Is the Difference Between Property Damage and Personal Injury?

Personal Injury: Physical harm or bodily injury to a person.

Property Damage: Loss or damage to physical items or property.

Examples Of Property Damage Lawsuits

Property damage lawsuits can occur in a variety of ways. No two property damage lawsuits are the same. Examples of property damages include:

  • Denied insurance claims
  • Delayed insurance payments for property damage
  • Threats by the insurance company to cancel your insurance coverage
  • Undervaluing the claim by the insurance company
  • Misrepresentations about policy coverage
  • Delaying investigations into the property damage claim
  • Property damage caused by a negligent third party

What Type of Property Damage Does My Insurance Policy Cover?

What is Insurance Bad Faith?

Under California Insurance Code §790.03, insurance companies must act in good faith when handling claims by their customers. Any deliberate attempt to deny, undervalue, or delay a legitimate claim may be considered insurance bad faith. This includes misrepresenting policy coverage, unnecessarily delaying investigations, or refusing payment without proper justification. In such cases, policyholders have the right to take legal action against the insurer. For example, if an insurance company underpays a claim, it may be held liable under an insurance bad faith legal claim. This means that the plaintiff will have to prove that the insurance company acted with malicious behavior, meaning that they deliberately chose to engage in bad faith behavior.

Should I Speak to an Insurance Adjuster for my Property Damage Claim?

If you’ve suffered property damage, follow these critical steps to strengthen your claim before contacting an attorney:

  1. Document the Damage: Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of all affected areas and items.
  2. Review Your Insurance Policy: Understand your coverage limits, exclusions, and deductible amounts.
  3. File a Claim Promptly: Most policies require you to report damage within a specific timeframe.
  4. Obtain Repair Estimates: Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors to determine a fair repair cost.
  5. Keep All Communications in Writing: If your insurance company denies or delays your claim, request explanations via email or letter.

Once you have completed these steps, contact our California property damage attorneys for a free consultation to explore your legal options. Our attorneys are on your side and work with your interests in mind to make sure that you get maximum compensation for your injuries.

How Much Do Our Property Damage Attorneys Cost?

Our California property insurance attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. The contingency fee agreement means that you do not have to pay a single dollar until we win a settlement or judgment in your favor.  We understand that it could be very difficult to suffer property damages, which may leave a client in a state of financial hardship. Our contingency fee agreements allow us to pursue your claims for you and take on the risks of litigating your property damage insurance claims.

California Wildfire Attorneys

California’s wildfire risk has increased by over 400% in the last two decades, with thousands of homes affected each year (Cal Fire Data). If you suffered property damage from a wildfire, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Structural damage to your home or business
  • Smoke and ash contamination requiring professional cleaning
  • Lost personal belongings
  • Temporary housing expenses

Homeowners Insurance & Wildfire Claims:

Many insurance companies attempt to deny or delay wildfire claims by citing insufficient documentation or policy exclusions. Our California wildfire attorneys specialize in holding insurers accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Oftentimes, California insurance companies will try to delay and avoid paying any homeowners’ claims. Our California wildfire attorneys will negotiate and communicate with your insurance company to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your wildfire claim.

If you have lost a loved one in a wildfire in California, family members also have a claim for wrongful death. Wrongful death is a legal claim asserted by the decedent’s family members for a variety of different types of compensation, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of future income, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, loss of household services, etc. Contact our wrongful-death attorneys today.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Property Damage Lawsuit?

There are a variety of different parties that could be held liable for your property damage lawsuit. That is why it is very important to seek legal help immediately to determine who the liable parties are for your property damage claim. Examples of liable parties include:

  • Insurance companies: insurance companies are oftentimes the most common defendants in property damage lawsuits. Insurance companies will always try to downplay the amount of money that you deserve, looking for various excuses such as misrepresentations in the policy coverage.
  • Third parties: if your property was damaged as a result of the negligence of a third party, such as a neighbor, you may be able to hold the third party liable under a negligence legal claim in court. Negligence requires that the plaintiff prove the third party had a duty to the homeowner, the third party breached that duty to the homeowner, and as a result, the homeowner suffered property damage.
  • Product manufacturers: product manufacturers could be held liable under a product liability claim for any defective products that they create and put into the market. If you have suffered property damage as a result of a defective product, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries.

What Type of Damage Could I Receive for My Property Damage Claim in California?

There are a variety of available damages you could receive for your property damage claim. This includes:

  • Economic Damages (Tangible Losses): These include repair costs, replacement costs, and any temporary housing expenses if your home is uninhabitable. If your business suffered damages, lost income or profits may also be covered.
  • Non-Economic Damages (Emotional & Quality of Life Losses): California courts sometimes recognize emotional distress claims when property damage significantly affects a homeowner’s mental well-being. This may apply in wildfire cases where families lose their homes and personal belongings.
  • Punitive Damages (Rare but Possible): Courts may award punitive damages if the defendant, such as an insurance company or negligent third party, acted with malice, fraud, or extreme negligence. This is rare in California but can occur in cases of insurance bad faith or intentional destruction of property.

Why Hire Our Property Damage Attorneys?

There are a variety of ways our property damage attorneys could help you with your property damage claim.

  • Our top-rated attorneys have decades of experience going through property insurance claims. We understand the different legal hurdles we must have to jump through in order to make sure you get compensation for your specialized property damage.
  • Our litigation attorneys are not afraid of going to trial if we do not end up settling with the insurance company.
  • Our attorneys provide individualized attention, and are on your side every step of the way to make sure that you are informed about the legal process involved with your case.
  • Our attorneys will investigate and look into your property damage claim to determine the amount of compensation you deserve, along with all of the at fault-parties.
  • Our top-rated attorneys have a history of excellence with record-winning verdicts and settlements.

Property Damage FAQs

How long do I have to file a property damage claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a property damage lawsuit is typically three years from the date of damage (California Code of Civil Procedure § 338). However, if you are filing a claim against an insurance company for bad faith practices, the deadline may be shorter, often two years. It’s important to act quickly because missing the deadline could result in losing your right to compensation.

What should I do if my insurance company denies my property damage claim?

If your insurance company denies, delays, or undervalues your claim, you have the right to dispute their decision. Start by reviewing your policy to ensure you meet all coverage requirements. Then, request a written explanation from your insurer and gather supporting evidence, such as repair estimates and damage reports. If the denial seems unfair or in bad faith.

Can I sue my insurance company for underpaying my claim?

Yes, if your insurance company intentionally underpays your valid claim, you may have grounds for an insurance bad faith lawsuit. Under California law, insurers must fairly and promptly handle claims. If they engage in unfair practices, such as undervaluing your damages, delaying payments, or misrepresenting your policy coverage, you may be entitled to additional compensation, including punitive damages. An attorney can help you determine whether your case qualifies for legal action.

How can I maximize my property damage settlement?

To ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your property damage claim, take proactive steps from the start. First, document everything, take clear, timestamped photos and videos of all damage, including structural issues and lost belongings. Next, obtain multiple repair estimates from licensed contractors to prove the true cost of repairs. Be sure to keep detailed records of all expenses, including temporary housing costs if your home is uninhabitable. Finally, avoid accepting the first offer from your insurance company, as it is often lower than what you deserve.

How much does it cost to hire a property damage attorney?

Most property damage attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Instead, legal fees are only collected if you win your case through a settlement or court judgment. This allows homeowners and property owners to pursue compensation without financial risk. Before hiring an attorney, always ask about their fee structure to ensure there are no hidden costs.

Contact Our Property Damage Attorneys Today

 Our attorneys are here to help. Contact our well-trained and qualified property damage attorneys today for a free, no-risk consultation. You must act fast since there is a statute of limitations on time limit is prescribed for property damage claims.