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California · Fire loss claim: what can I do?

Fire loss claim: what can I do?

See If You Qualify

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Filing deadline2–3 years depending on claim typeCal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 335.1, 338(b)

Deadlines vary with the facts of each case. A lawyer can confirm yours.

Updated

01 · Your filing deadline

What is the deadline in California?

California: 2 years for personal injury, 3 years for property damage (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 335.1, 338(b)). Government claims require filing within 6 months under the Government Claims Act. Discovery rule applies for latent injuries. A lawyer can confirm yours.

2–3 years depending on claim type

Inverse condemnation claims may have different limitations periods depending on the constitutional basis asserted.

Source: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 335.1, 338(b)

Deadlines vary; a lawyer can confirm yours. An older diagnosis or a past filing window does not, by itself, establish whether you have a claim.

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A lawyer can check which filing rules apply to your circumstances.

02 · Where cases are heard

Where would my case be heard?

California wildfire cases are filed in both state and federal courts depending on the defendant and claim type. PG&E Camp Fire claims were administered through the Northern District of California bankruptcy court (Judge Dennis Montali). Southern California Edison fire claims have been filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and the Central District of California. The 2025 LA fire claims are expected to be coordinated in Los Angeles County Superior Court through JCCP proceedings.

How this works nationally

For the overall process and updates, read the Fire loss claim: what can I do? overview. This page covers the local information available for California.

What happens when I check?

You answer a few short questions about what happened. If you send them, your answers are kept on file. If a participating law firm takes these cases, it may contact you. People's Justice is not a law firm.

Live in California? Read what applies in your state.

Register your interest. If a participating law firm takes these cases, it may contact you.

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Sources

  1. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 335.1, 338(b)