If you’ve been affected by a wildfire disaster in Seattle, Washington—whether you lost your home, suffered injuries, or lost a loved one—Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is here to help you rebuild your life.
We’ve spent over 31 years fighting for wildfire victims across Washington State. Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for individuals and families who’ve suffered unimaginable losses. Our team will work tirelessly to hold the negligent parties accountable and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Call us today at (253) 948-0250 to schedule a free consultation with a Seattle wildfire disasters lawyer.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Wildfire Disaster in Seattle, WA
Our firm has the knowledge, resources, and commitment to guide you through the complexities of wildfire litigation in Washington.
If you hire our Seattle wildfire disaster lawyers, we will:
- Investigate the cause of the wildfire to determine if negligence played a role (such as a utility company’s failure to maintain equipment).
- Identify all liable parties, including power companies, property owners, or government entities.
- Document the full extent of your damages—from property loss and personal injury to emotional trauma and economic hardship.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies that may try to deny, delay, or underpay your claim.
- Take your case to trial if necessary to secure justice and fair compensation.
Lead attorney Darrell Cochran is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished trial lawyers in Washington. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorney by National Trial Lawyers. Darrell has received numerous honors from the Washington State Association for Justice, including the President’s Award and Trial Lawyer of the Year.
He has also been named a Trailblazer by both The American Lawyer and National Law Journal, and is consistently listed among the Best Lawyers in America and Washington Super Lawyers. In addition to his courtroom success, Darrell is a respected speaker at legal conferences and a trusted voice in the media on matters of justice and public safety.
Our Seattle personal injury lawyers pride themselves on delivering personal attention to every client. You will never be treated like a case number. Our legal team is dedicated to listening to your story and fighting for what you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is My Wildfire Disaster Case Worth?
The value of your wildfire disaster case depends on several factors, including:
- The extent of your property damage
- The severity of any injuries or health issues, such as smoke inhalation or burns
- Your medical expenses and treatment needs
- Whether you experienced a loss of income or business interruption
- Emotional trauma and mental health impacts
- Whether you lost a loved one in the fire
Washington law allows victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. In cases involving wrongful death or permanent injury, settlements or verdicts can reach into the millions. However, each case is unique, and the best way to understand your case’s value is to speak with an experienced wildfire attorney.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Wildfire Victims?
Victims of Seattle-area wildfires may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses:
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for measurable financial losses caused by the wildfire and include:
- Cost of rebuilding or repairing your home
- Loss of personal property and valuables
- Temporary housing and relocation expenses
- Medical bills for fire-related injuries or illness
- Lost wages or business income
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses that don’t have a direct financial value but significantly affect your quality of life, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
We will carefully evaluate the impact of the fire on every aspect of your life to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your damages. If you’ve suffered losses due to a wildfire, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact our experienced Seattle personal injury lawyers today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wildfire Disaster Lawyer?
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- You don’t owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for you
We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. We’ll cover the costs of hiring experts, filing your claim, and pursuing legal action. If we win, we’ll be paid a percentage of your recovery. If not, you owe us nothing.
This fee structure allows you to pursue your case without financial risk or stress. It also ensures that our interests are aligned—we only get paid if you do. We are fully invested in securing the best possible outcome for you. Don’t let cost stand in the way of holding negligent parties accountable. Reach out today and let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Wildfire in Washington?
Possibly. Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that even if you are partially responsible for causing or contributing to a wildfire, you may still be eligible to recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a court finds that you were 20% responsible for the spread of a fire (perhaps due to a campfire not being fully extinguished), and your total damages were $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
These cases can become complex, and insurance companies may try to unfairly shift blame to you. That’s why it’s crucial to have a lawyer on your side who can defend your rights and minimize your legal exposure.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Wildfire Disaster Injuries
Wildfire-related injuries can be severe and life-altering.
We represent clients who’ve suffered:
- Burn injuries, including second- and third-degree burns
- Smoke inhalation, which can cause serious respiratory issues
- Heatstroke and dehydration
- Traumatic injuries sustained while fleeing the fire
- Mental and emotional injuries, including PTSD
These injuries often require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and emotional support. Victims may face mounting medical bills, time away from work, and permanent physical or psychological effects. At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we work with medical experts and specialists to fully understand your injuries and the treatment you’ll need moving forward.
In the most tragic cases, we also represent families in wrongful death lawsuits when someone has lost their life due to a fire. We’ll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What Causes Most Wildfire Disasters in Seattle, WA?
While some wildfires result from lightning or other natural events, human negligence is a leading cause of wildfire disasters.
Common causes include:
- Utility company failures, such as unmaintained power lines or transformers
- Negligently discarded cigarettes or fireworks
- Improperly extinguished campfires or burn piles
- Defective electrical equipment
- Arson
In heavily forested or dry areas around Seattle, even a small spark can lead to massive destruction. Utility providers, especially, have a legal obligation to inspect and maintain their equipment to prevent such hazards. When they fail to do so, the damage can be widespread—destroying homes, livelihoods, and entire communities.
In some cases, contractors, landlords, or property owners may also be liable for failing to manage vegetation or fire risks. If a utility or other negligent party caused the wildfire that harmed you, we’ll aggressively pursue justice and compensation on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Wildfire Disaster in Washington?
Under Washington law, the statute of limitations for most wildfire-related personal injury and property damage claims is three years from the date of the fire. In wrongful death cases, the clock usually starts on the date of your loved one’s passing.
However, certain claims—especially those involving government agencies or public utilities—may have shorter notice deadlines. If you miss a deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.
To preserve your rights, we strongly encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible after a wildfire.
Contact Our Seattle Wildfire Disaster Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or your family have been harmed by a wildfire in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is ready to stand with you. We bring over three decades of experience, deep knowledge of Washington law, and an unrelenting commitment to justice.
We know how overwhelming life can feel after a wildfire has disrupted your home, health, or livelihood. You may be dealing with trauma, insurance disputes, or the loss of a loved one. You shouldn’t have to face it alone. Our team will act swiftly to protect your rights and pursue every available source of compensation.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal rights, and help you understand your options. You’ve suffered enough—let us take on the legal burden and fight for the compensation you need to recover, rebuild, and move forward.