The Smokehouse Creek Fire lawyers at Callender Bowlin can help you maximize the damages that you can recover after suffering what’s now considered the largest and most destructive fire in Texas history.
Our law firm is actively assisting business and property owners, as well as affected residents of the tragic inferno that has ravaged over a million acres and shut down main infrastructures across the state.
Why Choose Callender Bowlin As an XCel Energy Lawsuit Lawyer?
You can trust that the fire damage and insurance claims attorneys at Callender Bowlin can competently help you recover from any personal injury or property loss that you suffered in the Smokehouse Creek Fire.
With our decades of experience and successful track record in securing compensation after a fire incident, we are firmly dedicated to providing reliable legal services in your time of need.
Insurance companies notoriously cut corners on fire insurance claims in an attempt to save money, but as your legal representative, we will tirelessly work for you to get the highest payout possible after enduring this unimaginable tragedy.
How Much Do We Charge: We operate on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that our clients do not pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, our fees are contingent upon the successful outcome of the case.
Contact Us Now: If you or a loved one has been affected by the Smokehouse Creek Fire, you can get help and representation from a seasoned lawyer at Callender Bowlin. We’re always available to provide support. Call (713) 955-9719 now or send us a message.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, a high volume of dry, freeze-cured grasses will continue to spread the fire in the coming days, potentially resulting in additional wildfire activity across the Texas Panhandle.
In response to a request from the state government, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) request for the Smokehouse Creek Fire and Windy Deuce Fire. This would allow the state to recover 75% reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting the said fires.
As for individuals who suffered property and residential losses, business interruptions, or lost income, Callender Bowlin’s team of legal and compassionate experts can help you understand your legal rights and remedies after suffering a wildfire. Some of these include:
Right to File Insurance Claims: You have the right to file insurance claims for property damage, loss of personal belongings, and other related expenses. You should have an attorney with you to review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and deadlines for filing claims.
Right to Compensation: If the wildfire was caused by negligence or wrongdoing, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. This could include damages for property loss, emotional distress, medical expenses, and other related costs.
Right to Government Assistance: Depending on the severity of the wildfire and your location, you may be eligible for government assistance programs, such as disaster relief funds, temporary housing assistance, and low-interest loans for rebuilding.
Right to Pursue Legal Action: If the wildfire was caused by negligence by another, such as state authorities, a utility company, a landowner, or a negligent individual, you may have the right to pursue legal action to hold them accountable for your losses.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in wildfire-related cases to determine the appropriate legal options to enable you to seek compensation and justice.
Contact A Wildfire Lawyer
(713) 955-9719
How We Can Help You
While filing a fire damage claim on your own is possible, and lawyers are not necessarily required, having an experienced fire damage and insurance lawyer from Callender Bowlin has distinct advantages. Your legal representative plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your fire damage claim. We can:
- Protect and defend your rights under the law
- File an insurance claim on your behalf
- Gather and prepare all the necessary documents related to your claim
- Negotiate with the insurer to increase your compensation
- Interpret for you the details of the insurance policy
- Help you navigate other possible legal options
- Represent your case in court, if necessary
News Updates About The Smokehouse Creek Fire
Governor Greg Abbott has recently issued a disaster declaration for 60 Texas counties in response to widespread wildfire activity throughout the state. Additional counties may be added if conditions warrant, the state’s press release said.
Governor Abbott also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources to support local firefighters responding to multiple wildfires burning Texas.
According to CNN’s latest report, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has scorched more than 850,000 acres of land in Texas and another 31,000 acres in Oklahoma since igniting on February 26, 2024.
The news source reported that the extent of the damage from the fires is still being assessed, but homes had burned in Oklahoma and at least two Texas towns. One Hemphill County official said, “homes have burned in almost every direction.” Multiple counties were also ordered to evacuate or to find shelter-in-place as the fire encroached on populated areas.
Important Steps To Take After A Wildfire
A fire in your property can result in serious damage from destructive elements, such as flames, heat, smoke and water. If not from the blaze itself, firefighters may have broken windows or cut holes in your property’s roof to prevent the fire’s growth.
In the aftermath, the soot and dirty water left behind may also contain substances that could greatly impact your health. Apart from ensuring your personal safety and well-being, the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration said that you must take the necessary steps after a wildfire:
- Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to file a claim.
- Take photographs and provide documentation of your damaged items.
- Personal safety is always the highest priority when entering buildings damaged by fire.
- Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
- Never attempt to salvage belongings at the expense of your own safety.
- Wear protective clothing if you want to inspect your property, especially gloves (nitrile or latex are preferred over cotton), face masks, and eye protection.
- Avoid breathing in or touching hazardous materials.
- Risks in fire-damaged areas can include particulates, exposed asbestos, lead-containing building materials (such as glass and lead paint), and chemical residues.
- If water has been used to put out the fire, mold may also be an issue and should not be inhaled.
Call An Xcel Energy Fire Lawsuit Lawyer Now
Contact a Smokehouse Creek Fire lawyer now to swiftly recover compensation and pursue justice after suffering from what has quickly become a historic catastrophe in Texas.
With Callender Bowlin’s impeccable knowledge of the law and claims process, we can ensure that you are being rightfully guided as you go through the complicated process of a fire-related incident.
Most of the time, insurance companies will try to lower the amount of the damages covered, but with our expert negotiation skills, you can avoid accepting an unfair settlement and opt for an even better one.
In the event that negligence is also present, you can trust that we will stop at nothing to hold the perpetrators accountable for their misconduct. Callender Bowlin is a highly reputable company with years of experience in successfully filing fire damage claims.
By choosing our law firm, you can ensure that your case is being handled by a knowledgeable and well-experienced legal team dedicated to fighting for your rights. We also acknowledge the urgency of your situation, and so we encourage you to talk to our compassionate team, who are always available to provide 24/7 support.
Call (713) 955-9719 now or send us a message through our secure and confidential form.
Callender Bowlin LLP
4299 San Felipe St # 300
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 955-9719
