Hanson Bridgett Partners Led Pro Bono Seminar Focused on Empowering LA Wildfire Victims and Maximizing Recoveries
When wildfires ravaged our Southern California communities, Hanson Bridgett's partners were quick to step up and offer assistance where possible. Having lost her own home in the 1991 Oakland Firestorm, navigating insurance claims happens to be a specialty of personal importance for partner Linda Klamm. On February 19, she was joined by partner Alex Berline, and they delivered a free, in-person seminar allowing the recent wildfire victims and those in our network to gain crucial insights on securing fair and timely insurance payouts.
Attendees included homeowners, business owners, legal professionals, and those seeking guidance on the claims process, dispute resolution, and policyholder rights under California law. As California continues to experience increasingly severe wildfires, Hanson Bridgett remains dedicated to helping our communities rebuild and recover.
“We started out on the dark side of the force,” said Linda, jokingly referring to her past experience in representing insurance carriers before transitioning to solely representing policyholders. “I've seen these claims both from the insurance side and from the policyholder side.” That unique perspective, coupled with knowledge from her own personal experience, set the tone for an insightful and practical discussion.
Linda and Alex provided a clear, actionable breakdown of the crucial proactive steps policyholders can take, ensuring attendees understood how to navigate common challenges such as undervalued claims and payment delays by insurers.
Participants learned about:
- The four basic insurance coverages and necessary documentation
- Requesting formal written coverage determinations from insurers
- Negotiating with insurers and providing supporting evidence for higher claim amounts
- Legal avenues for resolution, including mediation and litigation if necessary
The seminar also featured insights from partner and Insurance Recovery Practice Leader Miles Holden and Matt Vail, Vice President of Recovery and Scheduling at Build Group, Inc., who provided practical guidance on the rebuilding process, cost estimation, and coordinating with insurers to secure necessary funds for reconstruction.
Next, Linda Klamm and associate Trent Tanzi will join a panel discussion hosted by Morgan Stanley. The webinar, titled “After the Fire: Rebuilding Financial Resilience!” will be held on March 26. Register here.
For more information or legal assistance regarding wildfire-related claims, contact Linda Klamm or Alex Berline at Hanson Bridgett LLP.
