Our Site Inspection After a Wildfire

After a wildfire, one of the most important steps in building your case as a third-party wildfire attorney is the site inspection. This is where we go out to the property or lot to see the damage firsthand. It’s not just about collecting data; it’s about understanding the full scope of our client’s loss, both physical and emotional. Here’s what we do during a site inspection and why it matters:

1. Meeting With the Client

Whenever possible, we meet directly with our client at the property site. Walking through the remains together helps us understand their experience — what their home once looked like, what they’ve lost, and what matters most to them. If the client can’t be there in person, we’ll walk the site with our team and/or our experts to document everything on their behalf.

2. Mapping the Property

We create a diagram of the property, either electronically or by hand, to show the layout — where the home stood, where the outbuildings or fences were, and how the fire moved through the property. This map becomes a valuable visual reference later in the case when explaining the loss to insurance adjusters, mediators, or even a jury.

3. Documenting the Damage

We take extensive photos and videos of the site. When possible, we also collect “before and after” images — showing what the home looked like prior to the fire and what remains now. This documentation helps us build a clear, compelling picture of the loss — essential for proving damages and telling our client’s story.

Why Site Inspections Matter

Site inspections aren’t only about measuring property loss. Standing on that ground, seeing what once was, helps us connect to the emotional side of the case — the suffering, displacement, and heartbreak that can’t be captured by numbers alone. This deeper understanding allows us to present a fuller, more empathetic case when we later advocate for our clients. Ultimately, our goal is to honor your loss and fight for the recovery you deserve.