Los Angeles

Providing Support and Legal Services for Those Affected by the LA Wildfires

Churches, medical businesses, nursing homes, and other institutions that are critical to the health and safety of our community have been damaged or destroyed by LA’s recent wildfires, as have many residents’ homes. Thompson Hine is a national law firm offering robust litigation, construction, and insurance recovery services in the Los Angeles community. We are supporting our community in numerous ways during this crisis, including by establishing the Thompson Hine Fund for Wildfire Relief at the Pasadena Community Foundation.

As members of this community, we are devastated by the damage and injuries we and our neighbors have experienced. Recovery from this disaster will require specialized legal strategies to address the disruption of services, insurance claims, property damage, environmental and business interruption issues, as well as confronting potential liability claims. Our lawyers have dealt with disasters before in other areas of our country. Our approach ensures that all affected parties receive tailored legal representation, leveraging the firm’s extensive resources and experience to achieve favorable outcomes for clients facing any wildfire-related legal challenge.

Benefits Legal Services

We offer comprehensive legal services in the area of employee benefits and can advise on matters relating to natural disasters such as the LA wildfires. Our team is well equipped to help employers navigate the complexities of employee benefit plans during and after such catastrophic events, including advising on ways to ensure the continuation of health and welfare benefits and providing guidance on retirement plan distributions and loans for affected employees. We can also help employers implement disaster relief programs that comply with IRS and Department of Labor guidelines to ensure that employees receive the necessary support without jeopardizing the tax-qualified status of their benefit plans.

Workforce Communication Strategies

Additionally, our team can assist in communicating with employees about their benefits and any changes necessitated by the wildfires. We draft clear and compliant notices and provide ongoing support to address any questions or concerns, ensuring that employers are not only compliant with legal requirements but also responsive to employees’ needs during such challenging times. Our extensive experience and resources enable us to help employers maintain stability and support for their employees, thereby fostering a resilient and informed workforce.

Construction Legal and Project Management Services

In the wake of the devastating LA wildfires, our nationally recognized construction team offers comprehensive industry experience to address new ordinances, leasing, multifamily developments, and redevelopment projects. Working closely with the seasoned construction, design, finance, and real estate professionals of our wholly owned subsidiary Project Management Consultants LLC (PMC), we help navigate the complex regulatory landscape and urgent planning and rebuilding process that follows a natural disaster. We provide strategic counsel and professional services to help developers, owners, designers, and contractors organize and plan project efforts, mitigate risks, and avoid potential legal and project-related pitfalls. Whether advising on the planning, design, or construction of new commercial properties, business facilities, or residential communities or the renovation or rebuilding of previously existing properties and facilities, our experienced team ensures that projects engage swiftly and are aligned to meet this moment.

Support for Planned Development Communities and Redevelopers

By leveraging our deep understanding of real estate and development law and our commitment to client success, we help navigate the challenges of rebuilding and developing resilient communities that can withstand future threats.

Environmental Legal Services

We offer comprehensive legal services to address environmental concerns resulting from the LA wildfires. Our Environmental practice group is adept at navigating the complex regulatory landscape, providing clients with strategic advice on compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws. We provide guidance on issues that arise in the aftermath of wildfires, including air and water permitting associated with rebuilding efforts, hazardous waste and construction material management, and remediation efforts. Our experienced team works closely with clients and federal and state regulators to develop tailored solutions that mitigate environmental risks and ensure compliance for impacted businesses, enabling them to return to normal operations.

Wildfire Impact Litigation and Enforcement

Our experience extends to representing clients in wildfire impact litigation and enforcement actions, and we have a proven track record of defending clients against claims of environmental damage and negotiating settlements with federal and state regulatory agencies. Using a multidisciplinary approach that leverages deep knowledge in environmental law, real estate, and insurance to offer holistic legal support, we ensure that clients are not only compliant but also protected against potential liabilities arising from wildfire-related environmental issues.

Insurance Recovery Legal Services

Our Insurance Recovery team is dedicated to assisting companies affected by natural disasters such as the devastating LA wildfires. We help clients navigate the complexities of insurance claims to ensure that businesses receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to under their policies. We understand the unique challenges posed by wildfire-related losses, including property damage, business interruption, and liability claims. Our approach is tailored to each client’s specific needs, providing strategic advice and robust representation throughout the claims process. From initial policy review and claim preparation to negotiation and litigation, we are committed to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Expert Guidance and Advocacy

In the aftermath of a devastating event like a wildfire, companies often face significant hurdles in recovering their losses. Our team helps businesses overcome these challenges by working closely with them to assess their insurance coverage, identify potential gaps, and develop a comprehensive recovery strategy. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the insurance industry and are skilled in handling disputes with insurers. Whether dealing with denied claims, underpayments, or complex coverage issues, our team is equipped to advocate effectively on behalf of our clients. By leveraging our extensive experience and resources, we aim to expedite the recovery process and minimize the financial impact on businesses affected by the wildfires.

Labor and Employment Legal Services

We offer a full range of legal services to address labor and employment matters and can advise employers on issues that result from natural disasters such as the LA wildfires. We assist in navigating the complex regulatory landscape during such crises, including advising on compliance with state and federal labor laws when employees work in remote and varying locations, employee safety regulations, and emergency response protocols. Our experienced attorneys can assist businesses in developing and implementing disaster response plans designed to ensure the safety and well-being of employees while maintaining operational continuity in an ever-changing environment.

Practical Support During Difficult Times

We provide guidance on employee rights and employer obligations during and after unforeseen natural events, including matters such as wage and hour compliance, leave entitlements under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act, and the intricacies of workers’ compensation claims arising from wildfire-related injuries. Our team can also advise on measures designed to assist impacted employees, such as no-interest loans, salary advances, or the creation of paid leave banks. By leveraging our extensive knowledge, we can help employers mitigate legal risks and navigate the challenges posed by the LA wildfires as they continue to support their employees.

Product Liability Legal Services

Our product liability and commercial general liability litigators have extensive experience in investigating and navigating the complexities of fire claims, including claims involving alleged product defects, electrical equipment failures, natural or propane gas-related fires, or general negligence that may have contributed to the ignition or spread of fires. Our team possesses a thorough understanding of product liability and tort law and the rules applicable to the experts who are critical to litigating fire claims, enabling us to deliver effective and efficient legal solutions to clients facing product liability or commercial general liability issues in the aftermath of the LA wildfires.

Comprehensive Solutions for Complex Needs

We employ a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the multifaceted nature of a fire claim and developing a solid litigation strategy, integrating insights and resources from our environmental, insurance coverage, construction, or other practice groups as needed. Our robust litigation team has the skill and tenacity to represent clients in both individual and class action lawsuits, providing vigorous defense or prosecution as required.

Real Estate Legal Services

We provide expert guidance and support on a broad array of real estate issues that may be encountered following natural disasters. In the wake of the recent LA wildfires, property owners, developers, and investors face numerous challenges related to existing and new ordinances and building codes, redevelopment, leasing and tax planning.

Our team of seasoned real estate attorneys is well equipped to navigate these complex issues, offering tailored solutions to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and to facilitate the efficient redevelopment of affected properties. We can assist in negotiating modification or settlement of existing leases, addressing zoning and land use issues, and managing the intricate details of property transactions, all while keeping clients informed of the latest legal developments and best practices.

Building Resilience for the Future

The aftermath of natural disasters, including wildfires, often brings about significant changes in local ordinances and building codes, aimed at enhancing safety and preventing future disasters. Our team is adept at interpreting and applying these new regulations, ensuring that clients’ redevelopment projects meet all necessary requirements. We also provide strategic advice on tax implications and opportunities for relief, helping clients optimize their financial outcomes during the rebuilding process. Additionally, we assist with insurance claims and disputes, offering robust representation to secure fair compensation for damages. By leveraging our deep understanding of the real estate market and regulatory landscape, we help clients to not only recover from the immediate impacts of wildfires but also to build resilient, compliant, and sustainable properties for the future.