Legal Funding for Wildfire-Related Claims

Wildfires can cause sudden and far-reaching disruption, affecting homes, businesses, health, and livelihoods. In the aftermath of major fires—such as Eaton, Maui, and other large wildfire events—people often face urgent expenses long before insurance claims or legal matters are resolved.

Legal funding, sometimes referred to as pre-settlement funding or lawsuit funding, is one option some individuals and businesses explore to help manage expenses while a wildfire-related claim is pending. This information is general in nature, is not legal advice, and does not guarantee any outcome.

Why wildfire claims can take time

Wildfire-related claims are often complex and can move slowly due to the scale of damage and the number of parties involved. Delays may result from:

• Large-scale investigations into origin and cause
• Coordination with insurers, government agencies, and experts
• Property inspections, damage estimates, and remediation planning
• Medical evaluations and long-term health monitoring
• Negotiations involving utilities, property owners, or other entities
• Court scheduling if litigation is required

During this time, people may be dealing with displacement, lost income, and ongoing recovery costs.

What legal funding is (and isn’t)

Legal funding is typically structured as a non-recourse advance tied to a pending legal claim. In many arrangements, repayment is intended to come only from the proceeds of a settlement or judgment, if there is one. Terms vary by provider and by state, and the agreement itself controls.

A legal funding company does not provide legal advice, does not represent you, and does not control how your attorney handles your wildfire-related claim. Your attorney remains responsible for legal strategy and for advising you on your rights and options.

Types of wildfire claims we may consider funding

Every wildfire matter is fact-specific. Funding review focuses on whether there is an active claim with legal representation and whether available information supports responsible funding—not on predicting outcomes.

Wildfire-related claims commonly reviewed include:

• Property damage claims involving homes, structures, or personal property
• Smoke, soot, and ash-related damage or contamination claims
• Displacement and additional living expense claims
• Personal injury or health-related claims
• Wrongful death claims, reviewed with particular care
• Business interruption or commercial loss claims

Common ways plaintiffs use wildfire legal funding

Legal funding is often used to help cover short-term, essential expenses while a wildfire claim is pending. Examples include:

• Temporary housing, rent, deposits, and utilities
• Replacing essential household items and clothing
• Cleanup, remediation, or property security costs
• Medical co-pays, prescriptions, and treatment-related travel
• Transportation needs or vehicle replacement gaps
• Basic living expenses during displacement or recovery

Legal funding is not intended to replace insurance proceeds, disaster assistance, or long-term financial planning. It is typically a temporary bridge, and the amount requested should be carefully weighed against potential repayment if there is a recovery.

How wildfire legal funding generally works

While details vary by claim, the process typically includes:

• Application: You provide basic information about your wildfire-related claim and your attorney’s contact details.
• Case review: With your authorization, we coordinate with your attorney to confirm claim status and review relevant documentation.
• Offer and decision: If approved, you receive a written offer outlining the advance amount, fees or charges, and repayment terms.
• Funding and repayment: If accepted, funds are issued according to the agreement. If there is a recovery, repayment typically comes from case proceeds. If there is no recovery, many non-recourse arrangements generally do not require repayment, subject to contract terms.

Questions to consider before accepting funding

Because lawsuit funding can be costly, it’s important to understand the terms before moving forward. Questions to review with your attorney may include:

• How are fees or charges calculated?
• Do costs increase over time?
• Are there administrative or processing fees?
• Can additional advances be requested later?
• What happens if the claim takes longer than expected?

Talk to us about legal funding for wildfire-related claims

If you are pursuing a wildfire-related claim, whether connected to Eaton, Maui, or another major fire, and need help managing expenses while the matter moves forward, we can explain how legal funding works and whether your situation may qualify.