McBride Fire Attorneys
Suing for Wrongful Death & Property Loss
Did you lose a loved one or your property due to the McBride Fire in New Mexico? Let WildfireStrong know right away. It is believed that the Public Service Company of New Mexico failed to maintain its powerlines, which were damaged in a windstorm that sparked the fire. You might be able to hold the utility company liable for your losses through a lawsuit, which we can help you build from the beginning.
Call our McBride Fire lawsuit attorneys at (505)235-5977 to learn more about how to start a claim.
Destruction Caused by the McBride Fire
The McBride Fire in New Mexico caused significant destruction and loss of life before it was fully contained and extinguished.
According to the New Mexico authorities, the McBride Fire caused:
- At least 2 fatalities
- About 200 residential property destructions
- More than 6,100 burned acres
- 4,500 evacuations or displacements
Although the McBride Fire has been contained, the destruction that it can cause might not be over. New Mexico State Forestry is concerned that the land that was scorched by the fire is now prime for landslides and flooding. Without vegetation, heavy rainfall will not absorb into the soil correctly, which could result in flash floods that do even more harm.
What Caused the McBride Fire?
Investigations from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department have determined that strong gusts of wind were blowing in the region the day that the McBride Fire started. Furthermore, it determined that a tall tree that was “drought-stressed” had been toppled by those winds onto a powerline. The resulting powerline damage caused an electrical arc that ignited the surrounding brush.
The powerline was owned and maintained by the Public Service Company of New Mexico. Like all utility companies in the area, Public Service Company of New Mexico has a duty to frequently inspect its powerlines in forested or dry areas to conduct routine maintenance.
Maintenance of powerlines in forested areas can include:
- Cutting down trees that could fall over onto or near a powerline.
- Trimming branches of healthy trees that grow too close to a powerline.
- Replacing powerline hooks, cables, etc. whenever there are signs of wear.
- Protecting power boxes with cages or frames when needed.
It has already been alleged in a lawsuit against the Public Service Company of New Mexico that the utility company, as well as a contractor that it hired, did not uphold its duty to maintain the powerlines in the area. According to the lawsuit, the power company is liable for the McBride Fire because the tree that fell over should have been labeled as a powerline risk and cut down long ago.
Who Can Sue the Public Service Company?
You might have the option to bring a claim or lawsuit against the Public Service Company of New Mexico for allegedly causing the McBride Fire. WildfireStrong would be happy to help you discover your rights and act on them.
You could have a valid McBride Fire claim if you suffered these losses or harm:
- Loss of a loved one
- Medical costs for burns or smoke inhalation
- Property or structure destruction
- Reduction of property value
- Loss of business, sales, or related income
- Emotional trauma
Call Our McBride Fire Lawyers
At WildfireStrong, we don’t think it’s right to call the McBride Fire a wildfire. After all, it appears to have been caused by corporate negligence, not a natural or ‘wild’ occurrence. That’s why we are fully committed to helping people who have been affected by the McBride Fire seek justice and compensation against the Public Service Company of New Mexico and any other parties that might be liable for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Eligible?
Anybody affected by wildfires is eligible to file a claim, including, but not limited to:
- Anybody who lost their home or business
- Anybody who suffered property damage
- Uninsured homeowners
- Displaced renters
- Anybody who suffered emotional distress
How Long Do I Have?
Time is already running out to file a claim. You need to act immediately in order to file a claim against PG&E, SoCal Edison, Pacific Power and any other responsible party. We strongly urge that you, your family, neighbors and friends impacted by the wildfires sign up immediately.
Please understand that your time to act, sign up for a lawsuit, and file proof of claim is very short. Though you may have the right to recover right now, waiting will waive those rights. Please act now or you and anyone else with potential claims may be barred forever.
The Wildfire Strong Team
The Attorneys at Wildfire Strong specialize in bringing the law to your corner. We are dedicated to understanding what results you want and to helping you understand what actions we can take on your behalf. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure that you understand the choices you are making and feel empowered to make them.
A Team in Your Corner
Every morning, our legal team has a meeting to discuss our cases. This means that no matter who you go with in our firm, or on our team, the expertise of the whole team weighs in on your case. Our team has many years of experience dealing with wildfire victims, and we would be glad to represent you.
Practice Areas
- Environmental Litigation
- Inverse Condemnation
- Whistle Blower Cases
- Class Actions and Mass Torts
- Personal Injury
- Wrongful Death
- Civil Settlements
- Business Litigation
- Civil Litigation
Legacy of Success
Our team has many years of experience and has a proven track record of success. We use that experience to help you down a path to the results you need. Check out our success stories, and then schedule your free phone consultation today.
