This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Station Fire victims sue insurer over claim payment
Listen
Station Fire victims sue insurer over claim payment
More than a thousand homeowners who sustained damage in the Station Fire sued Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance today. They claim the company denied or underpaid claims that resulted from the fire.
The policyholders sued just before the first anniversary of the Station Fire. They claim property damage from smoke, ash and other substances related to the fire.
The homeowners say Farmers Insurance routinely lowballed Station Fire damage estimates and balked at paying legitimate claims when other insurers acted promptly. The lawsuit doesn’t specify how much money the policyholders seek, but their attorney says each one lost, on average, $25,000 to $50,000.
A spokesman for Farmers Insurance says the company hasn’t seen the lawsuit and won’t comment right away.
The Station Fire began last August 26 and continued into the fall. It burned 250 square miles of the Angeles National Forest, destroyed 89 homes and killed two Los Angeles County firefighters.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
