Texas Wildfire & Personal Injury Attorneys
Everything is bigger in Texas—including the risks. From the historic Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Panhandle to the seasonal blazes that threaten Central Texas and the Hill Country, our state is under constant threat. But in Texas, many of these "natural disasters" are anything but natural. They are often the result of corporate negligence: aging power lines, unmaintained oil & gas infrastructure, and reckless behavior by utility giants.
If you have lost your home, your ranch, your livestock, or your livelihood to a wildfire, Deon Goldschmidt Attorneys is here to fight back. We bring over 30 years of legal experience to hold negligent companies accountable.
Have you been involved in an injury/ accident in texas?
FAQ's
Often, standard policies have low sub-limits for "property in the open" like fences and livestock. However, if we file a liability claim against the at-fault party (like a utility company), we are not bound by those policy limits. We can sue for the actual loss, including the cost of replacing miles of fencing and the future generational value of your lost herd.
Yes, but it is complex. In Texas, we must prove "negligence" or "gross negligence." Recent investigations into fires like Smokehouse Creek have shown that utility providers often fail to inspect rotting poles or maintain easements. If we can prove they failed in their duty of care, they are liable for your damages.
Generally, Texas has a two-year Statute of Limitations for property damage and personal injury claims. This clock starts ticking the day of the fire. If you miss this window, you lose your right to sue forever. Do not wait until the last minute—investigations take time.
Yes. This is called "radiant heat damage" and "smoke particulate damage." Texas insurers often try to deny these claims, saying the damage is "cosmetic." It is not. We use industrial hygienists to prove that the smoke particles are hazardous and that the structural integrity of your siding is compromised.
The Reality of Texas Wildfires
Texas faces a unique set of dangers. High winds, drought conditions, and an expansive network of power lines create a powder keg. The 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire—the largest in state history—scorched over a million acres, killing thousands of cattle and destroying hundreds of homes.
These fires are frequently caused by:
Utility Negligence: Utility providers failing to replace rotting poles or inspect lines before high-wind events.
Oil & Gas Operations: Equipment failures, flares, or vehicle sparks in dry fields.
Roadside Ignitions: Chains dragging from commercial trucks or discarded cigarettes.
Texas Law: Proving Negligence is Key
Unlike some other states, Texas does not automatically hold utilities liable just because their equipment started a fire. We must prove they were negligent.At Deon Goldschmidt Attorneys, we work with forensic experts to prove:
The utility company knew (or should have known) the risk was high.
They failed to maintain their equipment or clear vegetation properly.
That failure directly caused your loss.
We Handle Claims For:
Structural Damage: Homes, barns, and outbuildings.
Agricultural Loss: This is critical in Texas. We fight for compensation for lost cattle, destroyed fencing, burned crops, and the long-term damage to grazing land (soil remediation).
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death: Medical bills, pain and suffering, and the tragic loss of life.
Business Interruption: Lost income for ranchers, farmers, and business owners.
Contact Deon Goldschmidt Attorneys Today!
Fighting "Bad Faith" Insurance in Texas
Texas has strong laws protecting policyholders (Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541), but that doesn't stop insurers from trying to underpay. Common tactics we see in Texas:
"Pre-existing Damage" Denials: Claiming your barn or fence was already old to avoid paying replacement value.
Undervaluing Livestock: Offering market rates that don't account for the bloodline or breeding value of your herd.
Delay Tactics: Dragging out the investigation hoping you will accept a low offer out of desperation.
We know these tactics, and we know how to beat them. We demand the full replacement value of what you lost—not just what the adjuster thinks it was worth.