The damage caused by the devastating wildfires raging throughout the Los Angeles area is still in the early stages of evaluation (and certainly could continue to grow in the coming weeks), but restaurants affected by this natural disaster likely find themselves wondering how to begin their recoveries. What’s the best way to file insurance claims and get timely payouts? What should your legal team look like as you navigate this process? How can restaurant owners ensure the safety and security of their staff?
First of all, David A. Thomas, partner at Blank Rome LLP in the Insurance Recovery Group, urges you to “be careful about all of the misinformation out there. Instead, make sure that you thoroughly understand your rights and the insurance company’s obligations under any insurance policies that might cover your losses. That will help you set expectations of the timing and amounts of any insurance proceeds and determine what you need to do to maximize your recoveries as quickly as possible.”
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As you’re collecting the photos and documents that reflect your restaurant’s damage, reach out to your insurance company. “Restaurant owners should start the claim process by notifying their property insurer that they have suffered losses and asking the insurer for a copy of the policy, which they are entitled to receive,” says David A. Thomas, partner at Blank Rome LLP in the Insurance Recovery Group.
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"How Should Restaurants Affected by the L.A. Wildfires Start to Rebuild?" by Taylor Tobin was published in Bar & Restaurant News on January 19, 2025.
