To my neighbors and community:

Here is some information on remediating smoke damages if your house was spared.

My background: I have lived in El Medio Bluffs neighborhood since 1998. Many know me from my involvement in PAPA and co-founding the Palisades Rocks the 4th concert/fireworks show. I have been practicing law since 1991, and the first seventeen years was mostly representing insurance companies on property related coverage and “bad faith” disputes. I have handled a ton of earthquake, mold and fire related claims. In 2007, I started my own law firm in West Los Angeles focusing on real estate, insurance and business disputes. From the prior seventeen years, my law practice was representing insurance companies in property related coverage disputes.

Here is my friendly information for my Palisades neighbors:

First, make your insurance claim!

Second, should I retain an attorney now? For many homeowners, it may be too early to retain an attorney, unless your insurer flatly denies you coverage. If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am not taking any Palisades fire insurance cases at this time.

Basic information on smoke damages: If you home is still standing, you probably have smoke damages, but the more precise term is property damages caused by combustion by-products (CBPs)

Combustion by-products (CBPs) are substances produced when materials burn incompletely.

  1. Soot is fine black particles composed primarily of carbon, resulting from incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Soot can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues
  2. Char is residue left after the combustion of organic material, such as remains of burned wood.
  3. Ash is the residue left after the complete combustion of a material. This can be a source of environmental contamination.
  4. Metal Oxides are compounds formed when metals react with oxygen during combustion. These can include oxides of iron, aluminum, and other metals, and may pose health risks if inhaled.
  5. Asbestos can be released into the air during the combustion of materials containing asbestos. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung diseases, including cancer.
  6. Lead can be released during the combustion of materials containing lead, such as certain paints or batteries. Lead exposure can cause a range of health problems, particularly in children.

These by-products can pose significant health risks are often a concern in fire-damaged environments. Their by-products can pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues, heart problems, and cancer, due to their toxic nature and ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.

Because of the potential health risk, many homeowners are getting home inspected as soon as possible by an industrial hygienist (“IH”). The IH should do a complete inspection (including attics, crawlspaces, etc.); should perform various types of testing; and should prepare a report and scope of work for a separate remediation company.

Keith Turner
kjt@turner.law