Earthquake Damage Lawyer

In the heart of the west coast, along the mighty San Andreas Fault that forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, California lives with the real threat of earthquakes on a daily basis. From the picturesque coast of San Francisco to the urban neighborhoods of Los Angeles, earthquakes choose neither time nor place, leaving families in a state of shock and uncertainty before the devastating force of nature.

As longtime residents of California and legal professionals with decades of experience we at Bojat Law Group deeply understand the unique challenges faced by earthquake victims in our state. We have been with families through the frantic nights after major earthquakes, conducted countless conversations with civil engineers and damage-assessment experts, and faced persistent insurance companies that try to minimize the severity of our clients’ losses.

Sasha was wonderful to work with. He handled my case with care and made sure that not only did I receive all of the medical treatment I needed for my injury, but that I was also compensated appropriately for my pain and suffering. Highly recommend Bojat Law Group!

Bojat Law Group truly cares for their clients and their well-being. They are caring, communicative, effective, efficient, and knowledgeable. I appreciated all they have done to help and being there every step of the way during such a tumultuous and uncertain time. I very highly recommend Sasha and the Team.

Exceptional legal service! I had the privilege of working with Sasha , and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Their team displayed unparalleled, expertise and dedication throughout my experience. Their communication was always right on point! I highly recommend Sasha and team for their professionalism, integrity, and outstanding representation!

Our knowledge of the legal system in the field of earthquake damage is not accidental. We have built strong relationships with leading construction engineers, damage assessors, and insurance professionals in our district.

Call (818) 877-4878 – When an earthquake or natural disaster damages your property, do not leave insurance up to fate. Our team has already helped property owners recover over $50 million for damaged property. We are ready to fight for you.

Meet Earthquake Damage Lawyer Sasha Bojat

Spurred on by the devastating effects of the 1994 Northridge earthquake on the Southern California community Sasha Bojat has dedicated his legal career to representing victims of earthquakes and natural disasters. His expertise in the field of property law and specifically earthquake damage has made him one of the leading lawyers in this field.

As the founder of Bojat Law Group attorney Sasha Bojat has built a reputation as an uncompromising advocate for his clients in the fight against insurance companies. His ability to combine legal expertise with a technical understanding of construction damage has resulted in over $50 million in realized compensation for clients following the Bay Area earthquake (2014) and Ridgecrest (2019).

Member of the California Bar (#304199)
One of the “Top 40 under 40” lawyers in California
Law school lecturer on the rights of victims of natural disasters
Certified structural damage assessor (California Structural Assessment Program)

Most Common Eartquake Damages

Earthquakes can cause a variety of damage that requires a specific legal approach. Some of the most common problems are:

Structural Damage:

- - Cracks in the foundations
  - Damage to load-bearing walls
  - Deformation of the roof

Internal Damage:

- - Plumbing and heating
  - Walls and ceilings
  - Floors and tiles

Personal Injury:

- - Head and brain injuries
  - Bone fractures
  - Spinal cord injuries

Had a Property Damage?
Get a Free Consultation

At Bojat Law Group, we believe everyone should have access to justice. That’s why our property damage lawyers don’t take any payment up front.

Instead, they’re paid on contingency. That means their payment is a predetermined percentage of your final settlement or jury award, and you don’t pay anything out of pocket during the claims process.

We also offer free, no-obligation consultations, so contact us today for a free review of your case.

Who Is Responsible for Earthquake Damage

When an earthquake strikes your property, determining responsibility is not easy. While standard home insurance excludes earthquake damage, there are several parties who may be legally responsible for the damage incurred and obligated to pay compensation. Understanding who may be responsible is key to maximizing your compensation.

1. Insurance companies

2. Owners of the building/property

3. Construction companies

4. Local authorities

5. Designers/Architects

Earthquake Statistics in California

As a firm specializing in earthquake damage cases, it is important that you understand the scale of seismic activity in our region.

Although California is known for earthquakes, it is interesting to know that:

California is the second most seismically active state in the United States, right after Alaska
With 39 million inhabitants and 163,000 square miles, California has the highest concentration of population in the seismically active zone of the United States

The five countries in the US with the most earthquakes are:

Alaska
California
Hawaii
Nevada
Washington, D.C.

Our country is experiencing:

Approximately 10,000 earthquakes a year
100-150 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater
A devastating earthquake (M6.7 or greater) every 5-6 years
Average annual damage of $3.7 billion

Strongest Earthquakes in California

Fort Tejon (1857) – The M7.9
San Francisco (1906) – M7.9 – more than 3,000 people killed
Loma Prieta (1989) – M6.9 – 63 people killed
Northridge (1994) – M6.7 – $20 billion in damages
Ridgecrest (2019) – M7.1
Northern California (2024) – M7.0 – in the Pacific, triggered tsunami warnings

Does Standard Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage

No – standard home insurance in California does NOT cover earthquake damage. Earthquake protection requires the following:

Special earthquake insurance (California Earthquake Authority)
Standalone earthquake policy

What standard insurance does NOT cover:

Structural damage from earthquakes
Cracks in foundations and walls
Damage to installations
Collapse and demolition

Earthquake insurance amounts:

Average annual premium: $850-3,000
Deductible: 10-15%
Minimum policy: $50,000

FEMA and Earthquake Relief Assistance

FEMA plays a key role in earthquake recovery in California, but many are not familiar with the process and limitations of federal assistance. In order for FEMA to activate its programs, the U.S. president must declare a state of disaster for the affected area.

After the declaration, FEMA can provide emergency assistance of up to $35,500 per household. These funds cover basic repairs necessary for the safety of the home, temporary housing for families whose homes are uninhabitable, and emergency medical expenses associated with the earthquake.

However, it is important to understand that FEMA is not a substitute for insurance. The agency requires that you use your insurance first, and federal assistance covers only what your insurance does not cover. This means that you must document your denied insurance claims before contacting FEMA.

FEMA also conducts prevention programs through grants for seismic reinforcement facilities. These programs can cover a significant portion of the cost of modernizing your home to better withstand future earthquakes.

To qualify, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
Have verified damage in the disaster zone
Submit the paperwork within 60 days
Accept the inspection of a FEMA assesso

Remember: FEMA assistance is limited and is intended for basic needs, not full recovery.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Earthquake victims in California may receive different types of compensation, depending on their insurance coverage, the extent of the damage, and their ability to access state assistance. Here is an overview of the options available:

Compensation through earthquake insurance
Help from FEMA
State Aid Programs
Compensation Through Lawsuits (you can sue the property owner for failure to comply with building standards, the contractor for substandard construction or the insurance company for unjustified denial of payment.)
Additional Compensation (for lost wages due to business interruption, as well as for psychological trauma and stress, with appropriate medical documentation.)

Time Limit For Earthquake Claims in Californi

After an earthquake time is a key factor. Failure to meet legal deadlines may mean the loss of entitlement to compensation. Each type of request has a different deadline:

For insurance: 30 days for the initial damage report and 1 year for filing a complaint

For FEMA: 60 days after the declaration of disaster

For claims against third parties: 2 years for bodily injury and 3 years for property damage

“Do not wait until the last minute. Earlier reporting means faster processing and better documentation of the damage.”

Case Results

Bojat Law Group has recovered over $1 million in verdicts and settlements for personal injury victims.

$527K

Car Accidents

$291K

Truck Accidents

$182K

Motorcycle Accidents

Areas We Serve

Our law firm provides services in all parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas:

Downtown Los Angeles

Beverly Hills

Santa Monica

Pasadena

Long Beach

Glendale

Burbank

San Fernando Valley

South Bay

Free Consultation | No Fees Unless We Win

After property damage or an earthquake devastates your home, the last thing you need is the burden of legal expenses. At Bojat Law Group, we handle your case without any upfront costs. During your free consultation, you’ll speak directly with Sasha Bojat who will evaluate your situation and outline all available legal pathways.

We shoulder all financial responsibilities – from property assessments to litigation expenses. Our payment comes only from successfully resolving your case. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.

Call (818) 877-4878 right away – we are available 24/7. If you cannot reach us, we come to you – to the hospital or to your home.

“In Los Angeles, every earthquake and property damage case represents a family’s future. Our mission is to help them secure what they deserve and move forward.”. Sasha Bojat

Frequently Asked Questions

What does earthquake insurance cover?

Earthquake insurance typically covers:

Structural damage to your home.
Loss or damage to personal property.
Temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable.
Additional living expenses incurred due to displacement.

What should I do immediately after an earthquake?

Ensure safety: Check for injuries and structural stability before re-entering your home.
Document damage: Take photographs and videos of any visible damage to your property and belongings.
Contact your insurer: Notify your insurance company to initiate the claims process.
Seek legal advice: If your insurance claim is denied or undervalued, consult a property damage lawyer for guidance.

How is earthquake damage assessed?

Licensed appraisers evaluate the extent of structural and personal property damage.
Documentation like photos, repair estimates, and receipts is essential for accurate assessment.
Experts may be hired to determine the costs of repair, replacement, and additional expenses.

Can I claim compensation for personal injuries caused by an earthquake?

Yes, you may claim compensation if:

The injuries resulted from negligence, such as unsafe building conditions.
Liability can be proven against a property owner, landlord, or another responsible party.

What if my insurance company denies my claim?

Review the denial letter to understand the reason.
Collect additional evidence supporting your claim.
Consult with an experienced earthquake damage lawyer to challenge the denial and negotiate a resolution.

Get a Free Consultation Today!

“Sasha was absolutely amazing!! Very attentive, very communicative, and would always handle each interaction with white gloves. He worked with the very best to make sure I was taken care of and recovered accordingly. At the end of the day, he exceeded my expectations by a large margin. Thank you, Sasha!!”

Andrew Schmidt

“Bojat Law Group is a group that actually cares about its clients. They helped me with a case I would have lost if I had gone to anyone else. They provided a life changing experience and I will never go to a different law group in regards to personal injury.

They transparent this law group is one of a kind and I couldn’t be more grateful to have found them.”

Dylan Short

“Sasha was wonderful handling my case. Explained everything in detail where we could understand the process. My case was handled smoothly and efficiently. His eased all our worries when it came to getting compensation for my case. Very accommodating! Would recommend him to anyone.”

Bethany Braun

Main Office

Westlake Village Office

2829 Townsgate Road, Ste. 100

Westlake Village, CA 91361

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Contact Us Today

Westlake Village

2829 Townsgate Road, Ste. 100, Westlake Village, 91361, CA

Woodland Hills

21550 Oxnard St, 3rd Fl., Woodland Hills, 91367, CA