Slater & Gordon are investigating the launch of a class action on behalf of people impacted by the recent fire. As part of these investigations, we are offering advice at no cost to those affected. We have appointed experienced Perth bushfire lawyer, Kevin Banks-Smith, to work on the matter.
Our investigations will focus on two broad categories of loss that property owners may have suffered; loss arising from damage inflicted by the fire (including smoke damage) and loss arising from changes in property values (including properties not directly affected by the fire).
Fire Damage
The November fire inflicted substantial damage upon property in the area, and not all losses will be covered by insurance. In our experience of handling several WA fires, property owners with normal home and contents cover will be left with significant losses; sometimes up to 50%. We will provide specific advice with regards to your rights to those after insurance losses. We will also advise you if you are entitled to take steps to pursue these losses independently from your insurer, and if this is in your best interests.
Our advice will not be restricted to those who lost their homes or those with properties situated in Prevelly, and will be made available to any person who has suffered losses as a result of the fire.
Property Values
Slater & Gordon will be also be investigating if the value of the unaffected homes in Prevelly have been adversely affected by the surrounding fire damage. This type of loss is not normally covered by the usual home and contents insurance, but can be sought by way of legal action if necessary.
Next Steps
The Keelty Inquiry into the fire will be an important step in determining the circumstances that led to the fire, and it is unlikely that a class action will commence until the inquiry hands down its report. In the meantime, we will be providing advice to individual claimants and participating as an advocate in the inquiry process for affected property owners where possible. The sooner you obtain advice, the better protected your rights to claim compensation will be.
Seeking advice from us about your legal position does not obligate you to participate in any legal action that may be taken. If a class action is to proceed, we will provide services on a No Win No FeeTM basis. Under a No Win No FeeTM Agreement, Slater & Gordon can only charge you for its professional services if a successful result is obtained from the legal representation.
Any person impacted by the fire who is interested in further information should contact Slater & Gordon on 1800 287 114 or by email: WABushFiresClassAction@slatergordon.com.au