Haven't Filed a Claim Because it's "Too Small? 

Let the Claims Experts Help You Make the Right Decision

Release Date: January 17, 2001
Release Number: HQ-01-CG03

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Any Cerro Grande Fire survivors who have not yet applied for compensation for property, business and financial losses suffered in the May, 2000, wildfires are urged to submit a Notice of Loss as soon as possible in order to hasten their recovery process.

Don Erbach, director of the Cerro Grande Fire Claims Administrative Office, said that while the deadline for filing a claim is Aug. 28, 2002, "we want to assist all fire survivors as soon as possible so that they may quickly restore their homes and businesses and get on with their lives."

Erbach said that more than $22.8 million in partial payments have been approved thus far for affected individuals and businesses in Los Alamos and the surrounding area.

Not sure whether or not you qualify for compensation? The director pointed out that anyone who believes that they have suffered injuries, damages or other losses as a result of the Cerro Grande Fire, no matter how small or large, may file a claim.

"Please don't disqualify yourself because you're convinced your claim is too small," advised Erbach. "Allow our experts to help you make the correct decision."

Claimants may be individuals or households, Indian tribes, governmental entities, corporations, businesses, private not-for-profits, or any other entity that suffered injury as a result of the fire, Erbach said.

"We are offering several ways for residents to easily have their questions answered and concerns responded to," Erbach said. These informational sources include:

Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Dec-2003 13:14:19