Vol. 2 · October 2026 · Los Angeles / Southern California
Earthquake Damage Resource
Expert Guidance for Seismic Damage Assessment and Recovery
legal

How to Choose an Earthquake Damage Expert Witness in California: A Hiring Guide for Attorneys

A practical guide for California attorneys on hiring an earthquake damage expert witness: the admissibility standard, the credentials that hold up, CV vetting, fees, and red flags.

By James Whitfield ·
Seismic Retrofitting

Older Homes and Earthquake Risk: Pre-1980 Construction in Southern California

Pre-1980 homes in Southern California face elevated earthquake risk. Learn about common vulnerabilities, building code history, and retrofit options.

By James Whitfield ·
Structural Assessment

Lateral Load and Seismic Force: How Engineers Evaluate Whether a Building Can Withstand an Earthquake

Learn how structural engineers evaluate earthquake risk using lateral load analysis, seismic force calculations, and building code performance standards.

By James Whitfield ·
Insurance Claims

How Long Does an Earthquake Insurance Claim Take in California?

Learn the typical timeline for earthquake insurance claims in California, from initial filing through settlement, and what factors cause delays.

By James Whitfield ·
Insurance Claims

Chimneys, Parapets, and Non-Structural Damage: What Earthquake Insurance Covers

Understand what earthquake insurance covers for chimneys, parapets, and non-structural damage. Learn about common coverage gaps and how to file these claims.

By James Whitfield ·
Insurance Claims

The CEA (California Earthquake Authority): Is State Earthquake Insurance Worth It?

An objective look at California Earthquake Authority insurance — coverage, deductibles, limitations, and whether CEA policies are worth the cost for homeowners.

By James Whitfield ·
Insurance Claims

HOA Earthquake Damage Responsibility: Who Pays for What in a Condo or Townhome

Understand who is responsible for earthquake damage in a condo or townhome. Learn how HOA insurance, individual policies, and CC&Rs determine who pays.

By James Whitfield ·
Earthquake Damage

Commercial Building Earthquake Assessment: What Business Owners Need to Know

A guide for business owners on commercial building earthquake assessments, including post-event inspections, ATC-20 tagging, and insurance documentation.

By James Whitfield ·
Structural Assessment

Foundation Cracks After an Earthquake: Which Are Structural and Which Are Cosmetic

Learn how to distinguish structural foundation cracks from cosmetic ones after an earthquake. Understand crack patterns, assessment methods, and next steps.

By James Whitfield ·
Earthquake Damage

What You Should Do Before and During an Earthquake

Practical steps to prepare for an earthquake and what to do when shaking starts, including the Drop, Cover, and Hold On method recommended by emergency experts.

By Earthquake Damage Resource Staff ·