Serving California
When the insurance company says no, we make the case.
Townsend Pyle LLP represents California families and businesses whose fire and property claims were denied, delayed or underpaid, and people who have been seriously injured anywhere in the state.
Prefer to talk now? Call (833) 324-5399 · Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
TOWNSEND PYLE LLP
Trial lawyers for policyholders and injured people
- Partners on every caseYou work directly with Eric D. Townsend and Jacob B. Pyle.
- Built for insurance fightsFire, smoke, water and bad faith claims statewide, from denial to trial.
- Marine Corps disciplinePreparation, follow-through and no backing down when the facts are on your side.
- Free reviewFree consultation. No fee unless we win.
Selected results
Results obtained by Eric D. Townsend and Jacob B. Pyle.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results described on this site are examples of past matters and do not predict or guarantee the result of any future case. Every case is different and depends on its own facts and the law. Amounts shown are gross recoveries, before attorney’s fees and costs. Where shown, “carrier first offered/paid” is what the insurer had offered or paid before the client retained counsel. Client names and identifying details are omitted.
How we help
Two practices. One standard: prepared to win.
Choose the path that fits what you’re facing.
Fire & property insurance
For homeowners, renters, landlords and businesses anywhere in California whose insurer isn’t paying what the policy promises.
- Wildfire Claims
- House & Business Fires
- Smoke, Soot & Ash Damage
- Total Loss Claims
- Contents & Underinsurance
- Loss of Use & ALE
- Denied & Delayed Claims
- Insurance Bad Faith
Serious personal injury
For people who have been seriously injured anywhere in California, and for families who have lost someone, facing insurers who want to settle fast and cheap.
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Burn & Fire Injuries
First offered vs. total recovered
The insurer’s first answer is rarely the final number.
In each of these matters the insurer had paid little or nothing before the client retained counsel.
Doe v. Doe Insurer
Doe v. State Farm
Doe v. Doe Insurer
Doe v. Doe Insurer
Results obtained by Eric D. Townsend and Jacob B. Pyle.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results described on this site are examples of past matters and do not predict or guarantee the result of any future case. Every case is different and depends on its own facts and the law. Amounts shown are gross recoveries, before attorney’s fees and costs. Where shown, “carrier first offered/paid” is what the insurer had offered or paid before the client retained counsel. Client names and identifying details are omitted.
Why Townsend Pyle
A small firm built for big fights with insurers.
Insurance disputes are our core work
Fire, smoke and bad faith claims aren't a sideline here. We read policies, estimates and claim files every day, and we know where insurers cut corners.
Trial lawyers, prepared from day one
We build each case as if a jury will see it. Insurers recognize the difference, and it shapes how they negotiate.
You talk to your lawyer
A two-partner firm means direct access to the attorneys handling your case, not a rotating cast of case managers.
Clear, honest advice
We'll tell you what we see, including the hard parts, so you can make informed decisions about your claim.
Serving California
From our San Diego office, we represent policyholders and seriously injured people throughout California.
No upfront cost
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
* Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are selected by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of California.
Your attorneys
Meet the partners
Managing Partner
Eric D. Townsend
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and University of San Diego law graduate, Eric focuses his practice on Insurance Bad Faith and Injuries.
Read Eric’s bio →Partner
Jacob B. Pyle
Jacob pairs a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Michigan with a law degree from the University of San Diego, bringing an engineer’s eye for fire and smoke damage, building systems and causation to every policyholder and injury case.
Read Jacob’s bio →What to expect
How a case moves forward
Free review
Tell us what happened by phone, form or chat. A lawyer looks at your situation at no cost.
Investigation
We gather the policy, claim file, records and evidence, and bring in experts when needed.
Demand & negotiation
We present a documented demand and press the insurer to pay what is owed.
Litigation if needed
If the insurer won't be fair, we're ready to file suit and take your case to trial.
Resources
Practical guides for policyholders and injured people
Fire claim checklist
Steps to protect your claim in the first days and weeks after a fire.
Read the checklistFrequently asked questions
Straight answers about claims, bad faith, deadlines and fees.
Read the FAQLos Angeles fires (2025)
Where many claims stand and what affected families can do now.
Learn moreQuestions
Common questions
What does it cost to work with you?
Your first consultation is free. For most cases, we work on a contingency fee, meaning no fee unless we win.
My insurer hasn't denied my claim, but it's dragging on. Should I call?
Yes. Delay and underpayment are among the most common problems we see, and early advice can keep a claim on track.
What is insurance bad faith?
It's when an insurer unreasonably fails to honor its obligations, for example by denying, delaying or underpaying a valid claim without a proper basis.
How long do I have to act?
Deadlines vary by claim type. Many injury claims must be filed within two years, claims against public agencies can require notice within about six months, and policies have their own time limits. Don't wait.
Where do you handle cases?
We serve clients throughout California, for insurance claims and personal injury cases alike. Our office is in San Diego.
Do I need to come to your office?
No. We can meet by phone or video, or in person at our San Diego office.
Free case review
Tell us what happened.
A lawyer will review your situation and explain your options. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Prefer to talk? Call (833) 324-5399 or chat with our intake assistant.