Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered in a California Wildfire?

Although wildfires may ignite due to natural causes such as lightning strikes or the heat of the sun on dry grass, more often than not, they occur due to an intentional, reckless act caused by a negligent individual. A fire can ignite rapidly due to instances such as a tossed cigarette, people using fireworks irresponsibly, and unmanicured lawns too close to power lines. When California fires get out of control, evacuation is necessary to protect residents from smoke inhalation and other injuries.

Consult an experienced California wildfire lawyer if you believe the injuries you sustained were the result of a negligent party. At Younglove Law Group, we will conduct a detailed investigation into the event to determine liability, and if one or more parties are shown to be responsible for causing the fire, they may be held liable for the wildfire injuries you have suffered.

Liability in a California Wildfire Claim

In order to assess who is liable for the injuries you sustained in a California wildfire, the experienced wildfire lawyers at Younglove Law Group can conduct an extensive investigation into how the fire started to determine who may be responsible for damages. If one or more parties could have prevented the fire, that party may be held financially responsible for the fire and fire-related injuries.

Almost 90% of all wildfires are the result of human error, including:

Failing to correctly install, inspect and maintain power lines and electrical equipment
Failing to clear flammable foliage around a home
Failing to practice reasonable campfire safety
Negligence following fire safety rules
Failing to maintain vehicles to prevent car fires
Arson

If a negligent party causes a wildfire to erupt, they may be held accountable for fire-related damages, such as injuries, property damages, and death. At Younglove Law Group, we can help you obtain the necessary evidence needed to prove liability in a wildfire claim. As a California wildfire victim, you have the burden of proof for each element of your claim before you are entitled to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Damages Recoverable in a California Wildfire Claim

Wildfires can cause severe injuries to victims unable to evacuate. The amount of compensation you may recover depends on the type of injuries you sustained and the extent of your injuries. Consult an experienced California wildfire lawyer for an assessment of your claim to determine the value of the award to which you may be entitled.

You may recover economic and non-economic compensation for the following injuries sustained in a California wildfire:

Smoke-Related Injury

The smoke from a California wildfire can be particularly damaging to the lungs, especially in instances in which there are fumes from paints and metals in the air. Smoke-related injuries may include respiratory infections, asphyxiation, lung poisoning from chemicals and smoke, and bronchitis.

Physical Injuries

Wildfires can inflict serious physical injuries on victims and may cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability related to third-degree burns. Physical injuries may include:

Burns and burn-related complications
Nose, throat, and lung injuries
Soft-tissue damage
Eye injuries
Amputations
Blast injuries

Seek medical attention promptly following a wildfire injury. Some injuries may be unseen due to the chemical fumes in the smoke that may have damaged your lungs. A medical professional can administer treatment that strengthens recovery. Having medical records of injuries related to the wildfire can also serve as valuable evidence in your wildfire injury claim.

Emotional Suffering

Survivors of California wildfires may also experience emotional distress and suffering due to undergoing traumatic events or debilitating injuries. You may be able to recover non-economic damages in a wildfire injury claim, including the following:

Mental distress or anguish
Psychological trauma
Depression or anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Long-term disability
Lost quality of life

Working with an experienced California wildfire lawyer can help you strategically build a successful case from which you can recover the maximum, fair compensation you are owed for the physical injuries and emotional suffering you endure in your daily life following the wildfire.

Speak With the California Wildfire Lawyers at Younglove Law Group

As a California wildfire victim, you may have various methods in securing the compensation you are owed for the injuries you have suffered, including a homeowners insurance claim, a business insurance claim, or a third-party liability lawsuit. Consult an experienced California wildfire lawyer at Younglove Law Group to determine if you have a claim and the value of your award. We offer aggressive and strategic legal advocacy to protect your legal rights if you have been harmed by a wildfire started by a negligent party.

At Younglove Law Group, we are an experienced legal team of award-winning litigators offering compassionate and aggressive representation. We are proud to have successfully recovered more than $40 million for clients in jury verdicts and settlements so they could focus on their recovery and healing. Schedule a free case review at (949) 691-3660 or fill out our contact form.