What Are Common Causes of California Wildfires?

Every year, the state of California is put under threat of devastating wildfires caused by a number of different factors. Despite the valiant efforts of firefighters and government programs meant to monitor the fire and smoke threats in the state, many Californians and visitors to the state suffer serious injuries and illnesses as a result of being exposed to terrifying wildfires.

Almost nine out of every ten wildfires in California result from human error. If a negligent party is the cause of a wildfire, they may be potentially held accountable for their actions via a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim. Our law firm can help perform thorough investigations into the cause of the wildfire to determine who may be responsible for economic and non-economic damages.

Common causes of wildfires in California include the following:

  • Arson
  • Blown tires
  • Burning debris
  • Equipment malfunctions
  • Failing to inspect utility power lines regularly
  • Failing to practice campfire safety
  • Failure to clear flammable foliage around a home or property
  • Failure to trim trees near power lines
  • Fireworks
  • Improper vehicle maintenance to prevent car fires
  • Improperly installed or maintained power lines and electrical equipment
  • Negligence following fire safety rules
  • And more

Whatever the cause of the wildfire, it is important that victims of fire and smoke seek professional legal representation for assistance with their legal claims. Our law firm has years of experience representing clients in complex personal injury cases, including those involving serious burns and smoke inhalation. Schedule a free consultation with our legal team today.

What Are the Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation?

When an individual is exposed to thick smoke, the hot gases can irritate various tissues and organs, including the throat and lungs.

Symptoms of inhaling smoke include the following:

  • Asphyxiation
  • Black or gray mucus
  • Bronchitis
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulties breathing
  • Fainting
  • Heart failure
  • Increased risk of emphysema and asthma
  • Loss of lung capacity
  • Lung injuries
  • Mental confusion
  • Nerve damage
  • Persistent coughs
  • Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
  • Red eyes
  • Respiratory tract and irritations and infections
  • Severe headaches
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Vocal cord damage and changes in voice
  • Wrongful death

Are Parties Held Liable for Causing a Wildfire?

If another party’s negligence or recklessness was the cause of a wildfire, it may be possible to pursue compensation from that party and their insurance company provider.

Your attorneys will investigate the personal injury claim for smoke inhalation and attempt to determine the cause of the wildfire. If the cause can be traced back to a negligent party, then the at-fault party can be held liable under the law.

In some cases, FEMA provides federal disaster assistance relief to those negatively affected by wildfires. Such grants can help pay for temporary housing as well as other expenses related to wildfire damages. In other cases, you and your attorney will file a lawsuit against the at-fault party responsible for starting the fire. For legal assistance filing a claim, please get in touch with our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation.

Can Victims of Wildfires Seek Financial Recovery for Smoke Inhalation Injuries and Illnesses?

If another party’s carelessness or recklessness caused a wildfire, then it is possible to hold that party accountable for damages, including smoke inhalation injuries and illnesses. To do so, we strongly recommend retaining professional legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. Our law firm has extensive experience representing numerous types of personal injury cases, including those involving wildfires.

In order to recover compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance provider, a straight line must be drawn between their guilt and your resulting injuries or illnesses. If this can be accomplished, wildfire victims can recover financial compensation for their injuries and illnesses.

Economic and non-economic compensation recoverable in a personal injury claim include the following:

  • Chronic pain
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Long-term disability
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
  • Lost quality of life
  • Lost wages and lost income earning capacity
  • Mental health issues like depression or anxiety
  • Past medical bills and future medical expenses
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Wrongful death and grief or mourning

Do Surviving Loved Ones Have Legal Options for Wrongful Death Claims?

Wildfires are known to cause fatalities either in the blazes of the inferno or due to smoke inhalation. In 2020 alone, more than 30 victims passed away due to California wildfires. In 2018, the deadliest wildfire in California’s history, the Camp Fire, claimed 85 lives.

If you lost a loved one in a wildfire or due to health complications following smoke inhalation, you may be entitled to financial recovery for a wrongful death case.

Contact our law firm for legal assistance in filing a wrongful death claim against negligent parties responsible for causing the wildfire. If successful, you can recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of the decedent’s wages, lost companionship or parental love, mental anguish, related medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You with Your Case?

The damage of wildfires can feel incredibly overwhelming and difficult to comprehend, especially for victims trying to put their lives back together. Thankfully, wildfire victims have several legal options available for obtaining financial compensation. However, filing a claim, especially a third-party liability lawsuit, is not always a straightforward process. You should retain professional legal counsel from experienced personal injury attorneys during the legal process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If a California wildfire recently impacted you, contact our law firm for legal assistance filing a personal injury claim for smoke inhalation or other injuries and illnesses. Our law firm has extensive experience representing clients in various personal injury cases. We would be proud to represent your legal matters as you pursue justice and financial recovery.

To schedule your free case evaluation, contact our law office at 909-325-6185.