If you were injured in a wildfire, a wildfire attorney from Wildfire Law Center can help. We work firsthand with fire accident victims and their families. We understand how devastating an unexpected fire can be. We are here to advocate for you during this challenging time.
Wildfire Law Center is a plaintiffs’ only firm and represents victims of wildfires, including the infamous Camp Fire. We know you’ve already suffered enough. We are here to use our 60 years of combined experience to help you recover full compensation and guide you through the claims process so that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
You can learn more about our services by contacting us online or calling us at (619) 566-6464 to arrange a free consultation.
How Our California Wildfire Attorneys Can Help
At the Wildfire Law Center, we focus exclusively on helping individuals who have been injured in fires, as well as the surviving family members of those who have lost a loved one in a fire. This narrow focus has allowed our California wildfire attorneys to develop the skills and resources necessary to recover the compensation fire injury victims are entitled to.
Some of the reasons to consider hiring our California fire damage lawyers for your wildfire case include:
- We have over 60 years of combined legal experience we put to use to capably handle your claim.
- We can investigate your claim thoroughly to identify all potentially liable parties and determine your best course of action for recovering maximum compensation.
- We have been recognized in national and local publications, including being named in SuperLawyers, BestLawyers, Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and Best of the Bar – San Diego Business Journal. These organizations have recognized our high ethical standards and strong client advocacy.
- We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
If you would like to find out if you have a viable claim after the Camp Fire, contact our firm today.
How Common Are Wildfires in California?
Every day, it seems like there is a new wildfire raging in California. Unfortunately, these wildfires are becoming more and more common.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire), there were 5,267 fires in 2021 handled by CAL Fire or the US Fire Service. These fires affected 204,921 acres.
What Are Camp Fire Lawsuits?
Camp Fire lawsuits are based on the worst wildfire in California history, which began at Camp Creek Road.
Here are the most important things to know about Camp Fire lawsuits:
History of the Camp Fire
In the early morning of November 8, 2018, a devastating fire was sparked. Thousands of brave firefighters from over 100 fire departments battled the blaze for 17 days.
The fire was the largest and deadliest in California’s history, resulting in:
- 85 civilian deaths
- Injuries to civilians and firefighters
- The burning of over 150,000 acres and 18,800 structures
- The burning of over 10,000 single-family homes
- Nearly 300 apartments destroyed
- Over 3,700 mobile homes destroyed
- The burning of 630 commercial buildings
- Another 4,363 other burnt buildings
The efforts to control the fire were courageous and involved 75 water tenders, 6,212 fire engines, 103 bulldozers, and 24 helicopters. The fire resulted in the evacuation of over 52,000 people, many of whom fled on foot with children in their arms because vehicles blocked the roadway trying to escape.
The fire affected people in the following communities:
- Paradise
- Magalia
- Yankee Hill
- Pulga
- Centerville
- Concow
- Butte Creek Canyon
- Berry Creek
- Butte Valley
- Forest Ranch
- Inskip
- Oroville
- Stirling City
- Helltown
If you were affected by the Camp Fire, contact a California wildfire lawyer from Wildfire Law Center for help. You may have a claim for wrongful death, personal injury, property loss, or business loss.
What Caused the Camp Fire?
One of the reasons why the Camp Fire was so devastating is that it was not a traditional forest fire. The fire started near a PG&E transmission line, which is believed to have been caused by a PG&E equipment failure that ignited dry grass nearby. The initial point of spark was along Camp Creek Road.
News reports indicated that PG&E had previously removed failed wire sections and the jumper extension and that another portion of its equipment malfunctioned after the Camp Fire began. PG&E allegedly reported a downed or failed transmission line.
History of PG&E Fires
PG&E has been linked to several other wildfires. Cal Fire said in a news release that PG&E’s equipment had caused 12 wildfires that spread in hot, dry weather and high winds in October 2017 alone. That fire caused the death of 18 people and destroyed thousands of structures.
Based on the infamous Camp Fire, lawsuits have already been filed in the case, alleging that PG&E was negligent in the maintenance of its equipment and in not turning off power to its lines when winds and conditions posed a danger.
Who is Liable for the Camp Fire?
Current lawsuits allege PG&E was negligent in causing the Camp Fire because the company allegedly did not maintain its transmission lines in a safe manner and failed to turn power off to lines when wind and other conditions exceeded acceptable levels.
Common Injuries Following Wildfires
Wildfire victims may suffer various serious injuries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports common injuries following wildfires include:
- Death
- Decreased lung function
- Worsening of cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and lung diseases
- Respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and problems breathing
- Pulmonary inflammation
- Eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation
- Burns
Of course, wildfires can cause emotional and psychological injuries, too.
Damages Recoverable for Camp Fire Lawsuits
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your losses, you may have claims for one or more of the following:
- Wrongful death – If you lost a loved one in the Camp Fire, you may be able to seek compensation for funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of financial support, and other damages stemming from the death.
- Personal injury – Wildfires can have a traumatic effect on victims. They may suffer physical and mental injuries because of the fire. They may cause nightmares, behavior problems, and anxiety. Long-term respiratory issues may also be a problem. A personal injury claim could provide compensation for future medical expenses and lost earnings.
- Property loss – Wildfires can cause extensive damage to homes, other structures, and personal property. They can also compromise the foundation and require the help of engineers to determine if a structure is still safe to inhabit.
- Loss of business – The fire destroyed thousands of buildings, many of which were businesses and provided the owner’ with their livelihood.
Our legal team can review your claim and help you determine how to pursue compensation for the losses you’ve suffered.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Camp Fire Victim Attorneys
If you were injured in the Camp Fire, the entire legal team at Wildfire Law Center is here to help. We want you to get on your road to recovery and will do everything within our power to help you accomplish that.
Let us put our more than 60 years of combined experience to use. We can explain your legal rights and options during a free case review you can arrange when you contact us online or call us at (619) 566-6464.