Situated at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Altadena is a census-designated community surrounded by chaparral vegetation. The hot summers here, followed by intense, dry winds, make it extremely susceptible to wildfire.
People who have been injured or displaced by a wildfire in Altadena may have the right to file an Altadena wildfire lawsuit to recover their losses. These commonly include property damage, such as losses to homes or business infrastructure, as well as loss of personal and business income due to displacement or disruption.
If someone suffered injuries from the wildfire, they can recover damages for their physical injuries and the psychological trauma and also recover wrongful damages if they lost someone.
Property Damage
Property damages is often the most immediate consequence of wildfire.
Settlements and homes near the wildlife can be set ablaze. You can recover your property damages through insurance claims.
You can recover the entire value of every structure incinerated on your property, not just the home structure. Garage, lawn, garden, farm, backyard, wells, irrigation systems, etc.
Your lawyer can hire experts like licensed contractors, to calculate the entire value of your lost property. You may be compensated for your property’s reduced value, even after repairs, as it may not be worth the same.
Physical Injuries and Medical Costs
Wildlife fire victims may experience burn injuries, permanent disfigurement, and respiratory issues from inhaling fumes.
Victims often face extensive medical costs to treat these life-altering injuries. The tangible damages may include:
- Surgery, treatment, and physical therapy costs
- Emergency care
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Psychological Toll and Distress from Burn Injuries
When a wildfire results in burn injuries, the victim doesn’t just face physical pain. They have to endure severe forms of emotional distress, such as PTSD, trauma, and depression.
The victim can recover their psychological damages from the wildfire in their claim.
With the help of psychiatrists or psychologists, your lawyer can calculate your non-economic damages.
Personal Income Loss
You can use economic experts to calculate your lost and future income due to the wildlife.
A wildfire can force you out of work, whether due to evacuation and temporary displacement, destruction of your workplace, or your injuries. Insurance can help you recover the income you missed during this entire period.
Loss of Business Income
If a wildfire affected your business property, you can recover damages beyond just the commercial property.
Financial experts calculate how much of your business income is gone, reduce your earning capacity, and create documents that include tax returns and profit-and-loss assessments.
The losses may include:
- The cost of relocating your business or operating from a different location
- The loss of your customer base
- Business assets that were lost
- Loss of inventories and equipment
Wrongful Death
If a wildfire takes someone’s life, the surviving family member has the right to file for a wrongful death claim.
We know no amount of money can bring your loved one back alive, but the compensation can give you the money your loved one would have contributed their entire life to.
The recoverable damages in wrongful death include:
- Funeral costs and burial expenses
- The financial support the deceased would have provided for a lifetime
- The loss of parental guidance and love
- Spousal companionship
- Emotional grief and suffering experienced by the surviving family.
Should You Hire an Attorney for Wildfire Lawsuits?
Yes, wildfire claims are very complicated. Many experienced attorneys already know what it’s like for wildfire victims, as they have worked with many vulnerable communities.
A professional lawyer knows how to determine fault and calculate and secure your damages while allowing you to recover from the wildfire.
Key Takeaways
- If your home and land were damaged in a wildfire, you can file a property damage claim.
- Burn injury victims can recover economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Your lost personal income and business income, including the future losses, are recoverable damages.
- If you lost someone to the wildfire, you can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.
