Wildfires can lead to many different catastrophic losses, including property, income, or even human life. Because these fires are often the result of human behavior (usually corporate negligence), it may be possible to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. A Fallbrook wildfire lawyer could help identify potential defendants and hold them accountable.

These cases can be complicated and enormous in scope, making them difficult to resolve without the help of seasoned legal counsel by your side. Give yourself the best chance of success by working with a compassionate injury attorney from our firm.

How Are Wildfires Started?

Most major fires in California are ignited by human activity. While droughts and heat waves can exacerbate the severity of these fires, there is always an initial ignition source—typically human in origin. Although environmental factors may intensify the damage, it is the individual or entity responsible for starting the fire that is ultimately accountable.

Some fires are started intentionally, although these only make up a handful of cases. Others stem from pure negligence, like leaving a campfire unattended or throwing a lit cigarette butt into dry grass. Negligence can also be the result of some kind of mechanical failure, such as falling power lines caused by poor design or maintenance. Some of the largest fires in California’s history come from some kind of faulty or incorrectly operated machinery or equipment.

Regardless of the specific cause, property owners may have a case for compensation for their losses when negligence is the cause. A Fallbrook wildfire litigation attorney could help identify who is responsible and pursue legal action to hold them accountable.

Available Damages in Wildfire Litigation

A fire could impact a person’s life, health, business, or property in countless ways. These losses can be catastrophic, eliminating years of hard work in a matter of moments.

The good news is that a wildfire litigation attorney in Fallbrook might be able to help recover a range of monetary damages.

Property Losses

A major part of wildfire losses is property damage. Millions of acres and thousands of buildings can burn in larger events, leaving enormous losses in their wake. Properties damaged or destroyed by wildfire can include:

  • Businesses
  • Landscaping
  • Barns or sheds
  • Swimming pools
  • Personal property
  • Ranching equipment
  • Apartment buildings
  • Single-family homes

Even the structures left standing could still be unstable due to smoke or water exposure following the fire.

Emotional Damage

The emotional toll of losing your home in a wildfire can be overwhelming and long-lasting. A home is more than just a physical structure—it represents safety, stability, and cherished memories. When a fire destroys or severely damages your property, it disrupts your sense of normalcy and security, leading to significant emotional distress.

In addition to the loss of your home, the process of evacuating during a wildfire can be equally traumatic. The fear and uncertainty of escaping a life-threatening situation, coupled with the chaos of leaving behind treasured possessions, can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many wildfire survivors struggle with the emotional strain of starting over, especially when faced with the loss of irreplaceable sentimental items, such as family photographs or heirlooms.

A Fallbrook wildfire attorney understands that these emotional damages are just as real and impactful as physical or financial losses. Emotional damages in a wildfire case may include:

  • Psychological Distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the traumatic experience of the wildfire and its aftermath
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities or maintain relationships as you did prior to the fire
  • Emotional Distress from Displacement: The stress of living in temporary housing or facing uncertainty about when or if you will be able to return to your home
  • Trauma from Evacuation: The lasting impact of being forced to leave your home under dangerous and urgent circumstances, often without knowing if you will have a home to return to

Compensation for emotional damages acknowledges the deep personal loss and emotional suffering that wildfire survivors endure. While no financial award can fully restore what has been taken, pursuing these damages can provide critical resources for counseling, therapy, and rebuilding your life. A Fallbrook wildfire litigation attorney could help document the emotional impact of your losses and advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Personal Injury Compensation

When fires lead to injuries, the injured party could be entitled to compensation that covers their physical, emotional, or financial losses. In other words, they might be entitled to recoup their lost wages or medical bills resulting from the fire as well as damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or scarring.

Wrongful Death

The unfortunate reality is that serious fires often lead to fatal injuries. If a loved one dies due to fire or smoke exposure, the at-fault party could face both civil and criminal consequences. A wrongful death action could cover things like funeral and burial costs. Additionally, damages may be available to surviving relatives who relied on the decedent when they were alive.

Talk to a Fallbrook Wildfire Litigation Attorney Today

These catastrophic events can be difficult for anyone to deal with. A Fallbrook wildfire lawyer could take the stress of managing a complex lawsuit off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Call today to schedule a private consultation.