Wildfires in California can be frightening, stressful and extremely destructive. In addition to the known costs related to medical care and property damage after a fire, wildfires can burden victims with many hidden costs. This includes financial tolls as well as the emotional burden of constant uncertainty and anxiety about the future. If you are the victim of a wildfire caused by negligence, we can help. Our Eaton Fire lawyers are currently representing victims against Southern California Edison, contact us today for more information.
Long-Term Displacement
After a major wildfire, it can take years for a community to recover enough to welcome its residents back. The recent Palisades Fire, for example, caused such destruction in the area that the recovery period is expected to be between two and five years or longer, according to Andrew Rumbach of the Urban Institute. For some residents, rebuilding their homes is not even a possibility due to rezoning rules and environmental damage. Others do not want to move back into a home – even if it’s still standing – with no stores, schools or neighbors nearby due to the massive level of local wildfire destruction. Unfortunately, insurance companies will not pay full benefits to a policyholder if the home only suffered a “partial” loss. While some aid for displacement costs exist through programs like FEMA, this may not be enough to cover long-term displacement or permanent relocation. Home insurance policies can provide important financial benefits in these situations, but often not enough to cover 100 percent of long-term relocation costs.
Invisible Property Damage
Even if a home or property is still standing after a wildfire, there can be invisible damage that makes it unlivable until expensive property repairs have been completed. Smoke damage, for instance, is not always visible but can affect the interior and exterior. Blankets, bedding, carpets and furniture can absorb the smoke and require replacement. Sadly, many wildfire victims discover after the fact that they are underinsured. The price to rebuild and restore damaged properties often exceeds insurance estimates, leaving homeowners to pay for repairs out of pocket. This can be especially difficult for victims who are facing employment challenges and lost income due to the wildfire, as well.
Property Value Decreases
A wildfire can devastate a neighborhood or community, leading to financial losses even for people whose homes were not directly impacted. A loss of foot traffic and visitors to the area can lead to reduced rental incomes for property owners, as well as an overall decline in property value. The stigma that can follow places affected by wildfires can decrease real estate demand.
Anxiety and Psychological Trauma
The hidden costs of a wildfire are not only financial; they also come in the form of long-lasting psychological trauma and mental health declines for many people who were directly involved in the fires, had to quickly evacuate or are now coping with devastating losses. The aftermath of a wildfire can lead to chronic anxiety and stress, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Mental health care is not always something that is covered by insurance.
What to Do as Someone Affected by a California Wildfire
When insurance fails to adequately cover your wildfire losses, contact a team of wildfire attorneys to explore your legal options. You may be eligible for greater financial compensation through a lawsuit against a responsible party. This could be a utility company, a government agency or an individual, depending on the cause of the fire. A settlement or judgment award can help your family gain the financial means to restore your lives and rebuild as much as possible. If you have been impacted by a recent California wildfire, help is available at Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian. Contact us for a free case consultation.