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What Damages Can I Receive After a Wildfire?

If you have recently lost property in a wildfire, you may wonder what damages you can recover. The answer depends on the facts of your case and the type of damages incurred. In this blog, we will review the damages typically recoverable after a wildfire: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that compensate you for your financial losses—this can include the cost of:

  • Property damage
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of employment and income
  • Loss of future earnings

If you have suffered economic damages as a result of a wildfire, you may be able to recover these losses through a personal injury lawsuit.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are those that compensate you for your non-financial losses. This can include:

  • pain and suffering
  • loss of enjoyment of life
  • emotional distress

Non-economic damages are a bit more challenging to quantify than economic damages, but they can still be recovered in a wildfire lawsuit.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are given out to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. To recover punitive damages, you must typically prove that the defendant's conduct was especially egregious. Punitive damages are not available in all cases, but they may be an option if you have lost property in a wildfire due to another party’s negligence.

Wildfires are a devastating force of nature that often leaves people without their homes and possessions. If a person becomes a victim of a wildfire, they must seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can help wildfire victims navigate the legal system and ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to.

In addition, a lawyer can provide invaluable support during the claims process. Wildfire victims who obtain legal assistance are more likely to receive fair and just compensation than those who do not. As such, anyone who has been impacted by a wildfire should consider seeking out the assistance of a qualified lawyer.

If you have lost property in a wildfire, we recommend calling our attorneys at Robins Cloud LLP. Call our team at (800) 691-2363 or reach us through our website here.

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