Risks to the Elderly Population in the 2018 Camp Fire

When disasters take place anywhere in the world, certain populations are more at risk of serious and even life-threatening results. Unfortunately, this has been the case for the elderly population ever since the early beginnings of the California Camp Fire. Why are there so many dangers posed to elderly individuals when these disasters take place around the world? Today we want to focus on these reasons and just how many elderly people have already been negatively impacted.

The Rising Death Toll in California 

Several weeks ago, the death toll in California was already at 84 due to the horrific Camp Fire caused by the PG&E Corporation. This number has risen yet again over the past few weeks and continues to rise as bodies of loved ones left behind are discovered in relation to the horrific incident that changed lives. Hundreds upon hundreds of individuals are still unaccounted for, with many loved ones fearing the worst. This specific fire in California has destroyed more structures than the state’s other worst wildfires combined, and is easily one of the deadliest.

Out of the 84 deaths that took place before Thanksgiving, only 54 have been identified. Many people who are unaware of where their elderly loved ones are located fear the worst, as the elderly population has particular risks when it comes to evading the horror and devastation that these fires can bring.

Why Elderly Are Most at Risk 

When we hear about natural disasters across the world, you always hear that the young and elderly are most at-risk. Why is this? Smoke inhalation risks are acute for the young due to the fact that their respiratory systems are still in the beginning developmental stages. The elderly, on the other hand, tend to have weakened defenses to exposure when particles are floating through the air due to wildfires.

Already, many elderly’s names have been added to the growing lists of those who have lost their lives due to the California Camp Fire. Some of the names include 63-year-old Ernest Foss, whose swollen legs prevented him from being able to walk and escape, 65-year-old Vinnie Carota who was missing a leg and had no transportation away from the fires, and 83-year-old Evelyn Cline, who struggled to get in her vehicle without help. Many others were disabled with a variety of other issues, including dementia and beyond, making it nearly impossible for them to leave. Many were unaware of the fact that the inferno was headed in their direction and with no family to help in some cases, they were unable to leave the destruction.

Though family members and many organizations tend to work together in the event of a wildfire and other natural disasters, sometimes individuals still continue to, unfortunately, be left behind for a variety of reasons. If you are someone who has lost a loved one due to the California Camp Fire, you may wonder how you can move past these horrific and life-changing times.

The dramatic impacts the California Camp Fire left behind has been upsetting and traumatic for many families and our attorneys at the Brady Law Group are here to offer our support to you in your time of need. Elderly are most likely to suffer the injury-causing and deadly effects of smoke inhalation and severe burn injuries. Because of this, you need an attorney who will stand up for your rights and the rights of victims when you need them the most. Contact us for more information at (866) 478-6483. We are waiting to hear from you.