Wrongful Death Claims in the 2018 Camp Fire if a Loved One Isn’t Found

We extend our sympathies to all of those who have lost somebody close to them due to the 2018 Camp Fire in California. This devastating experience has not only led to the loss of life in many, but has also caused many injuries in hundreds, caused property damage, and many people have lost their homes. Though many bodies have been recovered through search efforts, many more people are missing. Those following the Camp Fire news closely say that many of these people reported missing might be alive and well and not even know that they have been reported missing, while others are truly missing and have not been located or deemed safe since the incident.

The town of Paradise, for instance, was completely engulfed and destroyed by the Northern California Camp Fire. Most homes are now debris, while others barely remain standing. Rescuers have stated that they are on watch for anything that hints at human life that has been lost such as teeth, bone fragments, hip replacements, and more than has been left behind.

An anthropology professor at the Chico State University said that, the sad truth is, many people might not be identified when all is said and done and rescuers throw in the towel. At this time, 1,200 names are on a list of those who are missing and officials are expecting that the list of deaths might actually be higher. Another gruesome truth is that making positive identifications is extremely difficult, as those whose lives have been taken have sometimes been burned beyond recognition. Because of the temperatures of the fire, making DNA analysis will be extremely difficult as well. Because various scientific processes are being used to identify those who are found, it could be a time-consuming process.

If you believe that a loved one might have lost their life in this horrific event but rescuers have not yet identified a body, where do you turn as you move forward? Do you and your loved ones have legal options during this emotional time?

Presumptive Death in Wrongful Death Claims

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has been highly scrutinized and blamed in the Camp Fire that caused chaos for so many families. Now, a lawsuit has been filed in the San Francisco Superior Court for monetary and punitive damages by those who have suffered various losses at the hands of the company. In many serious acts across the world, from natural disasters to acts of terrorism and more, it is not unheard of to find that a body has not been recovered but you are suffering due to the presumed loss of your loved one. You need closure, which is why you might wonder what options you have.

If somebody’s actions have been negligent and reckless and now you have lost somebody close to you or you have presumed to have lost them, you might be able to recover monetary compensation that you can use as a way to get back on your feet after you and others have suffered emotionally and financially due to your losses. Each state has rules on presumptive death, which is when somebody is declared dead in the absence of proof, which can help you move forward with your wrongful death claim. Typically, some time has to pass before you are permitted to bring one of these claims, but this can vary based on the circumstances.

If you are somebody who has suffered losses because your loved one is believed to have not survived the 2018 Camp Fire, you might wonder how you can move forward with your claim. At the Brady Law Group, we wish to offer our support and empathy to you and your family during one of the most devastating experiences of your life. For those who have suffered losses due to the Camp Fire, we sympathize with you and hope that you will be able to gain the strength to move forward during this difficult time. With past personal injury verdicts for those who have suffered at the hands of negligent parties, we want you to know that we are well-equipped for your personal injury or California wrongful death claim when you are in need. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you at (415) 459-7300.