California's devastating wildfire seasons don't just harm those in evacuation zones—toxic smoke travels hundreds of miles, causing respiratory illness, heart attacks, strokes, and long-term health damage to millions. If utility company negligence caused the fire, you may have legal claims even if you were far from the flames.
While wildfires devastate communities in their direct path, their health impacts extend far beyond evacuation zones. Research shows wildfire smoke causes measurable increases in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths across California—even in areas hundreds of miles from active fires.
The 2020 wildfire season exposed 25 million Californians to hazardous air quality. Studies estimate that wildfire smoke causes thousands of premature deaths annually in California.
Wildfire smoke causes a range of serious health effects:
Major California utilities have been found liable for devastating wildfires caused by their negligence:
PG&E pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the Camp Fire and has faced billions in wildfire liability. Southern California Edison settled claims from the Thomas Fire and Woolsey Fire. These precedents establish that utilities can be held accountable not just for direct fire damage, but for smoke-related injuries affecting people far from the fire itself.
Successful smoke injury claims require establishing:
Wildfire litigation often involves complex multi-district proceedings with strict deadlines. Evidence preservation is critical—air quality data, satellite imagery, and medical records must be secured promptly.
If you've experienced health problems during or after California's wildfire seasons, contact our attorneys for a free consultation. We can evaluate whether your injuries may be connected to utility company negligence.
Yes. If the fire was caused by utility company negligence, you may have claims for smoke inhalation injuries even if you lived far from the fire itself. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and cause serious health effects.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals that cause asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations, heart attacks, strokes, reduced lung function, and increased mortality—especially in vulnerable populations.
If negligence caused the fire, liable parties may include utility companies (like PG&E), landowners who failed to maintain property, contractors whose equipment sparked fires, or government entities responsible for fire prevention.
Evidence includes air quality data from the relevant time period, medical records showing the timing of symptoms, expert testimony linking smoke exposure to your condition, and prior health records showing your baseline health.
California's statute of limitations is generally two years for personal injury claims. However, deadlines can vary based on when you discovered your injury and who the defendant is. Consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
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