Is There a Risk of Psychological Trauma After Experiencing a Wildfire?

Following the Camp Fire, many individuals have suffered serious impacts from personal injuries to the loss of loved ones, to outstanding property losses. When you think of the injuries that one might sustain following a wildfire, what do you think of? The most typical include burn injuries and smoke inhalation, as these are the most common. However, we also have to think of those who have suffered psychological trauma due to the wildfires. A wildfire can be a traumatizing event for all involved, especially when you have lost almost everything in a fire that you could have never expected.

PTSD in the Event of a Wildfire

Many people believe that PTSD can only affect those who have experienced the devastation of war or have experienced a severe and life-changing car accident. However, those who have fallen victim to the traumatic effects of wildfires across California are now coming forward after sustaining mental injuries related to the fires and are still suffering today as they look back on the devastation that took lives of family members and burned family homes to the ground. Of course, everybody will handle these disasters differently, but some will suffer in deep ways that we can’t see on the surface.

The impact that a wildfire will have on sufferers depends on many different factors from the nature of your losses, the degree of impact, the disruption that the fire has had on your life, the aftermath, and the level of psychological adjustment. While some will cope with losses on an experienced level, others will suffer the very realistic effects of PTSD.

Many people don’t understand how deeply individuals suffer after one of these traumatic events. After Hurricane Katrina and its impact in 2005, studies were conducted that showed that every one in six survivors met PTSD criteria while others developed anxiety due to the effects. The same can be said for survivors of the Tubbs Fire and many other fires that have impacted California on harsh levels over the years. With the Camp Fire being rated one of the worst fires in all of California history, there is no doubt that many survivors continue to suffer due to the recklessness that occurred to prompt this horrific fire.

Common Responses Many Have to Traumatic Events 

After a traumatic experience, here are some aspects that many individuals might suffer from:

• Feelings that become more and more unpredictable and intense over time, which can lead to irritability and anxiety
• Thoughts and behavior patterns that are vastly affected
• Recurring emotional reactions after you have been triggered, such as smoke, ash, or siren sounds
• Strained relationships with the loved ones around you

Unfortunately, it is not just those who have lost homes or received injuries that are affected. Research has shown time and time again that first responders are also affected in psychological ways following one of these horrific incidents. If you have been affected by the aftermath of a wildfire, you have many options during one of the most difficult times of your life.

At the Marlene Leiva Law Group, we understand how difficult it can be to face the aftermath of a wildfire on both physical and emotional levels. You might have a variety of questions concerning your claim, such as the length of the lawsuit process and how to receive maximum compensation in the midst of your case. We would like to stand by your side and protect your rights during this difficult and traumatic time. Contact us for more information at 415-459-7300.