Over Three Months Past the Camp Fire, Where Are We Now?

After a disaster, it can take what feels like a lifetime to get back on track and make a difference in the lives of many who have suffered. This is the reality for those who endure the effects of tornadoes, tsunamis, and more. It is especially true for those who endure wildfires and their horrific impacts. For those who have suffered at the hands of the Camp Fire, where PG&E is found to have acted in a negligent manner, there is still much to be done.

It is now over three months since the initial fire started blazing through California, especially around the area of Paradise, which essentially burned to the ground and took many homes and lives with it. Certain affected communities have been struggling to come to terms with many aspects, such as how they will be able to move forward and bring a lawsuit for compensation that will help them get back on their feet once more. With numerous roadblocks standing in the way, many individuals are without homes and suffering from injuries that have been holding them back in many ways.

Finding the Missing 

Even though the Camp Fire is many months behind us, there are, surprisingly, still people who are missing. In the beginning, the list of those missing sat somewhere around 1,300 individuals, and now that list has dropped down to just two missing. For those who are still missing loved ones, they are living in fear that their loved ones might never make it home. While investigators work to identify and find the individuals who have been deemed missing, this is the status quo.

As of now, the death toll for the entire Camp Fire remains at 85, with 73 remains still to be identified. Many names have been released to the public so that families know that their loved ones have been found and can move forward during this difficult time. The trauma that has been left by the Camp Fire will live on for centuries.

The Issue of Repopulation 

Though it has not been an easy concept, individuals are working on repopulating Paradise and many other areas where they are able to. Many people are working with insurance companies at this time and have chosen to stay in the area and rebuild. Those who chose to stay in the area in homes that were not burned to the ground could remain at their property while cleanup took place. However, in doing so, they have found themselves in a desperate situation, where they would have to find other accommodations until the area was declared safe for their return. With smoke inhalation a very real fear, residents continued to fight for clean solutions and keep themselves from harm while they were met with the trauma of starting life anew.

State and Federal Aid 

With the fears that the president would cut off FEMA support and make it impossible for many to move forward during this difficult time, many organizations stepped up for relief and to assist those in need following the devastation of the Camp Fire. Paradise Disaster Recovery Centers are now open for those in need, with many other programs stepping up where other support has left off. Camp Fire debris removal programs were set up for those who were starting fresh and needed to get rid of the debris left behind on their old homes. On top of that, the SBA has been working to give about $300 million in loans to the survivors of the fire. As of now, they have reported that they have been successful in granting upwards of 2,452 loans to those who are attempting to rebuild and get on with their lives after the fire.

Children Returning to School 

Another issue that has become prevalent is that many children are making their return to school, but schools are currently suffering due to the turmoil left over by the Camp Fire. In fact, many schools in the Paradise area were completely closed down, making it impossible for children to receive their education for weeks to months and causing delays for the many children. The Paradise Unified School District has found that multiple places were able to reopen and team up to give children the education they deserve.

Attempts to File Lawsuits 

Lastly, one of the biggest issues that many people face is not having enough resources to get back on their feet once more. This means that many people are faced with the decision of having to team up and file a lawsuit against PG&E for damages. However, since PG&E filed for bankruptcy on January 29, there is no telling what the future will hold and what this means for many people who have not been able to rebuild or face the reality of their injuries during this difficult time. PG&E has claimed that they are restructuring their business and many who have open claims might find that they are not entitled to the same opportunities that they have had in the past before the bankruptcy filing.

Because many are not sure where their claims will take them, it is imperative to move forward with your claim with the help of an attorney. It is now three months into the California Camp Fire and many people still do not have the resolution they need to move forward. At the Marlene Leiva Law Group, our attorneys have dedicated themselves to helping many victims receive the compensation they deserve to move forward during this difficult time. If you have suffered immeasurable losses and want to move forward with a lawsuit, our attorneys will help you understand the many elements involved in your case. Contact us to find out what we can do for you at 415-459-7300.