Fuller Law Firm
408-234-7563
79 Devine Street, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95110
408-234-7563
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408-234-7563
The world has watched in horror as wildfires continue to devastate Southern California. Homes and businesses have been destroyed, and many lives lost. Many have claimed that Southern California Edison may have contributed to the Eaton Fires because the company apparently did not de-electrify power lines as the fire approached. Another issue with the timing of emergency alerts and evacuation orders in Altadena has prompted the question of whether a government agency could be liable for multiple deaths.
Can a government entity be held accountable for the harm caused by its negligence? Is it particularly challenging to bring claims against the government? Working with a knowledgeable San Jose, CA personal injury attorney can ensure that you meet the filing deadlines, follow protocols correctly, and get the compensation you deserve.
Before the fires spread throughout Altadena, residents in eastern Altadena received multiple warnings of the approaching wildfire on January 7th, including a "LEAVE NOW" alert. However, some areas in western Altadena did not receive the first alert until 3:25 am and 5:42 am on January 8th. 17 lives were lost in western Altadena.
While it is uncertain whether earlier warnings would have saved those lives, an Altadena Town Councilmember admitted that the notification system should have sent alerts much earlier. Los Angeles County officials are considering a motion to look into the emergency notification systems.
Although other methods of notifying residents are often used, including patrol cars driving through neighborhoods using loudspeakers and knocking on doors, some people in western Altadena claim these methods were not utilized before the fire reached their area.
Most personal injury claims are based on negligence. Government agencies have differing responsibilities, but all must uphold their legal obligations to avoid causing harm. Many situations could provide grounds for pursuing a compensation claim against the government. For example:
Your child was harmed in a public school or on a school bus.
A motorcycle crash was caused by unmaintained roads with unrepaired potholes.
Government vehicles caused a collision.
Government employees harmed you.
These cases are subject to stricter protocols and a reduced statute of limitations compared to similar claims against non-governmental parties, making it necessary to retain skilled legal representation if you hope to succeed with your claim. Injured victims or families of fatal accident victims may qualify for damages for things like property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
While any personal injury case can be challenging, those involving a government agency are particularly complicated. A dedicated San Jose, CA wrongful death lawyer from Fuller Law Firm knows how to overcome the challenges. Request your free evaluation today by calling 408-234-7563 or contacting us online.
408-234-7563From our office in San Jose, California, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including but not limited to Campbell, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Milpitas, Mountain View, Fremont, Stanford, Union City, and Santa Clara County.
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