Many people are injured or killed in fires every year. Pets are also affected by fires. Approximately 40,000 pets are killed in fires every year. Most of these deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.
If you are forced to evacuate because of a fire, you may wonder what will happen next. If you live on a ranch, what will happen to your cattle? If you take your dogs and cats, where will they stay? Evacuation centers and hotels often do not typically allow pets.
One thing to keep in mind is that pets are considered property under California law. As such, you can receive compensation for them if they are injured or killed in a fire. Determining their value, however, is a different story.
A lot is going through your mind at such a stressful time. Make sure you keep all the members of your family safe—even your furry and feathered ones— by following these tips.
Keeping Pets Safe
If possible, take your animals with you when you evacuate. In the event that a fire is spreading quickly and you have to leave immediately, here are some things to keep in mind.
- ID your pets. A name tag, microchip or some other sort of identification can help bring your pet back home in the event of a separation.
- Look for a pet evacuation center. Human evacuation centers often do not allow pets. You should be able to find a makeshift location to keep your pets, such as the local fairgrounds.
- Be wary of livestock. Livestock animals tend to frighten easily, so they will likely be panicked in the event of a fire.
- Check animals for injury. Look for burns, swelling, and smoke inhalation, which can be fatal. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
- Stay calm. Animals can sense fear, so avoid panicking when handling them.
Determining the Value of Your Pets
There are several ways in which the insurance company will value your pets. One is the fair market value, which is how much your pet would be worth if sold today. Several aspects are factored into this amount, including age, breed, and health of the animal.
Replacement cost is another form of valuation. This refers to the accomplishments of the animal, such as certifications and awards won. Special economic value refers to service animals or animals that are considered irreplaceable due to their skills. In the case where breeding was a key activity, a judge may award compensation for lost income due to a lack of offspring.
Seek Legal Help from The Wildfire Lawyers
Pets are just like family to many people. Losing them or having them injured in a fire can be devastating. In the event of a fire, you can recover compensation for damages.
The lawyers at The Wildfire Lawyers will help you understand your legal rights when it comes to animal injuries and fatalities caused by a fire. We have several locations throughout California. Fill out the online form or call (888) 501-6083 to schedule a consultation.