Hope for Victims of the Eaton Fires
You May Be Entitled To File A Lawsuit In California For Fair Compensation
The raging wildfires that leveled Altadena last January were among the most destructive and devastating in California’s history. The Eaton Fire’s physical and economic impact on the community will be long-lasting, and its human cost virtually incalculable.
Driven by historic high winds and parched conditions, the firestorm devoured over 9,400 structures and damaged over 1000 more across more than 14,000 acres. At least 18 civilians and 9 firefighters lost their lives in the blaze, making it the deadliest in recent Los Angeles area history. Family homes, businesses, and livelihoods were destroyed in a matter of hours. Many houses and properties that were left standing are still uninhabitable months after the fire due to damage from smoke, soot, ash, and toxic contaminants.
Compounding problems in the aftermath, California’s rapidly spiraling insurance crisis — skyrocketing premiums, abruptly dropped policies, insurers pulling out of high-risk areas — left up to three-quarters of Eaton Fire victims uninsured or underinsured at the time of the fire. Even for the insured, policy limits may not be enough to cover such catastrophic losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies may deny legitimate claims or try to minimize payouts with lowball offers.
Studies also show that Altadena’s historic Black community was disproportionately impacted due to systemic inequities.
Six months after the fire, many survivors, saddled with an overwhelming financial burden, are still fighting for fair compensation.
The skilled and compassionate wildfire attorneys at Aitken Aitken Cohn are dedicated to helping victims of the Eaton fire hold responsible parties accountable and secure the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
The economic and psychological harm caused by a major wildfire can impact every area of your life. If you or someone close to you suffered property loss, fire-related illness or injury, the death of a loved one, financial losses due to displacement or business disruption, or emotional distress from the Eaton Fire, reach out to our experienced team today for a free consultation.
Our firm offers the personal attention, understanding, and open communication you need in difficult times. We can guide you through the complex legal process of a wildfire claim and evaluate the details of your case to determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit. We operate on a contingency basis, which means that in most cases, you pay nothing until we win.
What caused the California Eaton Fire?
Investigations into the origin of the Eaton fire have focused on outdated infrastructure, particularly power equipment operated by Southern California Edison (SCE). Evidence, including video from the early moments of the fire, strongly suggests that an old, idle transmission line, last active in 1971, may have become re-energized (“induction”) and ignited the blaze.
Holding Southern California Edison accountable for Eaton Fire harm
Southern California Edison (SCE) is now the subject of numerous mass tort lawsuits alleging that the power company’s negligence caused or contributed to the disastrous and deadly fire in Altadena.
Deteriorating equipment and power lines, which stretched through California’s dry and vulnerable terrain, were a disaster waiting to happen for decades. Furthermore, suits contend, SCE knew, in the days leading up to the fire, that red-flag weather conditions would create a hazard; yet, the company failed to take appropriate safety measures to mitigate the heightened risk during a major Santa Ana wind event.
What is a mass tort?
Although it involves many plaintiffs suing one defendant, a mass tort differs from a class action suit.
In a class action, multiple claimants are grouped together under a single lawsuit, which is litigated as a single case and receives a single verdict or settlement.
In a mass tort, multiple plaintiffs with similar complaints file suit against the same defendant. However, it is filed as a single action; each plaintiff’s case is litigated and resolved individually.
Eaton Fire mass torts against SCE are now being consolidated under a designated master complaint. One judge will handle them — Judge Laura A. Seigle, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, on Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles — likely beginning mid-next year.
Aitken Aitken Cohn Helps Altadena Residents Pursue Justice
Six months after the Eaton Fire, many survivors who filed insurance claims have received only a fraction of their damages.
Aitken Aitken Cohn can help victims of the January fires file cases against:
- Insurance companies that have denied, delayed, or undervalued clients’ claims; insurance bad faith.
- Southern California Edison (SCE) for neglecting to properly maintain, repair, and shut down dangerous power lines and equipment
Altadena residents may be entitled to compensation for fire-related:
- Property loss or damage
- Personal injury or illness
- Wrongful death
- Lost income
- Relocation costs
- Pain and suffering; emotional distress
Can I file an Eaton Fire lawsuit even if I had insurance?
Yes, you can pursue a lawsuit against SCE for compensation even if you have already filed a claim through your insurance company.
Do I have to be a homeowner to have a case?
No. Renters whose belongings were damaged or destroyed, who were displaced by the fires, lost business or income, or suffered significant emotional distress can also file a lawsuit.
When should I begin my Eaton Fire Lawsuit?
It’s important to understand that there is a strict timeline for a wildfire lawsuit. You have up to three years to sue for property loss or damage, but only two years to file suit for physical illness and injury or emotional distress. Don’t miss crucial deadlines.
Once the judge begins hearing cases under the master complaint, each one will likely take only a few weeks to resolve; however, processing thousands of cases could take years. As cases pile up in court, they will likely take longer to complete.
Talk to a lawyer At Aitken Aitken Cohn as soon as possible
The Eaton Fire’s almost unimaginable scale has left thousands of people struggling to recover and rebuild. At Aitken Aitken Cohn, we are passionate advocates for wildfire victims. We have decades of experience fighting powerful insurance companies engaged in bad faith practices. We’ve also handled major cases involving Southern California Edison and have a proven record of holding the utility company accountable for harm caused by negligence and inadequate safety protocols. We are here to help you. Talk to one of our Orange County personal injury attorneys today by calling (866) 434-1424.
