Holding Southern California Edison Accountable in the Eaton Fire Disaster
SCE Lawsuits Seek Justice and Compensation For Victims in Altadena
Shortly after 6 pm on January 7th, 2025, the second-most destructive and fifth-most deadly wildfire in California history broke out in the Eaton Canyon area of Altadena. The blaze quickly exploded, its scale and rate of spread almost unimaginable. By the afternoon of January 8th, the inferno had reduced the historic community to ash and rubble. Fanned by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds in bone-dry terrain, within less than a day, flames consumed 9414 structures and damaged over 1000 more across 14,021 acres. Single-family homes, apartment buildings, businesses, schools, houses of worship, cultural landmarks, and much more were levelled in a matter of hours; 19 civilians and nine firefighters lost their lives.
Further, many homes and properties spared by the fire itself remain uninhabitable today due to smoke damage and dangerous pollutants. Soil samples taken months after the fire at some residences in or around the impacted area detected hazardous levels of asbestos, lead, and other heavy metals and toxic substances, even after federal clean-up crews removed topsoil and ash.
Making matters worse for victims, a mounting insurance crisis in recent years — characterized by exponential rate hikes, dropped policies, companies’ refusal to underwrite new policies, and providers rapidly pulling out of high-risk areas — has left approximately three-quarters of Altadena residents uninsured or underinsured. Even many insured property owners and residents have discovered, post-fire, that their policies are insufficient to cover such catastrophic losses. Insurance companies, squeezed by multiple disasters, may make low-ball offers or deny legitimate claims.
Six months after the Eaton Fire, many survivors are still overwhelmed by their financial burden and are fighting for fair compensation. Studies have also demonstrated that systemic inequities and historical redlining left Altadena’s Black community disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of the disaster.
Recovery is ongoing, but the vast physical, economic, emotional, and community devastation of the Eaton Fire will be long-lasting.
The experienced and caring wildfire attorneys at Aitken Aitken Cohn understand that the losses and harm caused by a catastrophic wildfire affect every area of your life. We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and helping victims of the Eaton Fire secure the resources they need to rebuild their lives. We understand that financial compensation cannot undo what you have suffered — but it can provide critical support as you rebuild your life.
For over four decades, survivors of catastrophic events have depended on our firm for the knowledge, compassion, personal attention, and clear communication they need in difficult times. We can guide you through the complex legal process of a wildfire claim, as well as litigation if you are eligible for a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one suffered damages from the Eaton Fire, including the loss of a home or business, fire-related injury, illness, or wrongful death, economic harm due to displacement or business disruption, or psychological trauma, contact our skilled team today for a free consultation. We take cases on a contingency basis — typically, you pay nothing until we win.
Did Southern California Edison (SCE) equipment start the Eaton Fire?
In the days leading up to the blaze, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued not only red-flag warnings but also their most severe alert, a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS). In a conference call with Southern California emergency officials, the NWS cautioned that “a truly historic” wind event was coming within days.
Ongoing investigations into the cause of the devastating blaze have centered on outdated and deteriorating power infrastructure. Evidence — including surveillance video from a gas station located at 1633 North Altadena Drive in Pasadena, which shows sparks falling from an electrical tower, and shortly thereafter erupting in flames, just moments before fire began spreading out of control — suggests that reenergization of an old power line, dormant since the early 1970s, may have sparked the fire. SCE officials have acknowledged that this is a leading theory.
Numerous mass tort lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) allege that the tragic Eaton Fire was a preventable disaster, caused or exacerbated by the power company’s negligence, including failure to properly maintain crumbling equipment and failure to take proper safety measures in advance of extreme weather, despite plenty of warning.
Plaintiffs in the suits include homeowners and business owners, renters, and other individuals and legal entities who have suffered personal and financial losses, injuries, illnesses, emotional distress, displacement, and other damages due to the Eaton Fire.
What is a mass tort?
Mass torts are similar to class action suits in that they involve numerous plaintiffs with similar or related complaints suing a single defendant; however, they differ in the way they are litigated and resolved.
In a class action suit, all claimants are grouped into a single case that receives one verdict or settlement. In a mass tort, multiple plaintiffs file suit against one defendant in a single action, but every individual plaintiff’s case is litigated and resolved separately.
Mass torts can also be grouped together. Numerous mass torts against SCE, arising from the Eaton Fire, are now consolidated under one designated master complaint and will be handled by a single judge. Judge Laura A. Seigle, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, located on Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles, is expected to begin hearing cases in mid-2026.
Although each case will likely take only a few weeks to resolve, processing thousands of cases could take years. Suits filed later may take longer to resolve, as cases get backlogged in court.
The skilled wildfire team at Aitken Aitken Cohn supports Altadena residents pursuing justice and compensation
Aitken Aitken Cohn is helping victims of the Altadena fires file lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) for failing to maintain, repair, and properly shut down hazardous power lines and equipment despite ample warnings of critically dangerous conditions.
Victims of the Eaton Fire may be entitled to compensation for:
- Destroyed or damaged property
- Illness or injury
- Wrongful death
- Lost wages or income
- Expenses due to evacuation and displacement
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress
Am I eligible for an SCE lawsuit if I had insurance?
Yes, lawsuits against SCE are separate from insurance claims. You can sue SCE for damages even if you are currently working with an insurance company.
Can I file a lawsuit if I was a renter in Altadena?
Yes. You do not have to be a property owner to be eligible to bring a lawsuit against SCE. If you are a renter who was displaced by the fire, if your residence or belongings were damaged or destroyed, if you lost income, or suffered significant emotional distress from the disaster, you can also file a lawsuit.
Is there a time limit for a Southern California Edison Lawsuit?
Yes. It’s crucial to understand that there are strict deadlines for taking legal action after a wildfire disaster. You have only two years to seek compensation for fire-related injury, illness, or emotional distress, and three years to sue for property loss or damage. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our Commitment to the Eaton Fire Victims in California
The financial and human toll of the Eaton Fire is massive. Thousands are still struggling to recover and rebuild. We are here to help.
At Aitken Aitken Cohn, we are passionate advocates for disaster victims and are not afraid to take on powerful corporations that bear responsibility for the crises. We have handled major negligence cases involving Southern California Edison, holding the utility company accountable for harm caused by outdated equipment, disrepair, and inadequate safety measures. Reach out to our Southern California personal injury attorneys today by calling (866) 434-1424.
