Unprecedented Destruction: Investigating the Impact of Los Angeles County’s Most Devastating Wildfires

eaton fire lawyersAt Aitken Aitken Cohn, we are deeply committed to advocating for those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, including the Eaton Fire, the Pacific Palisades Fire, and the Hurst Fire. Our attorneys bring a wealth of experience handling wildfire claims and are actively investigating these catastrophic events to hold responsible parties accountable.

These devastating wildfires have burned about 38,000 acres across Greater Los Angeles, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and, heartbreakingly, claimed 24 lives. The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire now stand as the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history, leaving families grieving, displaced, and facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.

The Eaton Fire, which began near Eaton Canyon in Altadena on Tuesday night, has forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate their homes. As of January 13, the fire has consumed more than 14,000 acres and remains only 33% contained. CalFire estimates indicate that over 7,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed. Preliminary evidence suggests the fire may have been sparked by electrical equipment, a possibility we are examining closely in our ongoing investigations.

Victims of the Eaton Fire have already begun seeking justice, with lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison alleging negligence in failing to de-energize electrical equipment despite red flag warnings. While SoCal Edison has denied responsibility, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection continues to investigate the fire’s cause.

At Aitken Aitken Cohn, we are committed to helping wildfire victims navigate the legal process, pursue justice, and secure the resources needed to rebuild. If you or your loved ones have been impacted, our team is here to provide compassionate guidance and unwavering support.

If you or anyone you know has suffered losses in the Eaton Fire, call us today for a free consultation so we can assist you during this difficult time. Here is a list of resources offered for those affected by the Eaton Fire:

Eaton Fire Evacuation Centers

  • Westwood Recreation Center:1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. (accepts small animals)
  • Pasadena Convention Center:300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: 480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506 (accepts large animals)
  • LA Equestrian Center Large Animal Shelter 480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open Tuesday, January 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College Community Education Center (3035 East Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106). Starting Wednesday, January 15, the center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At the center, people can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on their FEMA application for assistance, and learn about the appeals process. FEMA financial assistance may include money for essential home repairs, personal property losses, or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses.

What Homeowners Should Know

The California Department of Insurance offers some tips to homeowners who have suffered fire damage and are looking to file a claim:

  • Before the immediate threat of fire danger, homeowners should understand their insurance policies and ensure adequate coverage for extensive property damage. Make sure you obtain a complete report of your policy for your records.
  • If your home has already sustained fire damage, filing a home insurance claim as quickly as possible is essential. The sooner you file a claim, the quicker the recovery process will begin.
  • If your home is uninhabitable due to fire damage, note your Additional Living Expenses limits. These will help pay for hotels, restaurants, and other expenses. Make sure to track all your expenses.
  • Document all your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated “claim diary.” If your adjuster says something is excluded, limited, or subject to certain conditions, ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in your policy being cited.
  • If your home experiences smoke and ash damage, you must ensure your property and possessions are inspected, tested, and documented. Take pictures of all visible damage, and if you’re suffering from any health problems, go to your doctor.
  • If your insurance company cancels your coverage, you may qualify for the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan (FAIR), which offers basic fire coverage to homeowners who lost their property insurance because of wildfires.

Aitken Aitken Cohn’s Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst Fire Litigation Experience

Aitken Aitken Cohn has an extensive background handling major cases involving Southern California Edison. The Aitken trial team has previously secured a confidential settlement against the utility company in a wrongful death case involving the electrocution deaths of three family members caused by down SCE power lines. In the settlement, SCE admitted to violating the Public Utilities Code and claimed their electrical poles and power lines in and around the area had been poorly constructed and inadequately maintained per their standards. Our firm also represented the family of a man who was electrocuted in Cabazon after approaching a vehicle that had crashed into an SCE utility pole.

Our Eaton fire attorneys have experience handling wildfire claims and represented victims of the Woolsey Fire, helping them seek justice and recover from their losses due to the devastating wildfire sparked by faulty SoCal Edison equipment.

Our firm also has a longstanding background in handling Insurance Bad Faith cases. Insurance bad faith, also known as “insurance fraud,” is used to describe the mistreatment of consumers and businesses by insurance carriers.

Wylie Aitken previously secured a $17 million verdict on behalf of two homeowners who claimed their insurance company failed to properly investigate the loss after filing a claim following a house fire that damaged 80% of their home and personal property.

If you or anyone you know was affected by the wildfires in Southern California, fill out the form below or call one of our Orange County personal injury attorneys at (866) 434-1424 today.

Written on behalf of Aitken Aitken Cohn