Los Angeles Fire Lawsuit Lawyers

Southern California has recently experienced a series of devastating wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and Palisades Fire, which have collectively forced over 150,000 residents to evacuate their homes and tragically claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals. These wildfires have caused catastrophic property damage across residential, agricultural, and commercial areas, displacing families, disrupting businesses, and leaving entire communities grappling with massive losses. Recent estimates place the total financial losses at $250 billion, though the fires remain uncontrolled, and both the damage totals and death toll could rise significantly in the coming days.

Early investigations and multiple lawsuits have pointed to Southern California Edison (SCE) as a potential source of liability for the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. Plaintiffs allege the utility’s electrical equipment sparked the fire and failed to de-energize powerlines despite red flag wind warnings issued before the fire ignited. California's strict liability doctrine under “inverse condemnation” allows utility companies to be held accountable for wildfire damage, even in cases where negligence is not definitively proven, making this a critical issue for those seeking accountability and compensation.

Call Parker Waichman LLP To Discuss Your Property Loss and/or Personal Injury Claims

Parker Waichman LLP is actively investigating claims related to these wildfires, focusing on property damage, personal injuries, wrongful death, and financial losses suffered by landowners, homeowners, farmers, and business owners in the affected regions. Our legal team is reviewing cases for potential litigation, seeking justice for those impacted by these catastrophic events. While there may be legal questions regarding governmental immunity, particularly for agencies involved in fire management, the lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) highlight potential liability under California’s inverse condemnation laws. We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring those affected receive the compensation they deserve. 

For a free consultation, call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive your free case review and to learn how we can help you pursue justice for your wildfire-related losses.

Southern California Edison Faces Lawsuits Over Deadly Eaton Fire

Southern California Edison (SCE) is facing a series of lawsuits from Altadena residents following the catastrophic Eaton Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025. According to the lawsuits, this tragedy has claimed at least 16 lives, destroyed over 7,000 structures, and burned more than 14,100 acres. However, recent news has recently reported that 24 people have now tragically lost their lives and the death toll is expected to rise. Plaintiffs in these cases are accusing the utility company of gross negligence in managing its electrical equipment and failing to prevent the fire despite well-documented weather warnings.

Claims of Negligence and Mismanagement

Three lawsuits have been filed in California state court, each asserting that SCE failed to uphold its responsibility to mitigate fire risks. The plaintiffs include residents who have lost their homes and livelihoods, such as Evangeline Iglesias, a FedEx worker, and Altadena residents Jeremy Gursey and Michael Richard Kreiner. They allege that SCE's neglect of flammable vegetation near its power lines and failure to de-energize live wires during severe weather warnings directly led to the fire's ignition.

Iglesias’ complaint highlights critical evidence, including video footage, photographs, and witness accounts, which purportedly show flames originating beneath SCE’s power transmission towers in Eaton Canyon. Furthermore, her lawsuit cites data showing over 300 faults on SCE’s lines in the area shortly before the fire began. The plaintiffs also argue that SCE misled the public in its statements, claiming its lines were de-energized prior to the fire—a claim the lawsuits assert is contradicted by evidence.

Legal Allegations and Demands

The lawsuits bring forward several causes of action against SCE, including negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass, nuisance, and violations of California’s public utilities and health and safety codes. Each plaintiff is seeking various forms of compensation, including:

• Property repair costs
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Displacement expenses
• Punitive damages
• Treble or double damages for property damage
• Litigation costs, including attorney and expert fees

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that SCE's actions represent more than mere oversight, labeling them as grossly negligent given the utility's history of causing wildfires. This history includes major liabilities related to the 2017 Thomas Fire, 2018 Woolsey Fire, 2019 Easy Fire, and 2022 Coastal Fire.

Southern California Edison's Response

Southern California Edison has expressed condolences to the victims and their communities, pledging to support recovery efforts. The utility stated that it had not yet been served with the lawsuits and would review the claims once received. While SCE acknowledged the litigation, it also noted that the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The lawsuits against SCE bring renewed scrutiny to the utility's track record. In addition to the current litigation, SCE has faced significant financial liabilities for its role in past wildfires, which have caused widespread devastation across California. These incidents underscore ongoing concerns about the management of electrical infrastructure in fire-prone regions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the victims of the Eaton Fire seek accountability and restitution for their losses. With substantial evidence presented by the plaintiffs and a history of similar incidents involving SCE, these cases may set important precedents for wildfire liability and utility company responsibility in California.

Kreiner Family Trust Sues Southern California Edison Over Wildfire Damage

The Kreiner Family Trust and Michael Richard Kreiner filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company (SCE), Edison International, and unnamed defendants (DOES 1-200) in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The plaintiffs allege that SCE's negligence in maintaining and operating its electrical infrastructure led to the ignition of the Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025. This wildfire resulted in significant property damage, personal injury, and loss of life.

Allegations Against Southern California Edison

The complaint asserts that SCE's powerlines and electrical equipment ignited the Eaton Fire due to the following failures:

1. Negligent Maintenance: SCE allegedly neglected to inspect and maintain its electrical infrastructure properly, including failing to clear flammable vegetation around its powerlines.
2. Failure to De-Energize Powerlines: The plaintiffs claim SCE failed to deactivate its powerlines despite high wind warnings issued before the fire.
3. Inadequate Equipment Design: The lawsuit states that SCE's equipment design allowed electricity to pass through exposed powerlines in dry, vegetated areas, creating a foreseeable fire risk.

The plaintiffs argue that the fire's ignition was foreseeable due to historical fire risks in the area and known vulnerabilities in SCE's infrastructure. The complaint further alleges that SCE prioritized profits over public safety, as evidenced by the company's history of previous wildfires linked to its equipment.

Damages and Impact

The complaint describes significant harm caused by the Eaton Fire, including:

• Destruction of over 1,900 structures
• Damage to at least 258 structures
• The deaths of at least 11 civilians and injuries to five firefighters
• Significant emotional distress and disruption to the lives of the plaintiffs, including the loss of property and personal belongings

The Kreiner Family Trust specifically experienced displacement and property damage, with the fire destroying the residence Michael Kreiner rented, forcing evacuation, and causing ongoing financial and emotional harm.

Legal Claims Presented

The Kleiner Family Trust plaintiffs bring six causes of action against Southern California Edison and Edison International:

1. Inverse Condemnation: Alleging that SCE’s equipment caused property damage similar to a government taking, warranting compensation under California law.
2. Trespass: Claiming SCE’s failure to prevent the spread of fire resulted in unauthorized entry onto the plaintiffs’ property, causing damage.
3. Nuisance: Stating that SCE’s conduct created hazardous conditions, interfering with the plaintiffs’ enjoyment of their property.
4. Violation of Public Utilities Code § 2106: Accusing SCE of failing to comply with safety regulations and the obligations of a public utility.
5. Violation of Health & Safety Code § 13007: Alleging SCE negligently allowed the fire to spread and damage property.
6. Negligence: Citing failures in equipment maintenance, vegetation management, and adherence to fire safety protocols as the root causes of the fire.

Relief Sought

The Kleiner Family Trust plaintiffs seek multiple forms of compensation, including:

• Repair and replacement costs for damaged or destroyed property
• Compensation for lost wages and displacement expenses
• Punitive damages for reckless and grossly negligent conduct
• Legal costs, including attorney fees and expert witness expenses
• Emotional distress damages

The Kreiner Family Trust’s lawsuit emphasizes SCE’s alleged failure to act responsibly despite foreseeable wildfire risks and a history of prior fire-related incidents involving the utility’s equipment. The plaintiffs are demanding accountability through substantial financial compensation and punitive damages for SCE's alleged gross negligence and failure to protect public safety.

Filing Your Southern California Wildfire Damages Claim

If you or your family have suffered losses from the recent Southern California wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, or Palisades Fire, you may have grounds to file a legal claim. Homeowners, landowners, business owners, and farmers who experienced property loss, financial hardship, personal injury, or wrongful death due to these wildfires have the right to pursue compensation. Filing a claim can help cover costs such as property repair, medical expenses, lost wages, business interruptions, and emotional distress.

California’s strict liability laws, particularly inverse condemnation, allow utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) to be held liable for fire damages even if negligence is not definitively proven. However, determining liability can be complex, and holding responsible parties accountable requires a thorough legal approach.

Why You Need an Attorney For Your Claim

Handling a wildfire claim without experienced legal representation can be challenging and may limit your ability to secure fair compensation. An attorney plays a critical role in protecting your interests by:

• Proving Liability: Establishing fault, especially when dealing with utility companies like Southern California Edison, requires significant legal resources and expert analysis of fire causes.
• Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys can help ensure you pursue all possible damages, including property loss, financial harm, medical costs, and emotional suffering.
• Navigating Complex Legal Issues: California’s strict liability laws, such as inverse condemnation, can work in your favor, but understanding how to apply them requires legal knowledge.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Insurers may try to minimize payouts. An attorney can handle negotiations and fight for a fair settlement.
• Meeting Deadlines: Wildfire claims are time-sensitive, and missing deadlines can prevent you from recovering damages. A lawyer will ensure all filings are completed correctly and on time.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Wildfire Claim

Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized plaintiffs' law firm with a proven record of success in handling complex litigation, including wildfire damage claims. Our firm is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to those affected by the Southern California wildfires. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:

• Award-Winning Representation: Parker Waichman LLP has earned numerous accolades for our legal work, reflecting our dedication to fighting for justice.
• Extensive Resources: Our team collaborates with investigators, fire experts, and financial analysts to build strong cases for our clients.
• Client-Focused Approach: We understand the emotional and financial strain these wildfires have caused and provide compassionate, personalized representation.
• No Fees Unless You Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your losses.
• National Reach, Local Impact: While we are a national law firm, we have the experience and resources to handle California wildfire claims effectively.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries, tragic loss of a loved one, property damage, or other harm due to the Southern California wildfires, Parker Waichman LLP is here to help. Our award-winning, national plaintiffs' law firm is offering free consultations to victims affected by these devastating fires. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and seeking the compensation you deserve.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Case Review

Call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive your free case review and learn how we can help you pursue justice for your wildfire-related losses. Regardless of your location, our law firm is ready to fight for your full compensation.