Maison Law is accepting clients impacted by the Eaton Fire for a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE). To sign up, please visit this page: https://maisonlaw.com/personal-injury/wildfire-lawyer/eaton/.
The Eaton wildfire, along with several others, have been raging throughout Los Angeles County for over a week. The exact cause of the Eaton wildfire is still under investigation. However, Southern California Edison (SCE) recently revealed a potential factor in the nearby Hurst wildfire–a reporting system glitch and a downed powerline in the area.
While SCE hasn’t admitted fault for the Eaton wildfire, they did file a report due to media coverage and significant property damage exceeding $200,000. Meanwhile, affected SCE customers are turning to insurance and legal options to begin rebuilding their lives.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against SCE For Wildfire Damage?
The cause of the Eaton Fire is still under investigation by Cal Fire, but if certain conditions hold, Southern California Edison (SCE) could potentially share some of the responsibility for the resulting damage. Namely, this will happen if their negligence contributed to the wildfire damage. In legal terms, negligence gives you and others the option of filing a claim and recovering “damages.”
Still, the exact cause is unknown. Even with that said, though, here’s a few potential reasons how SCE could potentially be held accountable for wildfire damage:
- Poor maintenance – If SCE failed to properly maintain power lines, transformers, or other equipment, sparks or overheating could have caused the fire. Neglecting repairs or routine inspections increases fire risk.
- Vegetation management failures – Overgrown trees or dry vegetation near power lines can easily ignite. If SCE didn’t clear brush or trim trees around its equipment, this negligence could have allowed the fire to spread.
- Outdated equipment – Aging power lines or transformers are prone to failure. If SCE delayed replacing outdated infrastructure, they might be responsible for contributing to the fire.
- Ignoring fire risks – During high-risk conditions, utilities must act to prevent disasters. If SCE ignored fire warnings or didn’t shut off power during dangerous weather, they could be held accountable.
To do that, you can start by filing an insurance claim, but you might be better suited with a lawsuit. This could be done through a regular personal injury lawsuit, but California law has other ways to consolidate similar claims against SCE into either:
- A mass tort
- Class action lawsuit
Not everyone affected by the Eaton wildfire will need to file a lawsuit –it depends on your specific situation. However, if SCE”s negligence played a role in the fire and the damage you’ve experienced, filing a claim could help you recover your losses.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Facing damage from the Eaton wildfire is incredibly scary, and it’s difficult to even measure the scope of the damage. And while you might not technically need a lawyer, having one can be very beneficial, especially in cases of:
- Major property damage – If your home or business suffered extensive fire damage, a lawyer can help make sure your claim fully covers repair and rebuilding costs.
- Undervalued insurance claims – Insurance companies representing SCE often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will fight for a fair and accurate assessment of your losses.
- Serious injuries – If you were injured in the Eaton wildfire, a lawyer will help you go after compensation for medical bills, recovery costs, and pain and suffering.
- Low settlement offers – If SCE’s insurance company tries to offer you a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full scope of your losses, a lawyer pushes for a higher, more appropriate amount.
You’ll have a stronger chance of securing the compensation you need if you fully explore your legal options. For those impacted by the Eaton wildfire, Maison Law’s California wildfire lawyers are here to help. We provide free, no-obligation consultations to explain your legal options and explore potential claims against SCE.
