Los Angeles has been ravaged by the effects of the Eaton Fire for weeks. The massive wildfire has destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and businesses and even cost some their lives. While the source of the fire is not yet known, the utility giant Southern California Edison (SCE) said in a release that a downed powerline was reported near the site of the nearby Hurst Fire. Fire agencies are investigating to determine if SCE equipment contributed to the ignition. If SCE is ultimately found to be responsible for causing these fires, it could also be held accountable for the terrible devastation that occurred as a result.

If you or someone you love has been hurt or lost a home due to the Eaton fire, Alexandroff Law Group wants to help you demand fair compensation for what you’ve endured. Contact us today at 1-833-646-5873 for a free consultation with an Eaton Fire lawsuit attorney. We’re standing ready to answer your questions, advise you on your rights, and demand the justice you deserve.

Holding Southern California Edison (SCE) Accountable

Investigations into the cause of the Eaton Fire and other recent wildfires are ongoing, and it might be months or years before we know what ignited them. One possible source is Southern California Edison (SCE), the utility company that supplies electricity to the region. SCE could be to blame for the fires if they resulted from:

Ignored Warnings – Utility companies often receive warnings about potential hazards, such as high winds, dry conditions, or specific equipment vulnerabilities. Ignoring these warnings can result in a failure to proactively shut down power in at-risk areas or secure critical infrastructure. For instance, during high winds, energized power lines can sway or break, creating sparks that can ignite dry vegetation. Failing to act on weather alerts or recommendations from regulatory agencies can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Improper Surveillance – Routine surveillance of power lines and equipment is critical for identifying hazards before they become emergencies. Foregoing inspections, failing to use advanced technologies like drones, and ignoring flagged risks can allow dangerous conditions to persist. For example, a worn-out insulator or fraying wire that goes unnoticed could start an ignition if it contacts nearby flammable materials.
Shoddy Maintenance – Utility infrastructure should be regularly inspected and repaired as necessary. When worn-out parts aren’t replaced, damaged equipment isn’t repaired, and aging systems aren’t upgraded, the risk of malfunction increases. For example, corroded connections or failing transformers can emit sparks or overheat, leading to fires when combined with Southern California’s dry and windy climate.
Old Equipment – Using outdated equipment in high-risk regions can significantly increase the potential for fires. Aging components are more prone to failure and consequent accidents. They may also lack modern safety features like automatic shutoffs or insulation designed to minimize fire risks.
Overgrown Vegetation – Vegetation management around power lines is a key responsibility of utility providers. Overgrown trees and brush can come into direct contact with electrical wires, especially during high winds. This contact can result in sparks, electrical fires, or downed lines igniting nearby dry vegetation. Failure to regularly clear and trim vegetation around power lines is a leading cause of utility-related wildfires.

If any of these failures on the part of SCE is to blame for the start of the fires, the company could be responsible for the consequences of its failure.

Compensation You Could Recover

If you’ve been affected by the recent Los Angeles fires and SCE or another party is found to be to blame, you could be entitled to compensation for the following.

Healthcare Expenses

You could be entitled to money for your:

Medical Bills: Coverage for treatment of burns, smoke inhalation, or other injuries caused by the fire
Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy or psychological counseling necessitated by injuries or trauma
Long-Term Care: Compensation for ongoing care needs resulting from severe injuries

Property Damage

This can include:

Home and Structure Loss: Compensation for destroyed or damaged homes, garages, barns, or other structures
Personal Belongings: Reimbursement for furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal property lost in the fire
Landscaping and Fencing: Costs to replace trees, landscaping, fencing, or other outdoor features damaged by the fire
Repair and Rebuilding Costs: Funds to cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding structures to current codes and standards
Livestock and Crops: Compensation for farmers or ranchers who lost animals or crops in the fire
Soil and Land Damage: Recovery for damage to farmland, soil, or other natural resources
Water Contamination: Costs associated with restoring water quality if it was affected by fire-related contaminants

Relocation Expenses

These costs may include:

Temporary Housing: Costs for hotel stays, rental properties, or other accommodations while rebuilding or relocating
Moving Expenses: Reimbursement for the costs of relocating belongings or setting up a new residence
Increased Living Expenses: Additional costs incurred for food, transportation, and other necessities due to displacement

Economic Losses

These cover immediate financial losses like:

Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost if employment was disrupted due to the fire or evacuation
Business Losses: Reimbursement for damaged inventory, lost revenue, or disruption of business operations
Loss of Use: Compensation for the inability to use damaged or destroyed property
Attorney’s Fees: Reimbursement for legal fees incurred in pursuing a claim against SCE

Emotional and Physical Distress

While lacking an immediate dollar-and-cents value, the following are no less real than financial losses:

Emotional Distress: Compensation for trauma, anxiety, or psychological harm caused by the fire or displacement
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for reduced quality of life due to the destruction of one’s home or community
Pain and Suffering: Recovery for physical or emotional suffering if the fire caused injury or health issues

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable)

If you’ve lost someone you love to the fires, you could be entitled to:

Funeral and Burial Costs: Coverage for expenses related to funerals or cremation
Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income the deceased would have contributed to their family
Loss of Companionship: Damages for the emotional toll of losing a loved one

Steps to Take to Start Your Claim

Here are some critical steps you can take to start your claim for Eaton Fire compensation:

Document the Damage – Take photos and videos of the affected property. Keep receipts for temporary repairs or replacements to support your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the wildfire damage to your insurer. Review your policy to understand your coverage. Keep detailed notes of all interactions with your insurance provider.
Track Ongoing Expenses – Maintain a detailed log of expenses related to the wildfire, such as relocation costs, medical bills, or lost income. Save receipts and invoices as they arise.

Finally, but crucially, contact an Eaton Fire lawyer. They can turn the evidence you’ve gathered into a viable claim against SCE or other at-fault parties. Your attorney can also explore the possibility of joining a class action or mass tort to better pursue your claim alongside others. While you rest, recover, and get back to ordinary life, they can do the hard work of pursuing the money you deserve.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

You’ve suffered enough because of the Eaton Fire. Don’t take on the challenges of pursuing a legal claim, too. Instead, let the attorneys with Alexandroff Law Group assert your rights and demand compensation on your behalf by:

Meeting with you during a free consultation to learn what happened and explain your options in detail
Investigating the underlying cause of the fire to determine if SCE or another party is responsible
Working with experts as necessary to understand the full scope of the financial and personal harm you’ve suffered
Exploring the potential for joining a class action or mass tort to better pursue your rights
Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement that gets you paid without the time and expense of a trial
Preparing your case for active litigation if SCE or other at-fault parties deny liability or lowball their offer to you
Arguing your case in court if doing so becomes the best way to get you the full amount you deserve
Never charging you a fee unless and until we win your case and put money back in your pocket

Contact Alexandroff Law Group Today

Have you been affected by the Eaton Fire or any of the other wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area? If so, you could be entitled to compensation from the parties to blame for the outbreak, potentially including Southern California Edison. Pursuing your case could be challenging, though, as utility companies have deep pockets and large legal teams to fight claims and deny liability.

Fortunately, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. The Eaton Fire lawyers of Alexandroff Law Group are standing ready to take your case and pursue your rights on your behalf. Contact us today by calling 1-833-646-5873 or filling out our online form, and let’s meet at your convenience to discuss your options during a free case review.