The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed thousands of homes and businesses
Some residents allege negligent utility companies contributed to the damage
An experienced lawyer can help determine whether you qualify for a lawsuit
The recent Los Angeles fires killed at least 29 people, damaged or destroyed around 18,000 structures and took 24 days to contain. It might seem like both the Palisades Eaton fires were nothing more than tragic national disasters. However, some LA residents are alleging that negligence from utility companies furthered the damage.
A few lawsuits have already been filed. Looking ahead, it is very likely that more will follow. Here’s a look at the current situation surrounding Los Angeles wildfires lawsuits.
Free Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Who Is Being Sued for the Wildfires?
Although they started on the same day, the Los Angeles fires affected different regions. The Eaton Fire primarily impacted Altadena and covered 14,021 acres. The Palisades Fire began in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and spanned 23,448 acres.
Victims of both fires have turned their attention to public utility companies. Thus far, two of these companies — Southern California Edison (SCE) and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) — have faced lawsuits.
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Victims of the Eaton fire are alleging that Southern California Edison’s failure to maintain electrical equipment directly caused the blaze. Their lawsuits claim that SCE allowed vegetation near its power lines to become overgrown and failed to properly maintain the power lines. They say it was a spark from one of those power lines that started the fire.
SCE denied responsibility and argued that there were no issues with its equipment until well after the fire started. It also pointed out that the causes of both the Eaton and Palisades fires are under investigation.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Those affected by the Palisades Fire are not alleging that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) caused the fire. Instead, their lawsuits claim that this utility mismanaged the water supply and left firefighters without sufficient water to put the fires out.
The lawsuits mostly point to the fact that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117-gallon reservoir, was empty at the time of the fires. The reservoir was meant to deliver water to Pacific Palisades households and supply water for firefighters.
The LADWP admits that the extreme demand for water did affect water pressure during the fires. However, the utility also contends that it sent out water tankers to supply firefighters with sufficient water.
Can Californians Successfully Sue Utility Companies for Wildfire Damage?
California has a legal doctrine known as inverse condemnation that allows property owners to seek compensation for property damage if any entity takes their property for public use without authorization. Inverse condemnation has been used to hold public utilities responsible for wildfire damage caused by their equipment.
The logic behind this process is that when a fire caused by a public utility consumes private property, that property has been taken for public use. If this happens, the property owner may sue the utility company for damages.
Free Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Wildfires Lawsuit?
The types of compensation you can recover will depend on your situation. For instance, if you or a loved one suffered a burn injury, you may be able to sue for medical costs and physical pain in addition to property damage. If you file a lawsuit, you might receive compensation for the following:
An experienced personal injury lawyer can discuss your case with you and give you a better idea of the damages you might qualify for.
How Much Will Los Angeles Wildfires Lawsuit Settlements Be?
Plaintiffs are just beginning to file lawsuits, so it’s too early to tell how large the settlements will be. However, some attorneys estimate that settlements could range from $50,000 to $10 million or more. Many of the damaged structures were multimillion-dollar homes and businesses.
Owners of valuable structures, people who sustained serious injuries and surviving family members of people killed by the fires will likely receive some of the highest payouts. If you think you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, an experienced attorney might be able to estimate the value of your case.
Free Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Who Can File an LA Wildfires Lawsuit?
Depending on the number of people who file lawsuits against SCE and the LADWP, this may become a mass tort case. Generally, people eligible to file a lawsuit are those who have suffered injuries, lost loved ones, or had their property damaged by one of the wildfires.
If you’re wondering how to file an LA wildfires lawsuit, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you navigate the legal process.
Will There Be Other Defendants in Los Angeles Wildfires Lawsuits?
Currently, lawsuits against utility companies are making the news. However, if investigations into the causes of the fires reveal that other entities were responsible, it’s possible that there will be lawsuits against them as well.
Even if they don’t choose to file Los Angeles wildfires lawsuits, nearly everyone affected by the fires will file insurance claims. After a major disaster like this one, insurance companies often do whatever they can to minimize losses.
Sometimes, that means they underpay or even deny claims altogether. If an insurer refuses to pay a claim, a home or business owner may be left with no choice but to sue. An attorney experienced with bad faith insurance lawsuits may be able to help in such cases.
Free Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Need to Speak to an LA Wildfires Attorney?
If you’ve been affected by the LA wildfires, the right lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation and start working toward getting your life back. However, if you’re like many people, you might be unsure of how to choose the right attorney.
ConsumerShield is here to help make that decision easier. Our goal is to connect people like you with qualified attorneys nearby. Fill out our form for a free case review.
Sarah Edwards
Contributor
Sarah Edwards is a seasoned legal writer with more than a decade of experience.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is responsible for putting out wildfires. However, it partners with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies to handle major wildfires.
At this point, the legislation is so new that deadlines have not been set. However, because many people will want to join in, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
