The devastating Eaton Fire in California has claimed several lives, caused injuries to many residents, and ravaged over 10,600 acres, primarily in the Los Angeles National Forest and the Altadena area. It’s resulted in billions of dollars in property damage and displaced tens of thousands of citizens.
At Ehline Law, we’ve been devastated by the recent deadly wildfires in Southern California. We are ready to offer all victims exceptional legal representation on a contingency fee basis. Our team has the skills and expertise to evaluate the facts surrounding your case and hold the responsible parties accountable for your loss.
What We Know About the Eaton Fire
Erupted in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County in Southern California, the Eaton Fire began on January 7, 2025. After a week of relentless burning, firefighters are still working tirelessly on rescue and containment efforts.
The Devastation Caused by the Eaton Fire
Official reports indicate that the Eaton Fire started in Eaton Canyon and gradually spread across 1,000 acres, fueled by strong, gusty winds. Its intensity rivals, if not exceeds, that of the Palisades Fire.
Over the past few days, the Eaton Fire burned through more than 14,110 acres of land, destroyed over 7,000 structures, claimed 16 lives, injured many, and displaced thousands of residents. It’s being called the fifth deadliest fire in California’s history.
The Containment of the Eaton Fire
The local fire agencies have been working nonstop to contain the Eaton Fire. However, so far, it’s only been able to extinguish one-third.
While that’s not reassuring for nearby residents, weather forecasts suggest dangerous winds, which could further fuel the devastation caused by the wildfire.
Who Could Be Liable for the Fire Erupting in Eaton Canyon?
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fire that erupted in Eaton Canyon is being investigated. Due to the history of wildfires in Southern California, investigators remain focused on identifying potential human causes.
Victims Have Already Started Filing Lawsuits Against Southern California Edison
Although it’s too early to blame anyone, preliminary investigations point fingers at the negligence of Southern California Edison (SCE), a power company operating in the affected areas of the Eaton Fire.
In fact, on January 13, 2025, attorneys filed two lawsuits against SCE in the Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of injured victims. They allege that the utility company failed to de-energize its power equipment despite receiving several warnings from the National Weather Service, resulting in sparks. Dry conditions and strong winds further exacerbated the situation, causing the fire to erupt and spread.
The lawsuit also cites video footage recorded by witnesses who observed when the Eaton Fire started. Even more concerning is that another family also has visual evidence of fire underneath the same transmission towers in Eaton Canyon.
Southern California Edison Denies Allegations of Starting the Eaton Fire
Southern California Edison has denied all allegations, stating that the company is investigating its equipment in the area. It has also reiterated that the local fire agencies have not suggested that its electrical facilities, i.e., Eaton Canyon, have started a fire.
According to Southern California Edison representatives, any spark in the region would have triggered an electrical anomaly, which didn’t occur. They said the company filed Electric Safety Incident Reports (ESIR) with the California Public Utilities Commission for the Eaton Fire after receiving evidence preservation notices from the insurance company.
An Impartial Investigation Could Help Determine the Liable Party
Injured victims need to understand that negligent parties will permanently deny liability. In the case of the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned down over 1,600 structures and set 96,000 acres of land ablaze, Southern California Edison denied responsibility. However, an investigation found defective power equipment to be the primary cause of the devastating fire.
Even if the government or SCE investigates the Eaton Fire, there is no assurance that it won’t manipulate the findings. We’ve also seen this happen, so affected parties must work with experienced wildfire attorneys to conduct an impartial investigation.
Pasadena Water and Power Could Be Partially Liable for the Eaton Fire!
While the recent two lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison for injuries and property damage, victims need to understand the gravity of the situation before taking legal action.
Although videos and eyewitnesses blame SCE for negligence, Pasadena Water and Power could be partially liable for the Eaton Fire. It serves a small section near Eaton Canyon, where sparks near the transmission towers were seen.
Multiple parties could potentially be liable for the Eaton Fire. Leaving out a defendant in a lawsuit could lead to lower compensation, so injured victims must work with an experienced wildfire attorney to determine the cause and hold the liable entities accountable.
What Options Do Wildfire Victims Have in Altadena?
Whether it is the Eaton Fire or the Palisades Fire, two routes affected parties may be able to take to receive compensation, including the following:
Filing a Claim Against Homeowners’ Insurance
If you have homeowners’ insurance with the right coverage, you may be able to pursue a claim against your insurer to obtain monetary damages. While the process to receive compensation may seem straightforward, affected parties may face several challenges along the way.
When an insurer starts acting in bad faith, you can consider filing a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance or contacting a reputable personal injury attorney for help.
Filing a Claim Against the Negligent Party’s Insurer
As we’ve discussed, most wildfires in California have occurred due to human negligence. In addition, preliminary investigation points to SCE’s failures in maintaining its equipment.
If Southern California Edison is proven liable for the Eaton Fire, injured victims may be able to pursue a claim or lawsuit against the power company’s insurer.
Since SCE already has a vast legal team waiting to combat any allegation that arises, affected parties have a better chance of fighting for their rights by working with a skilled wildfire attorney.
What Types of Damages Can Eaton Fire Victims Recover?
Under personal injury law, injured victims can recover economic and non-economic losses, varying from one claim to another. Therefore, seeking legal representation to ensure maximum compensation is significant.
Whether it’s the Hurst Fire or the Eaton Fire, injured victims may be able to recover a wide range of damages, some of which include the following:
- Property damage (real and personal property)
- Medical expenses arising from treating the injuries caused by the California fires
- Costs of living in a temporary accommodation
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Costs of evacuation and temporary displacement
- Business losses and disruptions.
How Can Ehline Law Help Eaton Fire Victims in Altadena?
The Eaton Fire continues to rage, consuming thousands of acres while brave firefighters risk their lives to contain it.
Although media reports highlight the tragedy, the situation on the ground is even more devastating. Recognizing the urgency, Mike Ehline of Ehline Law has committed himself to legally representing victims and advocating for their rights.
I know people who have been affected by the Eaton Fire. To give the victims a strong fighting chance, I’ve partnered with Alan Beck, a close friend who litigates major wildfire cases in the USA and has received significant awards for his leadership in the legal community.
Mr. Beck has more experience litigating wildfire cases than many attorneys in the United States. Some of our other associates have attended the National Wildland Fire Conference, an annual event at which only renowned lawyers in this field come together to share best practices for victims of wildfires.
With Mr. Beck and Ehline Law on your side, you’ll benefit from attorneys with over six decades of combined experience, providing the firepower you need to maximize your chances of securing compensation. We have the resources to conduct an impartial investigation into the Eaton Fire, determine the liable parties, and hold them accountable for your loss.
Turn to Ehline Law for Justice and Compensation Following the Eaton Fire!
If you or your loved ones have suffered injuries in Altadena due to the devastating Eaton Fire, call us at (833) LETS-SUE to schedule a free consultation. While our hearts and minds are with the wildfire victims, we are also here to provide the legal support and representation you need to pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve!
