Our Eaton Fire Lawyers filed one of the first lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) to recover compensation for our clients’ fire losses. On January 17, 2025, the lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Nadrich Law and its legal teams currently represent over 250 households and businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire.
If you or your loved one has incurred any of the following losses in the Eaton Fire, call now to speak with an Eaton Fire Lawyer at Nadrich Law. We will provide a free and thorough consultation to determine how we can help you.
We fight SCE to get you and your family maximum compensation for the following damages and losses caused by SCE’s negligence:
- Costs to repair or replace your property or home
- Evacuation-related costs
- Rental home loss
- Emotional distress
- Loss of wages
- Lost personal property or belongings
- Smoke inhalation
- Injury
- Wrongful death
- Medical bills
- Pool damage
- Funeral or burial costs
- Land value depreciation
- Damaged underwood, trees or timber
- Lost crops
- Smoke-related destruction
- Lost or hurt livestock or pets
- Business interruption
- Business losses
The Eaton Fire started at 6:18 PM PST on January 7, 2025 in Eaton Canyon, CA. It burned 14,021 acres of land, destroyed 9,418 structures, damaged 1,073 structures, killed 17 civilians, and has been extinguished. Over 100,000 people were evacuated.
We filed one of the first Eaton Fire lawsuits against SCE on behalf of a homeowner that lost his home. We are actively filing more lawsuits for evacuations, damages, losses and injuries against Southern California Edison. Our legal teams possess vast experience helping victims of California wildfires. We and our partners have recovered in excess of $1 billion for previous California wildfire victims. We have successfully obtained recoveries for victims of multiple wildfires, such as the Dixie, Camp, Fairview, Fly, Zogg, Wine Country, Mill, Thomas, Woolsey and Mosquito fires. Because of our vast experience, we will recover the most money possible on your behalf.
Call us today for an immediate, free consultation, fill out this page’s free case evaluation form or text us from this page if you or a loved one incurred losses because of the Eaton Fire. We won’t charge you any fee to handle your Eaton Fire case until and unless we recover compensation for you – our only fee will be a percentage of any compensation recovered. Call us today.
Table of Contents
- What Caused the Eaton Canyon Fire?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources
- Eaton Fire Updates
- Contact an Eaton Canyon Wildfire Attorney Today
What Caused the Eaton Canyon Fire?
The cause of the Eaton Fire is downed high power lines owned by Southern California Edison.
Residents reported to 911 on January 7, 2025 that an electrical tower caught fire in the area of the fire.
Our lawsuit was filed on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that Southern California Edison is responsible for the fire. The lawsuit alleges that the fire is the result of SCE failing to shut the power off despite dangerous fire weather, failing to properly maintain its equipment and failing to properly maintain the vegetation surrounding its equipment. The complaint contains multiple photographs of what appears to be the start of a wildfire directly underneath transmission towers in Eaton Canyon.
On January 26, 2025, the New York Times published an article containing additional information regarding the possible source of the Eaton Fire. The article contains security camera footage of flashes of light near Eaton Canyon electrical towers, with flames appearing moments later. The footage labels the flashes of light as “signs of arcing.” The article notes that the footage supports what was seen by residents. One resident, according to the article, saw a “flash of light” which was followed by fire at the base of an electrical tower. The article also notes that Whisker Labs, a company who has sensors which detect abnormal electrical activity on wires, detected faults in the area around 6 PM on January 7, 2025. Inciweb lists 6:18 PM as the official origin of the fire.
A strong Santa Ana winds event contributed to the size and rapid spread of the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Eaton Fire Lawyers Cost?
We are contingency fee lawyers. This means that we will not charge you any fee to handle your Eaton Fire claim until and unless we recover financial compensation from SCE on your behalf. You won’t owe us any money out of your own pocket since our only fee is a percentage of any compensation we recover for you.
What Can I Expect in a Lawsuit Against SCE?
You will be able to expect our lawyers to handle virtually every aspect of your case. This will let you focus on recovering from the fire.
At some points during your case, we’ll need to work along with you in order to gather documents and additional information that is necessary in order to strengthen your case. As an example, our legal team will collect details regarding your losses as well ask ask you to send any pictures you have regarding your property before the fire. We’ll ask you to track and keep documents relating to your home, such as deeds, insurance documents, rental agreements, mortgage information, and receipts for costs incurred due to being displaced.
Can I Recover Compensation for Emotional Distress?
Yes. Wildfires can have profound psychological impacts on victims, who can seek financial compensation for any mental and emotional trauma endured due to a wildfire.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Litigation typically takes time. The court process often moves slowly. Based upon the experience we have in the past, cases like these take numerous years to finish. Our legal team will work diligently to keep your case moving forward.
What Is Involved in Long-Term Recovery From a Wildfire?
The process of long-term recovery after a wildfire includes processes such as accessing loans and grants for rehabilitation and reconstruction, community rebuilding efforts, and rebuilding homes.
Why Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?
Homeowners as well as renters can obtain benefits from filing lawsuits. Insurance will cover certain losses, but not the full extent of the harm that results from a fire.
By filing a lawsuit against SCE, you can seek financial compensation for losses which insurance won’t cover. This includes the substantial emotional distress which results from the loss of your home and belongings. It will also let survivors recover compensation for losses which they are underinsured for – such as rebuilding costs.
Do I Need an Attorney?
The legal process regarding filing a lawsuit against SCE is complicated and poses challenges which are unique. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through each step of the legal process, advocating for the most compensation possible which is available under California law.
Is There a Deadline to File an Eaton Fire Claim?
California has a statute of limitations for claims of fire damage. This statute is typically two years from the incident date. However, it is vital to begin the process as quickly as you can to make sure you do not miss a deadline as well as so evidence can be preserved.
Do I Need to Keep Paying My Mortgage?
You should make a call to your lender. After disasters like the Eaton Fire, there is traditionally a 90-day moratorium imposed by the Federal Housing Authority regarding foreclosures on FHA-insured loans. This allows homeowners, lenders and insurance carriers to work everything out. Your lender can advise you if your loan is an FHA loan and if they are recognizing this 90-day moratorium.
What if All of My Losses Aren’t Covered by Insurance?
If you have inadequate insurance coverage, you could have additional options for recovering compensation, such as:
- Filing a lawsuit against any parties responsible, such as SCE
- Applying for state or federal disaster assistance
The attorneys at our firm can help you to explore every available avenue for financial compensation.
Can I Keep Paying My Mortgage, Keeping Insurance Proceeds to Rebuild? I Do Not Want to Need to Obtain a New Loan Since Rates Will Increase.
Banks are encouraged by regulators to have flexibility with customers following disasters like the Eaton Fire.
Typically you won’t be able to keep insurance proceeds and keep paying your mortgage. Lenders are typically “loss payees” under insurance policies. This means that lenders get paid from insurance proceeds first and you end up getting what’s left over. You’ll require a new loan in order to rebuild. However, no hard and fast rule exists. Banks are encouraged by regulators to provide flexibility with customers after disasters. The FDIC has sent banks a letter stating that easing new loans’ terms, restructuring existing loans, or extending repayment terms can contribute to community health and serve lending institutions’ long-term interests.
Calling your lender is a good starting point.
What Do I Do if I Can’t Find My Insurance Policy Info?
Your broker can give you a copy if you purchased your policy through them. If you bought your policy directly from an insurer, contact your insurer for a copy. Once you do this, an adjuster will contact you and work with you regarding your claim. Should you have any questions regarding this process, call us today for a free consultation.
Can SCE Be Held Responsible for Me Losing My Pet in the Eaton Fire?
When pets pass away in fires caused by utilities, it is recognized by the law that pets are practically family members. Utilities need to fully pay owners for emotional distress caused by the loss of the pet.
What if the Eaton Fire Affected My Business?
If the Eaton Fire affected your business, you could qualify to pursue compensation from SCE. Business owners who have been affected by the fire could qualify for financial compensation for:
- Business interruption losses
- Property damage
- Relocation expenses
- Loss of inventory
Our lawyers can help you to navigate both business-related and personal wildfire claims.
Why Should I Hire The Eaton Fire Lawyers at Nadrich Law?
- We know exactly how to handle these claims because we’ve handled wildfire claims before. We’ve handled countless wildfire claims since 2017 and we and our partners have recovered over $1 billion for wildfire victims.
- Our legal team is large enough to take SCE on and has been fighting against huge corporations since 1990.
- Our legal team is composed of California attorneys and we are located in Los Angeles.
- Our legal team possesses the financial resources necessary to see your case through to the very end.
- Other law firms claim they will hold SCE responsible but haven’t done so before. Those firms don’t know what is necessary. We do.
Resources
- Fire Recovery Information and Resources
- FEMA Assistance
- Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
- Los Angeles County Incident Response
- Los Angeles County Emergency Notifications – Signup
Eaton Fire Updates
March 17, 2025 Update
The focus in the investigation into the cause of the Eaton Fire has narrowed to numerous parallel power lines which are owned by Southern California Edison and located just outside Altadena.
Company records which have been uncovered by the Los Angeles Times show that SCE knew that some towers near and at the probable ignition point posed fire hazards.
Records filed by the company show that towers supporting three lines which are now under suspicion had been considered possible ignition risks and long overdue for vital upkeep.
Two lines were active and a third line, said to have been built around 100 years ago, was decommissioned in 1971.
Edison data shows that SCE, as of December 31, 2024, had 94 open work orders regarding the three lines.
The orders regarded multiple tasks, such as clearing vegetation, fixing broken or damaged insulators, doing tower repairs and replacing loose connectors. Almost three dozen of these orders were related to ignition risks.
A June 2023 order regarding "weed abatement" referenced coordinated which pinpoint its location as being a tower where it is believed by some that the fire started.
The order was given Level 2 priority and should have been finished within six months, going by state regulations.
Another order was created six days later on a nearby tower for "structure brushing," or mitigating the risk that vegetation poses regarding fires.
Both of these orders got flagged as ignition risks and were open as of December 31.
Investigators believe the decommissioned line may have started the Eaton Fire. There were seven open work orders for work on that line's towers as of December 31.
2020 saw Edison report that over 90 percent of the company's transmission towers were 30 years old or older. 30 years old is the "average age" at which SCE said towers begin to show signs of being corroded. Corrosion can lead to problems including "structure failure."
Records as of December 31, 2022 show that SCE had over 20,200 work orders which were more than 180 days overdue, including over 5,200 relating to "ignition risk."
It is required by the Public Utilities Commission that utilities remove power lines which are "permanently abandoned" and are deemed not to have any foreseeable use so they don't become public nuisances or hazards to property or life.
March 15, 2025 Update
An Altadena man's family has filed a lawsuit over the man's death in the Eaton Fire. The lawsuit has been filed against Southern California Edison and is now one of over 100 lawsuits which blames SCE's equipment for starting the devastating fire which killed 17 people and destroyed over 9,000 structures.
The lawsuit alleges that SCE operated its equipment recklessly, didn't properly maintain brush around its equipment, and didn't properly de-energize all equipment in the area of Eaton Canyon despite having advance warning from the National Weather Service of dangerous winds in the area.
Cited by the lawsuit are eyewitness accounts as well as pictures and videos which show flames leaping from a power transmission tower's base.
March 5, 2025 Update
A lawsuit was filed on March 5 by Los Angeles County against Southern California Edison. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages and costs related to the Eaton Fire.
The lawsuit claims that SCE equipment caused the wildfire, causing the county to incur costs regarding its response to the fire as well as its aftermath.
According to the lawsuit, videos, photos and witnesses show that the Eaton Fire started underneath SCE's Eaton Canyon transmission lines.
The lawsuit alleges that the fire massively impacted the natural resources of the county, threatened public health and harmed wildlife and the environment.
The cities of Sierra Madre and Pasadena are also suing SCE over damages to public infrastructure and taxpayer resources resulting from the wildfire.
According to Pasadena's lawsuit, numerous municipal assets were damaged, including:
- A police department training facility
- A building and fleet for Pasadena Municipal Assistance, Solutions and Hiring
- Water management infrastructure which is critical, such as storage tanks
In other news, evidence has been uncovered by a private investigator regarding electrical arcing on an electrical tower named M16T1. This structure has not been active for over 50 years. Mere minutes prior to this, at 6:11 PM, SCE noted a power line fault miles away from Eaton Canyon.
February 28, 2025 Update
A report which was released on Thursday has estimated that the Eaton and Palisades fires led to between $28 billion and $53.8 billion worth of property damage. The report estimates that the resulting business disruptions could lead to as much as $8.9 billion worth of economic losses for the County of Los Angeles in the next five years.
It is estimated by the report that as much as 49,110 job-years could be lost due to the fires, and as much as $3.7 billion of labor income could be reduced due to the fires. Federal, state and local governments could also experiences losses in tax revenue from $730 million to $1.4 billion.
The researchers found that 10,658 properties were affected by the Palisades Fire and 9,226 properties were affected by the Eaton Fire.
The researchers found that 1,117 businesses were impacted by the Palisades Fire and 746 businesses were impacted by the Eaton Fire. An estimated 9,610 workers were employed by the businesses, and the businesses generated an estimated $1.4 billion worth of annual sales.
CAL FIRE structural damage assessments found that over half of structures in the fires' burn areas got destroyed.
Three potential recovery scenarios are analyzed by the report, which takes into account funding challenges, infrastructure rebuilding and workforce shortages. The most optimistic scenario sees the local economy completely recovering by 2029. A moderate scenario projects that economic losses will linger into 2023. The worst-case scenario projects that financial hardship will persist through 2034, with over $400 million worth of annual revenue losses lasting beyond five years.
February 19, 2025 Update
On February 18, a judge maintained a restraining order, which is temporary, against SCE for an additional week - this orders SCE to preserve physical evidence, data and documents which relate to the Eaton Fire while lawyers who are representing homeowners and the utility work towards agreeing upon an evidence order which is long-term.
The judge declined to address the plaintiffs' lawyers' request for sanctions against the utility, saying a separate filing would cover that and that it is more important for parties to agree upon the evidence preservation's scope.
Clear guardrails were put in place regarding key power infrastructure preservation, as well as a commitment from SCE, which is court-enforceable, to show any and all data regarding why the fire appears to have been started by a de-energized line. The judge is clearly committed to not letting SCE destroy any evidence.
Lawyers asked for sanctions against the utility last week after accusing the utility of lying after learning SCE re-energized transmission lines on the 19th of January without providing prior notice to plaintiffs' lawyers. This, lawyers argued, possibly damaged or altered physical evidence prior to lawyers being able to have their experts test the lines which were de-energized.
An SCE spokeswoman denied this claim, saying the utility sent the lawyers a letter on January 17th, notifying them.
February 11, 2025 Update
The Los Angeles Times has reported that while Edison may face a significant hit economically from the Eaton Fire, the utility will probably avoid a "fatal blow." Some estimates have put insured damages relating to the fire at $10 billion. The final amount may be higher, though, according to experts.
California lawmakers, in 2019, created an emergency fund which may save Edison should they be found responsible for the fire. This fund could cover up to $21 billion worth of losses if Edison is forced to pay out regarding the Eaton Fire.
Prior to the Eaton Fire, Edison's valuation was around $30 billion, but the utility's valuation has fallen by about 33 percent since the fire, as the utility's share price has been reduced by over 35 percent.
According to Shon Hiatt, a professor at USC's Marshall School of Business, companies can be generally considered at risk of bankruptcy when their liability is double their valuation. Edison's market cap is around $20 billion and it is facing around $10 billion in potential liability regarding the Eaton Fire, so Edison doesn't appear likely to go bankrupt as a result of the fire.
While utilities, under state law, don't need to reimburse the emergency fund created in 2019 when they're found to have acted prudently in order to prevent fires, Edison will need to pay back a total of $4 billion into the fund if they are found to have acted imprudently. Regardless of if Edison is found to have acted appropriately, they will need to pay $1 billion worth of claims before being granted access to the emergency fund if their equipment is found to have started the fire.
In other news, according to Edison International CEO and president Pedro Pizarro, videos of the Eaton Fire's early stages are "concerning" and could suggest a potential link to Southern California Edison equipment.
Contact An Eaton Wildfire Lawyer Today
Call us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one suffered losses like property damage, injury or evacuation costs due to the Eaton Fire. We never charge you a fee until and unless we obtain a recovery, and our lawyers have extensive experience in helping victims of California wildfires. Call us today.
