Many individuals affected by the Eaton Fire are considering a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), an electric company that may have contributed to the start of the fire. You can learn more about these lawsuits from a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
An attorney can review your family’s situation and help you determine if you qualify for a lawsuit. Taking legal action against the electric company may help you get the compensation you need to recover after the Eaton Fire and the damage it caused to Pasadena and Altadena.
Why Consider an Eaton Fire Lawsuit Against SoCal Edison?
Individuals affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena may consider filing a lawsuit against Southern California Edison because the company may have contributed to starting the massive fire.
Many people impacted by this fire will file a lawsuit to try to secure compensation for the injuries, property damage, and other losses caused by the blaze.
Won’t Insurance Cover Damage from the Eaton Fire?
Your homeowners or property owner’s insurance may cover some of your losses after the Eaton Fire. However, your insurance policy may simply not provide sufficient funds to cover all of the damage.
Therefore, you may need to file a lawsuit against SCE to cover the remainder of your losses.
Who Can File a Lawsuit Against Southern California Edison for the Eaton Fire?
Any individual impacted by the Eaton Fire may have a chance to sue SCE. For example, you may want to pursue this legal action as a business owner, homeowner, property owner, or tenant in a property damaged by the fire.
You may qualify to file a lawsuit if you (or a loved one) sustained injuries due to the fire or if the blaze damaged your property.
The Eaton Fire caused tremendous damage. The blaze destroyed over 7,000 structures and burned more than 14,000 acres. If you experienced any hardship due to the fire, you can reach out to a legal professional to discuss the possibility of a lawsuit.
Precedent for Suing Electric Companies for Fires
Individuals affected by wildfires have successfully brought legal action against electric companies in the past. For example, victims of the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2021 Dixie Fire received millions in compensation after the establishment of trust funds by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
However, taking on a big electric company alone can prove impossible after a fire. Therefore, if you want to file a lawsuit, make sure you reach out to a professional law firm for help.
Causes of the Eaton Fire
Investigators are assessing all the causes of the Eaton Fire. Fire officials currently think that the blaze started in SoCal Edison’s service area. The company may have contributed to the start of the fire if it:
- Failed to properly maintain power infrastructure or lines
- Failed to trim vegetation and trees growing close to power lines
- Failed to replace or appropriately update old electrical infrastructure and equipment
- Failed to respond to strong winds by cutting power
The above list contains only examples of how the electric company could have contributed to the start of the Eaton Fire.
Funds Available Through a SoCal Edison Lawsuit for the Eaton Fire
You may have a chance to secure compensation for any of the losses you experience due to the Eaton Fire by filing a lawsuit against SCE. Depending on the results of the fire, you may get funds to pay for:
- Rebuilding your home or business
- Repairing the damage caused by soot, ash, and smoke
- Fixing your lawn or yard
- Replacing damaged or destroyed possessions
Additionally, the company may have to pay for all of your current and long-term medical expenses. Burns and damage to the lungs from smoke inhalation often require extensive and expensive medical care.
You may seek funds to cover the costs of evacuating the area impacted by the fire, along with your living expenses while away from home. Additionally, if you missed work due to the fire, the company may have to pay for your lost wages.
Furthermore, SCE may need to cover your non-economic losses. These payments may cover your emotional distress, mental anguish, and any pain you experience because of the fire.
Damages for Deaths Caused by the Eaton Fire
Over a dozen people lost their lives in the Eaton Fire. The families of these victims may have the chance to sue SCE for the loss of a loved one. The electric company may need to cover the costs of burial and funeral expenses as well as other losses faced by your family.
Can You Sue SCE on Your Own?
You can attempt to file a lawsuit against SoCal Edison by yourself. However, utility companies like SCE have powerful insurance companies and lawyers on their sides. These companies often work hard to avoid providing compensation for the damages they cause.
Fortunately, you do not have to try to take on this company alone. You can reach out to a lawyer to get professional help and support for your legal claim.
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Learn More About a Lawsuit Against SCE for the Eaton Fire
You may have a chance to file an Eaton Fire lawsuit against Southern California Edison. Our team at Omega Law Group can review your situation and help you determine if you qualify to file this type of legal claim.
We understand the tremendous damage caused by the Eaton Fire and want to provide support and legal assistance to the injured and displaced. To learn more, call or complete our online contact form.
