LA Homeowner Fire Lawsuits Mount as SoCal Edison Investigates Causes of Wildfires

Southern California Edison is disputing claims in LA homeowner lawsuits alleging that sparks from its active power lines ignited the Eaton Fire, leading to catastrophic damages worth billions.

Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the largest electric utilities in California, provides power to millions across a vast service area, spanning densely populated regions like Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as rural communities.

However, in the aftermath of the devastating fires that have spanned across Los Angeles since early January, the company now faces multiple lawsuits alleging its negligence played a role in igniting the Eaton fire.

A complaint (PDF) filed by Evangeline Iglesias in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County earlier this month, names Southern California Edison and its parent company, Edison International, as defendants.

Iglesias alleges that electrical sparks from Southern California Edison’s power lines in the Eaton Valley ignited nearby vegetation, resulting in the Eaton Fire, which has burned approximately 14,021 acres in Los Angeles County, destroyed 9,418 homes and buildings, and resulted in at least 17 deaths.

In the complaint, Iglesias states that the National Weather Service issued a “Fire Weather Watch” covering Eaton Canyon several days before the fire ignited on January 7. Additionally, a “Red Flag Warning” was issued on the morning of the fire, citing forecasted winds exceeding 100 mph.

Despite these warnings, Iglesias claims that SoCal Edison failed to de-energize its power lines in Eaton Canyon, and that data shows more than 300 faults in the company’s power lines during the hours preceding the first reports of the Eaton Fire at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Furthermore, Iglesias claims there is video, photo and eyewitness evidence that sparks from SoCal Edison’s power lines started the fire.

As a result, Iglesias has filed claims against SoCal Edison, alleging negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass, private and public nuisance, premises liability, and violations of California Public Utilities and Health and Safety codes. She is seeking compensation for property repair, depreciation and replacement costs, along with lost wages, diminished earning capacity, business losses and displacement expenses.

Iglesias is not the only resident who has filed a complaint against SoCal Edison in the weeks since the Los Angeles fires began. At least four other lawsuits have been filed against the utilities provider, making similar claims about the origin of the Eaton Fire.

LA Fire Lawsuits Challenged by SoCal Edison

Despite mounting evidence and similar allegations being raised against the company, SoCal Edison sent a letter (PDF) to The Public Utilities Commission of the State of California on January 27, indicating that there were no electrical faults on company power lines running through Eaton Canyon for the 12 hours prior to when the fires were first reported.

The company claims it is reviewing the video allegations that have been made, but has not yet become aware of any damage to its facilities in the area.

SoCal Edison has also collected debris that was found near the towers in question, as well as from an encampment approximately 300 yards from the towers. According to the letter, this evidence is currently being stored in a secure location.

“SCE’s investigation and ongoing inspections of its facilities, records, potential witnesses, and other issues that could potentially shed light on causation continue,” Paul Pimentel, claims principal manager for SoCal Edison, said in the letter.

Los Angeles House Fire Lawsuits Being Investigated

In the aftermath of the fires, lawyers are actively investigating lawsuits on behalf of Los Angeles residents who lost their homes or suffered damages caused by the recent fires.

Homeowners, business owners and families of the deceased, are pursuing compensation for property losses, business disruptions, personal suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages to hold these parties accountable for the ignition of the fires and the subsequent inadequate response, which contributed to significant devastation and loss of life.

If you lost your home or suffered damages due to the Los Angeles wildfires, submit your information for a free case review to determine whether you qualify for financial compensation.

LA wildfire lawyers offer free consultations and case evaluations. There are no upfront fees, and you only pay if a recovery is obtained in your case.