Eaton Fire Lawsuit Filed Against SoCal Edison by Los Angeles County

Complaint joins dozens of similar LA fire lawsuits alleging that the Southern California utility company was responsible for deadly blazes throughout the region.

The County of Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit against SoCal Edison, accusing the utility provider of negligence in sparking the Eaton Fire, which burned for 24 days and became the second most destructive wildfire in California history.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Flood Control District and the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County in the Superior Court for the State of California on March 5, naming Southern California Edison and its parent company, Edison International, as defendants.

The Eaton Fire was one of several fires that started in the Los Angeles area this past winter. It burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed or damaged at least 10,000 structures, and led to 17 deaths.

As a result, dozens of Los Angeles wildfire lawsuits have been filed, alleging that negligence, equipment failures and a lack of adequate safety measures on the part of Southern California Edison contributed directly to the outbreak and spread of the devastating Eaton blaze.

In its complaint, LA County alleges that the Eaton Fire began when sparks from SoCal Edison’s electrical equipment ignited nearby vegetation during a forecasted high wind event that allowed the blaze to spread quickly.

The County claims that the utility provider failed to properly maintain the vegetation near its power lines, and did not de-energize its equipment during the high winds preceding the fire.

In particular, the lawsuit notes that there is video footage and photographs revealing that the fire began at the base of SoCal Edison’s transmission towers in Eaton Canyon.

“The Eaton Fire destroyed and/or significantly damaged numerous COUNTY landmarks and other COUNTY, FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, and CFPD LA property, including but not limited to: the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, including the McCurdy Nature Center, outdoor classroom, trash enclosure, picnic shelter, and other property located within the Eaton Canyon Natural Area; Farnsworth Park, including the historic Davies Community Center, comfort stations, regional offices, playground, amphitheater, picnic shelter, horseshoe arbors, and other property located within Farnsworth Park; Loma Alta Park, including playgrounds, garden building, storage building, community pool and other property located within Loma Alta Park; the Altadena Golf Course Clubhouse and other property located at the Altadena Golf Course; Charles White Park; Altadena Triangle Park; the Altadena Senior Center; various debris basins, dams, and reservoirs including the Eaton Wash Dam and Rubio Wash Debris Basin located in Altadena; and fire apparatuses and other fire suppression and/or emergency response equipment, among other property owned and/or operated by Plaintiffs,” the lawsuit indicates.

The plaintiffs raise allegations of inverse condemnation, negligence, trespass, nuisance, premises liability, violation of public utilities codes and violation of health and safety codes, against both defendants.

They are seeking economic damages and just compensation damages for diminution of property, loss of use, benefit, goodwill and enjoyment of property, loss of revenues, labor costs, damages to name, reputation, tourism and economic development, loss of earning capacities, and damages for increased operating expenses. 

Eaton Fire Lawsuits

In addition to the lawsuit being brought by the County of Los Angeles, a group of insurance companies filed a separate complaint (PDF) against SoCal Edison in the Superior Court for the State of California on March 3, raising similar allegations concerning the Eaton blaze.

Both complaints are joining dozens of Los Angeles-area residents who have filed their own lawsuits against Southern California Edison in recent weeks.

Attorneys are actively investigating legal claims on behalf of individuals who have lost their homes or experienced damages due to the destructive wildfires.

Homeowners, business owners and families of those who lost their lives are seeking compensation for property damage, business interruptions, personal suffering and in some cases, punitive damages to hold responsible parties accountable for causing the fires and the inadequate response, which contributed to such significant devastation and loss of life.

Those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires can submit their information for a free case evaluation to determine if they may be eligible for financial compensation.

LA wildfire attorneys provide free consultations and case reviews, with no upfront costs. Legal fees are only required if compensation is successfully recovered.