How to Sue LADWP for Palisades Fire Damage: 2025 Legal Guide

The Pacific Palisades Fire erupted on January 7, 2025, and quickly became one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, the blaze tore through Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Topanga, and surrounding communities—destroying over 6,800 structures, claiming at least 12 lives, and burning more than 23,000 acres.

Now, hundreds of homeowners, renters, and business owners are asking the same question: Who is responsible, and can I sue?

The answer is yes. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging that the utility's negligence contributed to the catastrophic spread of the Palisades Fire. If you lost your home or property in the fire, a Pacific Palisades fire lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Caused the Pacific Palisades Fire? LADWP Under Investigation

While the exact cause of the Palisades Fire is still under investigation, lawsuits filed against LADWP allege multiple failures that contributed to the fire's ignition and devastating spread:

Downed Power Lines and Faulty Equipment

Plaintiffs allege that a broken LADWP power pole caused live electrical lines to fall, sparking the initial fire. Although LADWP initially claimed the lines had been de-energized for years, subsequent reports indicate the utility later admitted the lines were live at the time of ignition.

Santa Ynez Reservoir Left Empty

Perhaps most damning is the allegation that LADWP left the Santa Ynez Reservoir—a critical water source for firefighting in the Palisades area—nearly empty for almost a year due to deferred maintenance. When firefighters arrived to battle the blaze, they found hydrants running dry. The lack of water severely hampered firefighting efforts and allowed the fire to spread unchecked through residential neighborhoods.

Dry Fire Hydrants

Multiple reports confirm that fire hydrants throughout Pacific Palisades ran dry as firefighters battled the blaze. This catastrophic failure of the water infrastructure—which LADWP is responsible for maintaining—contributed directly to the destruction of thousands of homes.

Palisades Fire Lawsuits: Who Is Being Sued?

Palisades Fire victims are filing lawsuits against multiple parties, including:

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP): For failing to maintain power infrastructure, allowing the Santa Ynez Reservoir to remain empty, and failing to ensure adequate water pressure for firefighting
• City of Los Angeles: For negligent management of fire prevention resources and failure to adequately prepare for wildfire emergencies
• Other Potentially Responsible Parties: Investigations continue into other entities that may have contributed to the fire's cause or spread

Notably, two California judges—Dean Pregerson and Vijay "Jay" Gandhi—have joined the growing number of plaintiffs suing LADWP after losing their homes in the Palisades Fire. Their lawsuits allege the utility disregarded warnings and was unprepared to battle the blaze.

Legal Theories in Palisades Fire Lawsuits

Palisades Fire lawsuits are being brought under several legal theories:

Inverse Condemnation

Under California law, public utilities and government entities can be held strictly liable when their property (like power lines or water infrastructure) causes damage to private property. This means you may be able to recover compensation even without proving negligence—simply showing that LADWP's equipment or infrastructure caused your damages may be enough.

Negligence

Plaintiffs allege LADWP and the City of Los Angeles acted negligently by failing to maintain power lines, allowing critical water reservoirs to remain empty, and failing to ensure adequate water pressure for firefighting operations. These failures directly contributed to the fire's spread and the destruction of thousands of homes.

Dangerous Condition of Public Property

California's Government Code allows lawsuits against public entities when a dangerous condition of public property causes injury. The empty reservoir and inadequate water infrastructure may qualify as a dangerous condition that LADWP knew or should have known about.

Who Can File a Pacific Palisades Fire Lawsuit?

If you were affected by the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Topanga, Santa Monica, Calabasas, or surrounding communities, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit:

• Homeowners whose homes were damaged or destroyed
• Renters who lost personal property and belongings
• Business owners who suffered property damage or business interruption losses
• Evacuees who incurred expenses for temporary housing, transportation, and other evacuation-related costs
• Family members of those who lost their lives in the fire (wrongful death claims)

Critical Deadline: Filing a Government Claim Against LADWP

IMPORTANT: Before you can sue LADWP or the City of Los Angeles, you must first file a government claim. This is a mandatory legal requirement under the California Tort Claims Act.

Deadline for government claims:

• 6 months from the incident for personal injury and personal property damage
• 1 year from the incident for real property damage

If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to sue forever. Contact a Palisades fire attorney immediately to ensure your government claim is filed on time.

What Compensation Can Palisades Fire Victims Recover?

A successful Palisades Fire lawsuit can provide compensation for:

• Property damage and loss (homes, structures, vehicles)
• Personal property (furniture, electronics, jewelry, artwork, family heirlooms)
• Landscaping and trees (often underinsured or not covered by insurance)
• Additional living expenses (temporary housing, hotels, meals)
• Lost income and business losses
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Medical expenses (for injuries, smoke inhalation)
• Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one)

Contact a Pacific Palisades Fire Attorney Today

The Palisades Fire has devastated communities from Pacific Palisades to Malibu to Topanga. While nothing can undo the damage, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and obtain compensation to help you rebuild.

At Fire Claims Lawyer, we are actively investigating claims against LADWP and other responsible parties. Our experienced wildfire attorneys have the resources and expertise to take on powerful utilities and government entities.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Time is running out to file your government claim. Contact us today to protect your rights.