Eaton Fire Lawsuit Attorney - Sue Southern California Edison

Eaton Fire Victims: You Have Legal Rights Against Southern California Edison

The Eaton Fire that erupted on January 7, 2025, has become one of the most devastating wildfires in California history, destroying over 9,400 structures in Altadena and Pasadena. Early investigations point to Southern California Edison's electrical equipment as the ignition source. If you lost your home, business, or property in the Eaton Fire, you have the legal right to sue SCE and recover full compensation for your losses.

The Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene has over 25 years of experience representing California wildfire victims. We've recovered over $50 million for our clients and know exactly how to hold utility companies accountable. Our Eaton Fire lawyers are ready to fight for you.

The Eaton Fire: Devastation in Altadena and Pasadena

The Eaton Fire ignited on January 7, 2025, during extreme Santa Ana wind conditions. Within hours, the fire exploded across Altadena, destroying entire neighborhoods. The fire burned over 14,000 acres and destroyed more than 7,000 structures, displacing thousands of families. The communities of Altadena and Pasadena were hit hardest, with iconic historic homes, local businesses, and irreplaceable community landmarks reduced to ash.

Preliminary investigations by Cal Fire and independent experts indicate that Southern California Edison's power lines or equipment sparked the blaze. SCE has a documented history of equipment failures causing catastrophic wildfires throughout California. The utility's negligence in maintaining its infrastructure has resulted in billions of dollars in wildfire damages across the state, similar to the devastation seen in the Pacific Palisades Fire.

Legal Basis for Suing Southern California Edison

Under California law, utility companies like SCE can be held strictly liable for wildfire damages under the doctrine of inverse condemnation. This means that if SCE's equipment caused the Eaton Fire—even if SCE wasn't negligent—the company must pay for all resulting damages. You don't have to prove SCE was careless; you only need to prove that their equipment started the fire.

Additionally, victims can pursue claims based on:

• Negligence: SCE failed to properly maintain power lines, poles, and equipment
• Public Nuisance: SCE's dangerous equipment created an unreasonable risk to the community
• Strict Liability: SCE is automatically responsible for fire damage caused by its equipment
• Trespass: The fire physically invaded and damaged private property

What Compensation Can Eaton Fire Victims Recover?

Eaton Fire victims who sue Southern California Edison can recover compensation for all losses caused by the fire, including:

• Property Damage: Full replacement cost of your home, not just market value before the fire
• Personal Property Loss: Furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry, artwork, and all contents destroyed in the fire
• Business Losses: Lost income, business interruption, and equipment destruction for business owners
• Temporary Housing: Hotel costs, rental expenses, and additional living expenses while displaced
• Landscaping and Trees: Mature trees, gardens, fencing, and outdoor structures
• Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats destroyed in the fire
• Emotional Distress: Psychological trauma from losing your home and community
• Loss of Use: The inability to live in or use your property during rebuilding
• Evacuation Expenses: Costs incurred fleeing the fire
• Attorney Fees: California law requires SCE to pay your attorney fees if you prevail

Insurance vs. Utility Lawsuits: You Can Pursue Both

Many Eaton Fire victims wonder whether they should file an insurance claim or sue Southern California Edison. The answer is: both. These are separate legal avenues that work together to maximize your recovery.

Your homeowner's insurance policy is a contract you paid for, and the insurance company must honor it. However, insurance policies have coverage limits and exclusions. Even with insurance, you may not be fully compensated. A lawsuit against SCE can recover losses not covered by insurance, including underinsurance gaps, policy limits, deductibles, and damages your insurance company won't pay.

Additionally, if your insurance company denies your claim, delays payment, or offers a lowball settlement, we can file a bad faith insurance lawsuit. We handle both your insurance claim and your SCE lawsuit simultaneously to ensure maximum compensation.

Critical Deadlines: Act Now

Time is of the essence. California law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims against utility companies:

• Inverse Condemnation Claims: Must be filed within the statute of limitations, typically 3 years from the date of the fire
• Government Claims: If government entities are involved, you may need to file within 6 months
• Insurance Claims: Your policy may require notice within days or weeks of the fire
• Evidence Preservation: Critical evidence can be lost or destroyed if not documented immediately

Don't wait. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner we can begin investigating, preserving evidence, and building your case. Delaying could jeopardize your legal rights.

Why You Need an Eaton Fire Lawyer

Suing a major utility company like Southern California Edison is complex. SCE has teams of attorneys and experts working to minimize their liability. You need an experienced fire attorney who knows how to fight back. Here's what we do for our clients:

• Conduct Independent Fire Investigations: We hire expert fire investigators, engineers, and scientists to prove SCE's equipment caused the fire
• Document All Your Losses: We work with appraisers, contractors, and forensic accountants to calculate the full value of your damages
• Handle All Legal Proceedings: We file all necessary claims, lawsuits, and motions on your behalf
• Negotiate Aggressively: We have extensive experience negotiating with SCE and know how to maximize settlements
• Take Cases to Trial: If SCE won't offer fair compensation, we're ready to take your case to court and fight for a jury verdict
• No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case

Southern California Edison's History of Wildfire Liability

This is not the first time SCE has been blamed for catastrophic wildfires. The utility has been found responsible for numerous fires, including:

• The 2018 Woolsey Fire (responsible for $2.5 billion in damages)
• The 2017 Thomas Fire (largest fire in California history at the time)
• The 2009 Station Fire (34,000 acres in Los Angeles County)
• Multiple smaller fires caused by equipment failures

SCE has paid billions in wildfire settlements and judgments. The Eaton Fire victims deserve the same justice. We will hold SCE accountable for the devastation it caused in Altadena and Pasadena.

What to Do Right Now

If you were affected by the Eaton Fire, take these steps immediately:

• Document Everything: Take photos and videos of all damage. Keep receipts for all expenses.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report your claim immediately to comply with policy requirements.
• Do Not Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may use your words against you. Speak with an attorney first.
• Preserve Evidence: Do not dispose of damaged property without documenting it first.
• Contact a Fire Attorney: The sooner you hire legal representation, the better your outcome will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my Eaton Fire case worth?

Every case is unique. Your compensation depends on the extent of your property damage, lost belongings, temporary housing costs, emotional distress, and other factors. Total losses for Eaton Fire victims range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for complete home destruction. We provide a free case evaluation to estimate your potential recovery.

How long will my case take?

Fire litigation can take 1-3 years depending on case complexity and whether it settles or goes to trial. However, we work to secure advance payments and settlements as quickly as possible so you can begin rebuilding your life. Many clients receive partial settlements within the first year. See our complete guide to California wildfire lawsuit timelines for a detailed breakdown of each phase.

What if I already received an insurance payout?

You can still sue SCE even if you received insurance money. Insurance payments rarely cover all losses. You can recover the difference between your total damages and what insurance paid. Additionally, your insurance company may have subrogation rights and can join your lawsuit to recover what they paid.

Do I have to pay upfront legal fees?

No. We handle Eaton Fire cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. All investigation costs, expert fees, and legal expenses are advanced by our firm. You only pay if you receive compensation, and our fee comes from your recovery. California law also requires SCE to pay your attorney fees if you prevail in an inverse condemnation case.

The Eaton Fire destroyed lives, homes, and communities. Southern California Edison must be held accountable. If you or your family lost property in the Eaton Fire, contact the Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene today. We're here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.