The 2025 Eaton Fire devastated Altadena and surrounding communities across Los Angeles County, destroying over 9,400 structures and claiming 19 lives. Evidence suggests Southern California Edison's (SCE) electrical equipment may have sparked one of the deadliest Los Angeles wildfires in the city’s history.
Wisner Baum attorneys were among the first in Los Angeles to file an Eaton Fire lawsuit against SCE. The complaint includes strong evidence that SCE equipment sparked the fire and is responsible for the widespread destruction.
In an interview with Los Angeles radio station KNX 1070, Wisner Baum’s lead wildfire lawyer, Ari Friedman, said his firm, “feels very confident that Edison’s equipment is to blame for the Eaton Fire.”
The Eaton Fire began on January 7, 2025, at approximately 6:18 p.m. near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the Eaton Canyon area. The official cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation, but a growing body of evidence and multiple lawsuits focus on Southern California Edison’s equipment as a likely ignition source.
What started as a small fire quickly exploded into one of California's most destructive wildfires in Southern California history, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds with gusts reaching up to 100 mph.
The Eaton Fire’s impact on Altadena and the surrounding area was devastating:
For thousands of families and businesses, the Eaton Fire didn't just destroy buildings, it destroyed lives, memories, and livelihoods. Many victims are now facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding while dealing with insurance companies that may be denying or minimizing legitimate claims.
The areas hardest hit by the Eaton Fire include:
Areas north of Orange Grove/Rosemead Boulevard, east of Lake Avenue, and west of Michillinda Avenue in Pasadena were evacuated, but as of January 10, 2025, the extent of damage is not known.
Eaton Fire lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) are actively proceeding through the Los Angeles Superior Court system, with Judge Laura A. Seigle overseeing the coordination of dozens of cases. The litigation has reached a critical juncture, with mounting evidence suggesting SCE's equipment likely caused the Eaton Canyon Fire.
Video footage in our lawsuit clearly shows sparks from an SCE transmission tower igniting the fire in Eaton Canyon before rapidly spreading into residential areas of Altadena and Pasadena. Our legal team continues to gather critical evidence while supporting affected community members.
August 2025: A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that the actual death toll from the LA wildfires may be significantly higher than official counts. Researchers found 440 more deaths than expected between January 5 and February 1, 2025, in Los Angeles County, potentially attributable to factors related to the LA fires, including smoke exposure, stress-induced health complications, and healthcare system disruptions.
July 2025: SCE will create a Wildfire Compensation Fund to pay eligible Eaton Fire victims for physical injuries, death, structure loss for homeowners and renters, business interruptions, commercial property loss, and smoke damage. What remains unclear about the fund is whether victims will have to forego any claims in litigation against the utility. After the Dixie Fire, PG&E offered a similar fund that was supposed to expedite payments to victims. The catch: victims had to drop lawsuits against the utility to participate.
Authorities found another deceased victim in the burning area this month, bringing the Eaton Fire death toll to 19.
Insurance claims from the Eaton Fire have already totaled approximately $15 billion. This represents a significant portion of the total damage estimates and indicates the scale of financial exposure facing the litigation.
June 2025: SCE indicated it will likely tap into California's $21 billion Wildfire Fund to cover damages. Early estimates place Eaton Fire losses between $24 billion and $45 billion, which could exhaust the entire fund.
May 2025: Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro acknowledged it's "probable" that SCE will incur "material losses" from the Eaton Fire, with investigations expected to continue for over a year and settlements potentially taking even longer. The company submitted a $6.2 billion wildfire mitigation plan for 2026-2028.
Multiple legal theories apply to these cases, most notably inverse condemnation, a doctrine that holds utility companies strictly liable for wildfire damages caused by their equipment, regardless of negligence. This is particularly significant because it means plaintiffs don't need to prove wrongdoing, only that SCE's equipment substantially contributed to the fire. Lawsuits also seek punitive damages, which could significantly increase settlement amounts.
Plaintiffs in Eaton Fire lawsuits allege several points of negligence against SCE:
As a victim of the Eaton Fire, you may wonder about your homeowners insurance claim, and whether you have legal rights that extend beyond what your policy may cover. Pending the outcome of the fire investigation, people who suffered losses in the Eaton Fire may be able to recover compensation for:
It's crucial to understand that insurance companies may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim. Our experienced Eaton Fire lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Here’s what you need to know:
Still have questions? Our wildfire attorneys will review your circumstances and explain your best legal path.
If you suffered losses in the Eaton Fire, you have rights. Below we cover the types of claims people may be eligible to pursue to cover the costs of their losses.
Homeowners can file claims to cover rebuilding costs, personal property replacement, and additional living expenses (ALE) for temporary housing if they were displaced. While insurance typically covers tangible losses, it often fails to compensate wildfire victims for the entirety of their losses. These claims may exclude things like emotional distress, smoke damage, and underinsured property values (e.g., land devaluation). Lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) can recover these excluded damages, ensuring full financial recovery.
Renters with insurance may recover personal property loss for fire/smoke-damaged belongings (clothing, furniture, electronics), replacement cost (actual cash value or full replacement, depending on policy terms), and additional living expenses for temporary housing.
Renters without insurance can apply for FEMA temporary housing grants (up to 18 months) and limited funds for essential items like clothing and medical supplies.
With or without insurance, filing an SCE lawsuit is your best path to a full recovery.
Small businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire can leverage insurance coverage to recover losses. Commercial property insurance covers structural repairs, equipment replacement, and inventory losses, while business interruption insurance reimburses lost income during closures. Both are critical for restaurants, retailers, and service providers that were forced to shut down.
For uninsured losses, the Small Business Administration offers disaster loans (up to $2M) to cover rebuilding or operational costs.
After the Eaton Fire, many victims have questions about how their insurance policies interact with potential lawsuits against SCE. The truth is, these options are not mutually exclusive—filing an insurance claim can help provide immediate relief, while participating in a lawsuit may allow you to recover additional damages that insurance does not cover.
| Option | What It Offers | Pros | Cons |
| Insurance Claim | Compensation based on policy limits for property and related loss | - Fastest initial payouts
- Covers direct, listed losses |
- Often excludes lost value/undervalued property
- May not cover emotional damages and future costs |
| Lawsuit vs SCE | Legal claim for full damages (including non-covered losses) | - Potential for greater compensation
- Covers emotional, punitive, underinsured gaps |
- Longer timeline
- Requires more documentation and participation |
If you’ve filed an insurance claim, you may still be eligible for a lawsuit against SCE. Insurance rarely covers the full extent of disaster losses—joining a lawsuit can help you recover additional damages.
Unsure what to do? Contact our wildfire lawyers for a no-cost claim assessment.
Even with insurance payouts, lawsuits against SCE are essential to fill coverage gaps. California’s inverse condemnation law holds utilities financially liable for fire damages caused by their equipment, even if they weren’t negligent. This means victims can recover:
By pursuing legal action, victims bypass insurance limitations and hold SCE accountable for the true cost of recovery.
Navigating the wildfire claims process can be overwhelming, so here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s ahead:
Fire-related claims can take several months to resolve, lawsuits can take a year or more, especially for large-scale wildfires.
Our Eaton Fire lawyers can assist you in various ways, including:
At Wisner Baum, we have a proven track record of successfully representing wildfire victims in Los Angeles. Our team of dedicated attorneys has:
If you've been affected by the Eaton Fire, don't face the aftermath alone. The experienced wildfire attorneys at Wisner Baum are ready to fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life.
Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis – you don't pay unless we win your case. Reach out today to get started on your claim.
Here are the questions wildfire victims most often ask. For more in-depth answers, contact the wildfire attorneys at Wisner Baum.
We recommend these steps:
Yes. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison (SCE) alleging negligence. Specifically, Eaton Fire lawsuits allege the blaze started due to SCE’s electrical equipment, which should have been de-energized amid Red Flag warnings in Eaton Canyon.
While the official cause remains under investigation, evidence strongly suggests that Southern California Edison's (SCE) electrical equipment may have been the ignition source. Under California’s inverse condemnation law, utility companies can be held financially liable for fire damages caused by their equipment, even without proof of negligence.
Yes. The Eaton Fire lawsuit is not limited to homeowners. Renters, business owners, and others who suffered losses—including personal property damage, evacuation expenses, lost wages, and business interruption—may all be eligible to join.
Yes, you can. Insurance payouts often don't cover the full extent of your losses, such as underinsured property, emotional distress, or punitive damages. A lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) can help you recover these additional costs.
Lawsuits can help you recover damages that insurance typically excludes or undervalues, such as:
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. It's helpful to gather photos and videos of the damage, receipts for temporary living expenses and repairs, and any correspondence with your insurance company. Our legal team can help you identify and collect the necessary evidence to support your claim.
The statute of limitations for fire damage claims in California is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, it's crucial to start the process as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss any deadlines and to preserve evidence.
The timeline can vary. While simple insurance claims may resolve in months, complex lawsuits like the Eaton Fire litigation can take a year or more. The legal team at Wisner Baum works to secure prompt compensation, but we are also prepared to fight for a full recovery for as long as it takes.
Most wildfire claims and lawsuits settle out of court through negotiation. However, if a case goes to trial, your presence may be necessary. We will keep you informed and prepared every step of the way.
California law requires insurance companies to respond to claims promptly, usually within 15 days. If your insurer is delaying, denying your valid claim without a proper investigation, or offering a settlement that you know is insufficient, you may have a "bad faith" claim. Our lawyers can help you challenge these actions and explore all available options for compensation.
Yes, most insurance companies will advance money for immediate needs like hotel rooms and clothes. You can typically expect an advance of around $1,000. If you need more, you should be prepared to explain why and negotiate with your insurer.
Remember, if you're facing any issues with your Eaton Fire insurance claim, don't hesitate to contact an experienced wildfire attorney. At Wisner Baum, we're here to help you navigate the complex process of recovering from wildfire damage and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
It will take some months to determine the cost of rebuilding. The insurance company may bring in contractors to estimate the cost. You should also bring in your own contractor to bid on the rebuilding costs. We also recommend developing a written "Scope of Loss" - a detailed breakdown of all items and services necessary to rebuild or repair your house. This ensures everyone is on the same page regarding the damage to be repaired as well as what needs to be rebuilt.
If your business was affected by the Eaton Fire, you may be able to pursue certain damages, pending the outcome of the investigation. Business owners affected by the Eaton Fire may be eligible for compensation for:
Our attorneys can help you navigate both personal and business-related wildfire claims.
No. Wisner Baum works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you.
The aftermath of the Eaton Fire can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face the insurance and legal maze alone. Wisner Baum, a trusted wildfire law firm with decades of experience representing wildfire victims across California, is here to help you secure full and fair compensation as you rebuild.
Wisner Baum was among the first to file an Eaton Fire lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), presenting strong evidence that SCE’s equipment likely sparked the fire. Their wildfire attorneys have a proven track record of successfully obtaining justice and compensation for hundreds of victims in major California wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, Woolsey Fire, and others.
If you’ve been affected by the Eaton Fire, you can get a free and confidential case evaluation by calling Wisner Baum at (310) 207-3233 or visiting our contact page to schedule a consultation.
Let Wisner Baum’s experienced wildfire attorneys guide you through this difficult time and fight for your rights so you can rebuild with confidence.
"Wisner Baum gave exceptional attention to all aspects of the case, detailed inquiry, and tenacious overview of all the information submitted. The paralegals are efficient and diligent. I was completely surprised to find an empathic personal message to take care of my own health during the challenging time of being a full-time caretaker.*"
In May of 2019, the jury in the case of Pilliod et al. v, Monsanto Company ordered the agrochemical giant to pay $2.055 billion in damages to the plaintiffs, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a Bay Area couple in their 70s. R. Brent Wisner served as co-lead trial attorney for the Pilliods, delivering the opening and closing statements and cross-examining several of Monsanto’s experts. Wisner Baum managing shareholder, Michael Baum and attorney Pedram Esfandiary also served on the trial team in the Pilliod case.
The judge later reduced their award to $87M. Monsanto appealed the Pilliod’s verdict which the California Court of Appeal for the First Appellate District denied on August 9, 2021. Monsanto then requested the California Supreme Court review the appeal’s court decision, which the court denied on Nov. 17, 2021. Monsanto (Bayer) then submitted a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court which SCOTUS denied on June 27, 2022, allowing the final judgment of $87M to remain intact.
$289.2 million jury verdict in Monsanto Roundup trial
Wisner Baum co-represented Dewayne “Lee” Johnson in the first Roundup cancer lawsuit to proceed to trial. On Aug. 10, 2018, a San Francisco jury ordered Monsanto to pay $39.25 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages to Mr. Johnson, a former groundskeeper who alleged exposure to Monsanto’s herbicides caused him to develop terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Months after the jury verdict, the judge overseeing the trial reduced the punitive damages to $39.25 million. Mr. Johnson decided to accept the remittitur, bringing the adjusted amount awarded to Mr. Johnson $78.5 million.
Monsanto (Bayer) appealed the verdict and Johnson cross appealed. On July 20, 2020, the First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict against Monsanto but reduced Mr. Johnson’s award to $20.5 million. The company chose not to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, ending the litigation.
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