Southern California Edison (SCE) has faced intense scrutiny and legal action after being linked to several major wildfires across California, including the Eaton Fire. The January 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed more than 9,000 structures in the Altadena area and led to numerous lawsuits and a proposed compensation program. Mounting evidence suggests SCE’s equipment played a central role in igniting the fire.
If you were impacted by a utility-caused wildfire, California law gives you the right to seek compensation, not just as a homeowner, but also as a renter, business owner, or even a public agency. Lawsuits may hold utility companies like Edison financially responsible when their equipment causes widespread damage, even if negligence is difficult to prove or the company followed standard safety rules.
Pending an investigation, wildfire victims may be able to pursue claims for property loss, evacuation expenses, emotional distress, business interruption, and more. If you or someone you care about has been impacted by a utility-caused wildfire, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wisner Baum. With our experienced team by your side, you’ll have the support and know-how to navigate your options and fight for the compensation that’s rightfully yours.
SCE Lawsuit Updates – 2025
The wildfire litigation involving Southern California Edison (SCE) continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, reflecting the devastating impact of the Eaton Fire and other recent blazes linked to the utility. Here are some key updates on the current lawsuits and corporate responses:
- In early 2025, over 130 lawsuits were filed against SCE, including individual claims by homeowners like Evangeline Iglesias, whose property was destroyed and government lawsuits filed by Los Angeles County seeking to recover fire response costs.
- Evidence, including videos and monitoring data, suggests SCE equipment likely ignited the Eaton Fire; plaintiffs allege negligence for failing to properly de-energize power lines despite red-flag warnings.
- SCE's CEO publicly acknowledged the risk of liability tied to the Eaton Fire, indicating the company may face substantial financial consequences from these claims.
- In May 2025, SCE agreed to pay $82.5 million to settle federal claims related to the 2020 Bobcat Fire, though the company denied wrongdoing.
- Responding to ongoing wildfire risks, SCE submitted a $6.2 billion Wildfire Mitigation Plan to state regulators focused on equipment upgrades and safety measures to prevent future fires.
- Recently, SCE announced a compensation fund dedicated to Eaton Fire victims, aiming to provide financial relief while litigation continues.
- Additionally, lawsuits allege that Edison executives made misleading statements to investors about their wildfire risk management efforts, raising concerns about corporate accountability.
What Is the Southern California Edison Fire Lawsuit?
The Southern California Edison (SCE) wildfire lawsuits are legal claims brought by individuals, businesses, counties, and federal agencies against SCE, alleging that the utility’s electrical equipment caused or contributed to several destructive wildfires across California. These lawsuits claim that faulty power lines and equipment, sometimes coupled with failure to take preventive safety measures during high-risk conditions, ignited fires like the devastating Eaton Fire in 2025. Those affected argue that SCE’s negligence led to widespread destruction, and they are now seeking compensation for the damages and hardships they endured.
People and entities filing these claims seek to recover losses from a wide range of impacts caused by the wildfires, including:
- Homes and properties that were destroyed or severely damaged
- Business interruptions and loss of income
- Medical bills resulting from injuries or smoke-related illnesses
- Emotional trauma and mental health struggles related to the disaster
Through these lawsuits, those impacted hope to hold SCE accountable and secure the financial support needed to rebuild and recover from the aftermath of these fires. For many victims, this legal action represents more than just money; it offers a chance to find stability and begin healing after unimaginable loss. Securing compensation means you won’t have to sacrifice essential needs, such as repairing homes, replacing belongings, or covering ongoing medical expenses. Ultimately, these lawsuits bring hope that affected individuals and communities can move forward with the resources to rebuild their lives on their own terms.
Utility Wildfire Liability in California
In California, electric utility companies like Southern California Edison (SCE) can be held responsible for wildfires caused or worsened by their equipment, even in ways that differ from other states. One key factor is negligence, which means the utility failed to properly maintain power lines, manage vegetation around them, or take safety steps during risky conditions.
But California goes a step further with a special rule called inverse condemnation. This rule makes utility companies strictly liable for wildfire damage caused by their equipment, meaning they can be held financially responsible even if they were not negligent. It recognizes that utilities operate as regulated monopolies providing essential public services, so if their equipment causes damage, they must cover the costs.
Together, negligence claims and inverse condemnation give wildfire victims a strong way to seek compensation for losses like destroyed homes, business disruption, and personal injury, while holding utilities accountable for their role in these devastating fires.
Negligence and Poor Equipment Maintenance
Southern California Edison (SCE) has faced numerous lawsuits alleging negligence tied to its failure to properly maintain or repair aging power lines and transformers, which are critical pieces of electrical infrastructure. Plaintiffs in these cases argue that SCE did not adequately inspect its equipment or manage vegetation near power lines, contributing directly to major wildfires like the Eaton Fire in 2025.
For example:
- At Eaton Canyon, SCE’s power lines were observed sparking just minutes before the fire sparked, and an electrical fault was detected on a transmission circuit moments prior to ignition.
- Despite red-flag warnings indicating high winds and fire risk, SCE did not de-energize its lines that could have prevented the blaze.
- Investigations found signs of potential arcing and damage on grounding equipment for transmission lines linked to fire ignition.
- Video evidence and monitoring data revealed unusual electrical activity in the moments leading to wildfire outbreaks, supporting claims of equipment malfunction and poor upkeep.
The negligence and failure to properly maintain equipment have had devastating consequences, causing not only widespread physical destruction but also irrevocable harm and financial hardships to families and communities.
Inverse Condemnation in California
Inverse condemnation is a unique legal doctrine in California that holds utility companies like Southern California Edison strictly liable if their equipment causes a wildfire, regardless of whether they intended to cause harm or were negligent. This no-fault rule means that affected property owners don’t have to prove that the utility acted carelessly or failed to take safety precautions to pursue compensation.
Instead, because utilities have special powers like eminent domain to use private property for public benefit, California law requires them to pay for damages when their equipment sparks fires that destroy homes, businesses, or land. This doctrine is a major reason why many wildfire victims can seek financial recovery in California, making it easier to hold utilities accountable for the catastrophic damage wildfires cause.
Regulatory Violations & CPUC Safety Rules
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and related agencies establish important safety standards that electric utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) must follow to reduce the risk of wildfires. These rules cover aspects such as vegetation management near power lines, regular inspections, maintenance of equipment, and protocols for preemptive power shutoffs during extreme fire risk conditions. Some common violations utilities have been cited for include:
- Failure to clear brush and vegetation adequately around power lines
- Inadequate or infrequent inspection of electrical lines and equipment
- Not de-energizing power lines during high-risk weather events (despite warnings)
- Insufficient implementation of protective equipment and device settings to detect faults
- Poor communication and notification protocols related to power shutoffs affect fire risk
When utilities violate these safety rules, those failures often become critical evidence in wildfire lawsuits and investigations. Demonstrating that SCE or other companies disregarded CPUC regulations helps establish responsibility for fires they caused or contributed to, strengthening claims for compensation and accountability.
How Wildfire Investigations Work
CAL FIRE, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, holds primary authority and brings extensive experience in investigating wildfires throughout the state. They are often first on the scene to determine the origin and cause of fires, using their expertise to gather crucial physical evidence before it is disturbed. Their thorough reports analyze factors such as electrical equipment failure, vegetation, weather conditions, and human activity, providing a detailed basis for understanding how a wildfire started. These findings frequently serve as key evidence in lawsuits against utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) when utility equipment is suspected to have played a role.
The wildfire investigation process in California generally includes the following steps:
- Rapid deployment of CAL FIRE investigators to secure and examine the fire origin site
- Collection and preservation of physical evidence, including electrical components, vegetation, and soil samples
- Interviews with witnesses and review of weather and utility operation data from the time of ignition
- Detailed analysis of fire patterns and spread to reconstruct the fire’s progression
- Compilation of a formal origin and cause report to be used by regulators, insurers, and courts
Beyond CAL FIRE’s work, California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other state agencies investigate whether utilities complied with safety regulations designed to reduce wildfire risks. These agencies review utility maintenance records, vegetation management practices, and operational decisions like power shutoffs during high fire danger. When safety rules are violated, the CPUC can impose fines and penalties on utilities like SCE. Their investigative reports and citations provide important evidence in legal actions by showing where utilities failed to meet required standards, helping to establish liability and accountability for wildfire damages.
Wildfire attorneys frequently collaborate with a team of private experts and legal investigators to strengthen their cases against utilities like Southern California Edison. These specialists bring technical knowledge and investigative skills that are crucial in piecing together exactly how and why a wildfire started. The timely collection of this evidence is essential because physical conditions at the fire scene can change quickly due to weather, cleanup efforts, or repairs. A few key reasons why this involvement matters include:
- Preserving fragile physical evidence before it’s disturbed or altered
- Identifying technical causes of ignition that might not be obvious from surface inspections
- Providing professional testimony that explains complex findings in layman’s terms for judges and juries
- Helping to establish clear links between utility equipment and wildfire damage
- Supporting the overall credibility and strength of the legal claim
Together, these experts give wildfire victims an informed and compelling voice in court, increasing the chances of securing fair compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.
How to File a Lawsuit Against Southern California Edison
If you have been affected by a wildfire linked to Southern California Edison (SCE), the first steps you take are crucial in building a strong case. Immediately after the fire, it’s important to document all damage to your property with photos and videos, create a detailed inventory of lost or damaged belongings, and locate your insurance policies and claim documents. This documentation will serve as key evidence in your claim. Next, contact a wildfire attorney who specializes in California utility wildfire cases. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, help gather necessary evidence, and ensure you meet all important deadlines.
Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in filing a lawsuit against SCE after a wildfire:
- Document wildfire damage thoroughly (photos, videos, inventories)
- Notify and work with your insurance company to file claims
- Contact and retain a wildfire lawyer with experience in utility liability cases
- Gather and submit relevant evidence, including fire investigation reports and utility records, as guided by your attorney
- File the lawsuit in the appropriate court, often with help from your legal counsel
- Participate in discovery, providing documentation and testimony as requested
- Engage in settlement discussions or prepare for trial if necessary
Once your lawsuit is filed, the litigation process begins, usually starting with the discovery phase, where both sides exchange evidence and build their cases. Some cases become part of larger mass tort or multidistrict litigation (MDL), where multiple plaintiffs’ claims are consolidated to streamline the process and increase efficiency. Trials can take months or even years to resolve, but through this process, injured parties seek compensation for damages caused by SCE’s equipment.
If you or your loved ones have been impacted by a wildfire connected to Southern California Edison, don’t wait to reach out to Wisner Baum. Our knowledgeable team will clearly walk you through your options, assist in collecting the necessary evidence, and be by your side every step of the way as you pursue the compensation needed to rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.
Major Wildfire Lawsuits Involving SCE
Southern California Edison (SCE) has been investigated and sued following several devastating wildfires in California, which have significantly influenced legal precedent in utility wildfire cases. These high-profile lawsuits have increased pressure on utilities like SCE to improve safety measures and highlighted the capability of wildfire victims, homeowners, businesses, and public agencies to seek compensation for extensive damage. By pursuing claims based on negligence, regulatory violations, and inverse condemnation, these legal actions contribute to an evolving framework that holds utilities responsible for wildfire destruction and encourages preventative efforts to protect communities. The outcomes of these cases continue to shape how wildfire liability is addressed in California, establishing important legal benchmarks and reinforcing the obligation of utilities to safeguard against fire risks.
The Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire, which ignited in January 2025 near Altadena, quickly became one of the most destructive wildfires in recent California history. Driven by high winds and dry conditions, the blaze tore through neighborhoods, destroyed roughly 9,400 structures, and tragically claimed 19 lives. Investigators soon linked the fire to malfunctioning equipment owned and maintained by Southern California Edison (SCE).
Wisner Baum was one of the first Los Angeles law firms to file a lawsuit against Edison on behalf of Eaton Fire victims. The lawsuit represents homeowners, renters, and business owners whose properties were destroyed, alleging SCE equipment started the fire.
Our complaint alleges several causes of action against SCE:
Inverse Condemnation - SCE's infrastructure failed as a public improvement requiring just compensation.
Negligence - Failure to properly maintain electrical infrastructure.
Trespass - Fire caused physical invasion of properties.
Nuisance - Created unsafe conditions and rendered properties uninhabitable.
Premises Liability - Failed to keep infrastructure in safe condition.
Violation of Public Utilities Code §2106 - Operating in violation of public safety regulations.
Violation of Health and Safety Code §13007 - Entity responsibility for fire damages.
Violation of Health and Safety Code §13009 - Reimbursement for firefighting costs.
Other legal actions stemming from the Eaton Fire include:
- Claims filed by Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena aim to recover emergency response and infrastructure repair costs.
- Allegations that SCE violated California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) safety standards by failing to manage vegetation and de-energize power lines during fire-prone weather.
- Cases invoking California’s inverse condemnation doctrine, which holds utilities strictly liable for wildfire damage caused by their equipment, even without proven negligence.
- Coordinated community actions demanding greater transparency and accountability from SCE regarding wildfire risk management.
Litigation following the Eaton Fire has been swift and far-reaching. Over 130 lawsuits have been filed by property owners, businesses, and local governments, all seeking to hold SCE accountable for the devastation. These legal actions are pushing for compensation covering property losses, injuries, business interruptions, and more, while also emphasizing the need for improved safety standards moving forward.
The Bobcat Fire
The Bobcat Fire ignited in September 2020 and quickly became one of Los Angeles County’s largest wildfires, burning nearly 180 square miles and threatening iconic landmarks and communities in the San Gabriel Mountains. In the aftermath, federal investigators determined that the fire’s origin was linked to Southern California Edison (SCE) equipment, specifically, a tree that had fallen onto SCE power lines near Cogswell Dam.
This contact triggered electrical arcing that started the blaze, as documented through physical evidence and SCE’s operational data. The thorough investigation by federal authorities formed a key basis for subsequent litigation, ultimately leading to SCE agreeing to an $82.5 million settlement with the U.S. Forest Service to address the extensive environmental and property damage caused by the Bobcat Fire.
Other Wildfires Tied to SCE Equipment
Southern California Edison (SCE) has been investigated and sued over several other major wildfires, each incident helping to expand and reinforce legal precedent around utility liability for wildfire damage in California. These historic fires tested legal doctrines such as negligence and inverse condemnation, and their resulting lawsuits have cemented the responsibility of utilities to take active steps to prevent destructive wildfires or face strict financial accountability, even when no direct negligence is proven. Collectively, these cases have increased scrutiny of utility practices across the state, driven reforms in safety protocols, and defined clearer pathways for wildfire victims to pursue compensation.
Some of the most impactful wildfires tied to SCE equipment and the key legal actions they catalyzed include:
The Thomas Fire (2017-2018):
- Ignited in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, burning more than 280,000 acres.
- Investigations concluded that SoCal Edison’s power lines were an ignition source during extreme wind conditions.
- Led to extensive civil lawsuits against SCE, including claims by public entities and insurers, helping solidify the application of California's inverse condemnation doctrine to utilities.
The Koenigstein Fire (2017):
- Started near the Thomas Fire and contributed to the statewide debate about utility wildfire risk.
- Lawsuits focused on SCE’s alleged failure to adequately inspect and repair lines, leading to further settlements and regulatory review.
The Rye Fire (2017):
- Broke out near Santa Clarita, burning over 6,000 acres and threatening thousands of structures.
- CAL FIRE determined SCE equipment was involved in the ignition.
- Resulted in claims asserting failure to maintain equipment and sparked further debate over SCE's vegetation management and shutoff policies.
Through these and similar lawsuits, victims have shaped a robust legal landscape where utilities are frequently found liable for wildfire damage, regardless of fault, under unique California legal doctrines. The fallout from these cases has forced SCE and other utilities to invest in system upgrades and improved wildfire mitigation, while providing clearer legal recourse and precedent for those harmed by utility-related wildfires.
Compensation for SCE Wildfire Victims
Every wildfire case is unique, with the scope and type of compensation varying based on the specific losses suffered by each victim and the circumstances surrounding the fire. For victims of Southern California Edison (SCE) wildfires, the types of damages that can be claimed in a lawsuit often extend far beyond just property loss, reflecting the wide-ranging devastation these disasters bring. Claims may address both economic and non-economic damages, tailored to what each family, business, or community member has endured.
Common types of damages that can be recovered in a utility wildfire lawsuit include:
- Property damage or complete destruction of homes, vehicles, and personal belongings
- Cost of repairs, rebuilding, or temporary housing and relocation expenses
- Business interruption, lost income, or the destruction of commercial property
- Additional evacuation and living expenses incurred during displacement
- Medical expenses for physical injuries or smoke inhalation
- Wrongful death and survivor benefits for families of victims
- Emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
The ultimate compensation that wildfire victims receive depends on the strength of the evidence and the details of your claim, such as documentation of losses, proof of expenses, and medical or psychological records. Working with a qualified wildfire attorney is essential; these specialists help victims accurately calculate the range of their losses, present robust claims, and negotiate to maximize the compensation recovered.
Why You Need a Wildfire Attorney
Facing a wildfire lawsuit against a large utility like Southern California Edison (SCE) can be overwhelming without expert legal help. Law firms like Wisner Baum have the specialized knowledge and resources necessary to hold these powerful companies accountable. We understand the complexities involved in utility wildfire cases, including navigating California’s unique laws like inverse condemnation and negligence standards. More importantly, they have access to expert investigators, engineers, and fire specialists who help build a strong case based on solid evidence. Without experienced attorneys, victims risk missing crucial deadlines or failing to effectively document damages, which can weaken your chances of fair compensation.
A wildfire attorney plays an essential role in guiding victims through every step of the legal process. Here’s why having one matters:
- Explaining your rights and legal options clearly and compassionately
- Coordinating evidence collection, like damage documentation, utility records, and expert analysis
- Managing communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Filing and negotiating claims that cover a wide range of damages beyond insurance payouts
- Representing your interests during discovery, mediation, or trial
- Maximizing the compensation you recover to cover physical, financial, and emotional losses
- Navigating complex laws and court procedures so you don’t have to
Partnering with a dedicated wildfire attorney ensures you have strong support on your side, increasing the likelihood of securing the financial recovery needed to rebuild your life after a devastating wildfire caused by SCE’s equipment and negligence.
Contact a California Wildfire Lawyer for a Free Case Review
If you or your family have been affected by a wildfire linked to Southern California Edison, it’s important to take action now to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Wisner Baum offers a free case review where our experienced wildfire attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand the next steps, no obligation, no cost. By contacting Wisner Baum, you gain a committed legal team dedicated to holding SCE accountable and helping you rebuild your life and community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern California Edison Lawsuits
Can I take legal action against Southern California Edison for wildfire damage?
Yes. If your property, business, or health was harmed by a wildfire linked to SCE’s equipment or negligence, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your losses. These claims often involve damages from property destruction, injury, or emotional distress caused by wildfires allegedly sparked by SCE power lines or equipment.
What kind of evidence do I need to support a wildfire lawsuit?
Critical evidence generally includes detailed documentation of fire damage such as photos and videos, insurance policies and claims, fire investigation reports (often provided by CAL FIRE), utility records, and any relevant expert analyses. Witness statements and data on utility operations around the fire time also strengthen claims. Early and thorough evidence collection is important.
If I have already received insurance payments, can I still sue SCE?
Yes, receiving insurance payouts does not necessarily prevent you from filing a lawsuit against SCE. Wildfire lawsuits often seek compensation beyond insurance coverage, such as for emotional trauma, loss of use, or damages not covered by policies.
How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit after a wildfire?
California law imposes specific time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing wildfire claims, which vary by the type of claim but typically require decisive action after the fire. It's important to consult a wildfire attorney promptly to ensure your claim is timely and preserves your rights.
Do I have to prove that SCE was negligent to win a wildfire lawsuit?
No. California’s unique inverse condemnation doctrine holds utilities strictly liable for wildfire damages caused by their equipment, regardless of negligence. This means victims can seek compensation even if SCE was not intentionally or carelessly responsible. However, negligence claims may also be pursued alongside strict liability, potentially increasing recoverable damages.
Did Southern California Edison cause the wildfires?
Investigations and lawsuits have linked several major California wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire, the Thomas Fire, and Bobcat Fire to SCE equipment. Government investigations , along with court cases, have held SCE accountable or led to large settlements in multiple instances.
Lawsuits also allege Southern California Edison equipment caused the Eaton Fire, though the investigation is ongoing.
At Wisner Baum, know every case is different, and our attorneys will work closely with you to gather the right evidence, understand the full scope of your losses, and pursue maximum compensation. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.
