Residents of Altadena, California, have filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), alleging that the utility’s equipment caused the Eaton fire, which has destroyed over 13,000 acres and 5,000 structures in Altadena and surrounding areas. The fire is one of several recent incidents raising concerns about the role of electrical infrastructure in wildfires.
The lawsuit claims negligence in maintaining and operating electrical equipment, a recurring allegation in California wildfire cases.
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Historical Precedence:
- California Wildfires: Since 1992, more than 3,600 fires in California have been linked to electrical infrastructure, with power-related causes responsible for some of the most destructive fires in state history.
- National Scope: Similar incidents, such as the Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas (2024) and Oregon’s Labor Day fires (2020), highlight the widespread risk posed by utility equipment during extreme weather conditions.
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Notable Cases:
- Thomas Fire (2017): Southern California Edison equipment caused this fire due to “line slap.”
- Camp Fire (2018): Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) was held responsible, resulting in $13.5 billion in settlements.
- Dixie Fire (2021): PG&E admitted liability for the fire caused by vegetation contact with power lines.
Implications for Utilities and Stakeholders
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Litigation Trends:
- Utility companies are increasingly targeted for their role in wildfire causation, often facing claims of negligence, failure to maintain equipment, and insufficient preventive measures.
- Settlements and verdicts in wildfire cases are escalating, with billions in damages awarded or settled.
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Regulatory and Operational Risks:
- Utilities may need to implement costly upgrades, such as hardening infrastructure, burying power lines, or adopting more stringent vegetation management programs.
- Increased scrutiny from regulators, including mandates for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during high-risk weather.
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Insurance and Financial Impact:
- Utility liabilities related to wildfires have driven some entities, like PG&E, into bankruptcy.
- Rising insurance premiums and potential challenges in securing adequate coverage for wildfire-related risks.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf is a nationally recognized class action and personal injury law firm. The firm’s partners currently serve as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country and have represented clients in the Holiday Farm Fire in Oregon. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have significantly impacted the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022
The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $500 million on behalf of their clients and class members. Sauder Schelkopf and co-counsel reached a $10.3 million settlement on behalf of businesses impacted by a massive power outage and evacuation caused by a bridge builder on the Outer Banks. Joe Sauder also has a history of environmental litigation where he assisted with the trial of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado, which ultimately resulted in a $375 million settlement.
We Want to Hear from You
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, contact our office for a free consultation. Time is critical—don’t wait to protect your rights.
