Eaton Fire Property Damage Lawsuit Attorneys

Some of the Possible Causes of Wildfires

Although many people believe that wildfires are random occurrences, that is far from the truth. Wildfire generally occurs as a result of a combination of dangerous conditions, which can include the following:

• High winds (like the Santa Ana winds)
• Dry brush
• Dry weather conditions (including an extended time without rainfall)

However, it is important to highlight that wildfire can be started or worsened by the negligent actions (or the failures) of utility companies. More specifically, as a result of faulty equipment that overheats or creates sparks.

In addition, wildfire can occur as a result of arson or due to bonfires or other intentionally lit fires that ultimately result in embers landing in dry brush or are blown out of control.

Eaton Fire – Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Eaton Fire?

The specific cause of the Eaton Fire is unknown, although the authorities are conducting an investigation. It is important to note that Southern California has a history of wildfires spared by utility companies. Reportedly, there are high voltage lines above the fire ignition site. If there were any sparks caused by damage to power lines or equipment, a wildfire could have started due to a combination of the red flag conditions due to high winds and dry vegetation surrounding the site. Again, the cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

Did a utility company start the fire?

Because Southern California Edison (SCE) has high voltage lines running about the ignition site of the Eaton Fire, there are many concerns surrounding the utility company’s role in the fire’s ignition. This is a valid concern considering that similar high voltage lines ultimately caused a 2018 Fire that destroyed Paradise, California and killed 85 people.

Do I need to follow Eaton Fire evacuations orders?

Yes – please follow all evacuation orders. If you are in an area threatened by the Eaton Fire, we urge you to adhere to all warnings and orders. If you are likely to be evacuated, pack important documents and items into your car. Pack essential items for your pets and keep them close to you at all times. If possible, take a video walking through your home (this will be key if your home burns down and you need insurance to replace your property). Most importantly, evacuate as soon as the order is given. Delaying your evacuation or staying behind puts you at risk and risks the lives of firefighters. Doing so also takes resources from the firefight.

Eaton Fire Property Damage

Areas of Pasadena, Altadena, Angeles National Forest, and more are at risk of severe damage. Hundreds of structures have been burned down by the blaze. Examples of the property damage that could occur due to wildfire can include the following:

• Damage due to smoke and ash
• Structural damage to walls, floors, ceilings, etc.
• Complete loss of homes and other structures
• Loss of personal property, including family heirlooms, clothing, photos, and more
• Damage to vehicles, including autos, RVs, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and more

Because seeing structures burned to the ground or with significant damage is so impacting, many people often forget how severe smoke and ash damage can be. Even homes that do not sustain any structural damage can potentially sustain tens of thousands of dollars in damage due to smoke and ash alone. This is because smoke and ash can affect vehicles, all furniture, closets and any enclosed spaces, gardens and landscaping, air filters, HVAC systems, heating systems, ventilation systems, water filtration systems, plumping, walls, ceilings, windows, floors, etc.

Filing an Eaton Fire Property Damage Lawsuit

Those affected by wildfires can have grounds to file claims for property damage. Generally, these claims are to be filed against the homeowner’s insurance company, given that the homeowner has the appropriate coverage. When these insurance companies unfairly deny these claims, property owners could have grounds to file insurance bad faith claims, which are essentially claims based on breach of contract (or the insurance company’s failure to handle claims fairly). However, this is not the only option available for affected property owners.

Utility Company Liability – Can utility companies be liable for damage caused by wildfires? Based on the details surrounding the incident, utility companies could be responsible for damages. For example, if the wildfire is determined to have been caused by sparks from a utility company’s defective equipment, then the utility company could be liable. In the Palisades Fire, which is burning at the same time at the Eaton Fire, firefighters essentially were unable to tackle the flames because the water hydrants were not working; more specifically, the water hydrants had low water pressure, resulting in no water coming out. Since local utility companies, like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), are responsible for mainlining water distribution, including that there is adequate water supply and water pressure to fire hydrants, they can face liability if issues with fire hydrants ultimately worsen damage from wildfire. When utility companies are liable for wildfire damage, they can be sued. In the past, affected individuals have successfully pursued class action lawsuits against utility companies. Those affected by the Palisades Fire, specifically, could have grounds to file an LADWP wildfire class action lawsuit. Eaton Fire Class Action Lawsuits – based on the details surrounding the Eaton Fire, specifically the cause of the fire, affected individuals could have grounds to participate in class action lawsuits. In addition to utility companies, other entities that might face class action lawsuits could include fire departments, police departments, the county, and more.

Based on the details surrounding your claim, you could potentially be eligible to recover compensation for some of the following:

• Property damage (for all lost property, including costs to repair your home, damaged personal belongings, etc.)
• Relocation costs (for costs associated with renting another home, renting rooms in hotels/motels, etc.)
• Pain and suffering (for the mental and emotional distress associated with losing everything in the fire)
• Punitive damages (awarded as a form of punishment towards the defendant in the case of gross negligence)
• Legal expenses (for the costs associated with pursuing claims)

Our wildfire property damage attorneys are more than ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the highest payout available for your claim. Whether our team has to negotiate settlements or take claims to trial to reach fair verdicts, you can trust that our experts are fully committed to securing the highest payout available for wildfire property damage lawsuits.

We understand the devastation that entire communities experience as a result of wildfires. We are committed to fighting for the rights of affected property owners, helping them get justice, and securing the maximum recovery available for their claims. Our team offers free case evaluations, which include free consultations and free second opinions; our experts will be available to answer all your questions and address all your concerns to ensure that you have access to all the information that you need to either start or continue your claim. If you are ready to schedule a free case review, contact our team today.

Zero-Fee Guarantee – you will never have to worry about paying upfront legal costs to benefit from our legal services. In addition, our team works on contingency; therefore, our clients will not be responsible for paying anything if their claims are not successful.

Contact our Eaton Fire property damage claim attorneys today! Our Eaton Fire lawyers are ready to guide you every step of the way.

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Palisades Fire Property Damage Lawsuit Attorney