SCE asked to Preserve Evidence Related to Recent LA Wildfires

This is a very important question. When insurance companies ask utility companies to preserve evidence, they are requesting that the entity secures physical/electronic evidence related to an incident (like a fire) that could be relevant to insurance claims or legal investigations. These requests are made in anticipation of litigation or as part of claims investigations.

Some of the main reasons for these requests could include the following:

• Determining case for the incident
• Establishing liability
• Preventing evidence destruction or alteration
• Supporting claims

Examples of the type of evidence that may be preserves could include operational records (like maintenance logs, inspection logs, repair logs), data logs (like sensor data, outage records, etc.), correspondence (such as internal communications or reports related to the incident), and physical evidence (such as equipment, wires, transformers, etc. directly involved in the incident).

Without a doubt, insured homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire are likely to file insurance claims. Given that they have appropriate coverage, they should have no problem getting insurance payouts. Because there has been so much mention of the SCE power lines and equipment at the site where the fire started, it is possible that insurance companies are essentially preparing to take action against the utility company. However, some may argue that this request points to insurance companies leaning towards avoiding the pay out of valid claims and instead shifting liability to SCE. If investigations determine that SCE did not cause the fire, insurance companies may refuse to pay out claims, which may leave affected individuals with no choice but to pursue insurance bad faith claims.

According to the filing, “aside from the preservation notices suggesting SCE’s potential involvement and significant media attention surrounding the fire, [SCE does] not believe this incident meets the reporting requirements.” As previously mentioned, the utility company filed the incident report out of an abundance of caution, not because they believed that their equipment had anything to do with the start of the fire.

Ultimately, the cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation. Once investigations conclude, individuals affected by the fire will be able to move forward with their claims either against their own insurance policy or against the utility company.

This means that, if found liable, SCE may face class action lawsuits from the community affected by the Eaton Fire. If you have any questions about filing an Eaton Fire property damage insurance claim or participating in a SCE Eaton Fire class action lawsuit, contact us today.

Thousands of structures have been destroyed by the Eaton Fire and countless people have been displaced. As the fire continues to scorch the areas of Altadena, Pasadena, and Angeles National Forest, the devastation and destruction continues. If you and your family lost your home to the fire, it is important that you seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our experienced wildfire attorneys can take care of your claim and help you get justice. Whether we have to take on SCE or your insurance company, you can trust that our team will do everything possible to secure the best outcome available.

Free Case Evaluations: you will never have to worry about paying anything to simply get information. Our firm offers free case evaluations, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our expert wildfire lawyers will be available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to begin or continue your wildfire damage lawsuit. To schedule a free case review, contact us today.

Zero-Fee Guarantee: you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, since our law firm works on a strict contingency structure, you will not be responsible for paying any legal costs at all if your claim is unsuccessful. If you do not win, you will not be responsible for paying anything. If you are ready to discuss your claim with our Eaton Fire lawyers, contact us today!

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