Legal Support for Southern California Wildfire Victims

 

Our deepest sympathies go to all of those impacted by the deadly Southern California Fires. We are here to help. 

The recent Eaton and Palisades Fires have devastated communities across California, leaving many residents grappling with property damage, emotional distress, and personal injuries. If you or your loved ones have been affected, know that help is available. Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn and Brent & Fiol, LLP, are committed to standing by fire victims in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, offering experienced legal representation to support your recovery.

Immediate Steps for Fire Victims

If you’ve been impacted by the Eaton, Palisades Fire and surrounding fires in Los Angeles County, taking the right steps can help safeguard your rights and ease your recovery process. Below are essential tips:

1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize the safety of yourself and your family by finding secure temporary housing.
2. Notify Your Insurance Provider: Contact your Homeowner’s, Renter’s, or Business Insurance provider to initiate your claim. Document all communications, including the names of representatives and claim numbers.
3. Request Policy Copies: Obtain electronic copies of your insurance policy and declarations page for easy sharing.
4. Document Your Losses: Use photos, videos, and receipts to document property damage, personal property loss, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
   1. At some point you may visit your home site. Photograph the area thoroughly from all angles. Note, your home site access may be restricted in the coming days. 
   2. Retain all receipts related to the loss of your home and resulting expenses.
   3. Keep a diary of how your loss has affected your ability to live and work. 
   4. Begin assembling documentation of the contents of your home, focusing on those things that might be lost if not immediately preserved; If you have photos and videos of your home before the fire that show items needing to be replaced, begin to collect those. 
   5. Obtain a copy of the Fire Report when available from your local fire department.
   6. If possible, continue to fulfill your financial obligations such as mortgages, medical insurance, and taxes that may be due. You may also consider contacting your mortgage servicer to request an RMA (request for mortgage assistance) application to see if you are eligible for a forbearance (temporary hold on your payments) and the County Assessor’s Office to see if you are eligible for property tax relief as the result of the disaster.
   7. Make a list of all items that were in each room and the approximate replacement cost of the items (see our checklist below)
5. Explore Assistance: Use the links below to find resources for Eaton Fire victims in Altadena, Pasadena, and the surrounding areas, including emergency services, relief agencies, public safety, transportation, evacuation centers, food and shelter, pet and animal rescues, and more.
   1. Los Angeles Fire Department
   2. LAist
   3. Disasterassistance.gov 
   4. FEMA
6. Track Expenses: Keep a diary of daily expenses and receipts to document additional living costs incurred due to the fire.
7. Seek Medical Attention: If you experience physical or emotional distress, consult medical professionals and retain records of treatment.

About the fire

The Eaton Fire, also called the Altadena Fire, ignited January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon just north of Pasadena in the Angeles National Forest. The fire quickly exploded to nearly 14,000 acres in less than two days.

As of Tuesday, January 21, the Eaton Fire was 89% contained, and 17 fatalities have been reported. There have been six injuries, and 9,391 structures destroyed with numbers expected to grow.

The Eaton Fire is the second largest of the fires that struck LA during the second week of January, after the Palisades Fire, in unusually dry conditions during an extreme Santa Ana wind event.

What is the lawsuit? 

The Eaton Fire lawsuits are brought by plaintiffs for damages related to the catastrophic Eaton Fire that began on January 7, 2025 in the Pasadena and Altadena areas. The fire was caused by the negligence of Edison International and its subsidiary, Southern California Edison. The fire ravaged thousands of acres, destroying homes, businesses, and natural habitats while displacing countless residents. Plaintiffs claim that the fire was the result of the utility companies' failure to properly maintain electrical equipment, trim vegetation near power lines, and adhere to necessary safety protocols. Victims are seeking compensation for their losses, including property damage, emotional distress, lost income, and personal injuries. 

These lawsuits underscore the critical issue of corporate accountability in wildfire prevention, particularly in an era of increasing wildfire risks due to climate change and aging infrastructure. In addition to securing financial compensation for victims, the lawsuits aim to prompt systemic changes, including stricter regulatory oversight, improved infrastructure management, and enhanced safety measures. As the legal proceedings advance, the Eaton Fire cases have the potential to set a precedent for wildfire litigation and bring renewed focus to mitigating wildfire risks in vulnerable communities.

We Can Help

Our experienced legal team provides tailored representation to help victims of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County. We understand the complexities of these cases and are here to assist with:

• Property damage claims
• Personal injury cases
• Emotional distress claims
• Insurance disputes
• Lost income recovery

Why Choose Us?

With years of experience and a commitment to justice, our team is here to advocate for your rights. We are prepared to handle the intricacies of your case, including:

• Resolving open insurance claims
• Calculating damages beyond insurance payments
• Documenting property, landscaping, and personal losses
• Handling emotional distress and medical claims

Contact Us & Fill Out the Form

We offer personalized consultations to guide you through this challenging time. To get started, sign our retainer agreement and send it to us via email, U.S. mail, or drop it off at our Pasadena office:

• Address: 117 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 465, Pasadena, CA 91105
• Email: jfeder@rftmlaw.com (John Feder), JBashant@rftmlaw.com (June Bashant), LSchwartz@rftmlaw.com (Loren Schwartz), kmueller@brentfiol.com (Kipp Mueller), jbrent@brentfiol.com (Joseph Brent), or dfiol@brentfiol.com (David Fiol)
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Let Us Support Your Recovery

The aftermath of a disaster can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn and Brent & Fiol, LLP, are here to help you rebuild your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.