Eaton Fire Lawsuit Versus Pasadena Water and Power

The Eaton Fire is causing serious damage in Los Angeles County, and we’re here to help. Despite having evacuated our homes, Maison Law is working remotely as we figure out the best way to continue to serve our community. With experience handling fire-related claims, we are filing lawsuits on behalf of Eaton Fire victims.

Our law firm is investigating to determine potential defendants that may be held responsible for these devastating wildfires. The Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) will be one agency that’s investigated to see if its actions may have contributed to the cause and spread of fires. Maison Law’s experienced Southern California wildfire attorneys want to represent our neighbors affected by the wildfire.

How Maison Law Can Help You After the Eaton Fire

Not everyone affected by the Eaton Fire will need a lawyer, because every situation is different. That said if it turns out that a utility company’s negligence partially contributed to the fire, filing a claim could allow you to cover your losses and damages. If you find yourself in that situation, our team at Maison Law is here to support you. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options, especially if you’re dealing with situations like:

• Significant or extensive property damage – If the Eaton Fire caused major damage to your property, we can help make sure your claim covers the full extent of your losses.

• Undervalued losses by the insurance company – Sometimes, insurance companies (which represent companies like PWP) will undervalue your claim. We can help you fight for a more accurate and fair assessment of your damages.

• Serious injuries from the fire – If you’ve suffered injuries due to the Eaton Fire, our team can help you understand the process of getting the financial support you need for your recovery.

• Low settlement offers – If an insurance company has offered you a low settlement, we can advocate for a higher, more appropriate amount that properly covers your losses.

Utility companies and their Insurance companies may use tactics to minimize the payout they offer you, but with our experienced team on your side, you have a better chance of getting a fair settlement.

Can I File a Claim Against a California Utility Company for Fire Damage?

The root cause of the Eaton Fire is under investigation. Mother nature played a role, but our law firm is monitoring the potential for other defendants, including local utility companies to be named as contributors to the Los Angeles County Wildfires. Power companies may share some of the responsibility if their negligence contributed to the damage. Legally, negligence means that:

• A person or group failed to take the necessary steps to keep you or others safe.

Unlike other natural disasters, a wildfire like the Eaton Fire could potentially have been caused by someone’s actions. The actions or inactions of a government agency or utility company might have led to sparking a fire. A lack of reasonable preparation may have made it easier for the fire to spread.

Although it’s still unknown, here’s why you would be able to file a claim against a utility company for fire damage:

• Poor maintenance – If a power company didn’t properly maintain power lines, transformers, or other equipment, it could have increased the risk of the fire. For example, damaged lines can spark fires, and faulty transformers can overheat or explode. Neglecting repairs or routine checks puts the community in danger.

• Inadequate tree or vegetation management – Overgrown trees or dry vegetation near power lines anywhere in the Pasadena area and in the Altadena, Sierra Madre, and Kinneloa Mesa communities can easily catch fire. If a power company failed to trim trees or clear brush around its equipment, this negligence could have allowed the Eaton Fire to ignite or spread. Proper vegetation management is essential for fire prevention.

• Outdated equipment – Old power lines, transformers, or substations are more likely to fail and cause fires. If a utility company used outdated infrastructure or delayed necessary upgrades, they may be responsible for contributing to the fire.

• Ignoring warnings – During high fire-risk weather, utilities must take extra precautions. If a power company ignored fire warnings, didn’t shut off power during red flag conditions, or failed to prepare, they could be at fault. Acting on these warnings is a key part of preventing disasters.

If a utility company’s actions or lack thereof contributed to the Eaton Fire, you have the legal right to file a claim and recover damages. The question that you need to focus on, though, is how can you make your potential claim as strong as possible.

What Can You Do to Strengthen a Potential Claim Against a Los Angeles County Power Provider For Fire Damage?

After a fire, your health and safety come first. But as you recover, taking specific steps can significantly strengthen your claim for damages. Here’s how to build a strong case if you’re impacted by the Eaton Fire:

• Get to safety – Your safety is the top priority. Following evacuation orders and avoiding hazardous areas keeps you out of harm’s way and helps demonstrate that you acted responsibly during the disaster. Also, if you’re injured, get medical care. This creates a clear record connecting your injuries to the fire, which is vital if you want to bring a claim against a power company.

• Document the damage – Once it’s safe, thoroughly document all fire-related damage to your property. Take photos and videos of destroyed belongings, structural harm, or anything that may tie the fire to a utility company’s equipment, such as downed power lines or damaged infrastructure near your home.

• Preserve any evidence you get – Keep all evidence related to your losses, including photos, receipts, and repair estimates. Avoid making any repairs or discarding damaged items until they’ve been fully documented, as this evidence is important for proving your claim against a company or government agency.

By following these steps, you can build a stronger case to hold an electric provider accountable for any potential negligence that contributed to the Eaton Fire. But every situation is different, so it’s important to look at how the claims process works and what you can get.

What Can You Get in a Claim Against a California Power Company?

At its core, damage from the Eaton Fire that was caused by possible negligence on the part of a power company amounts to an injury claim. So, legally speaking, you have the right to file either an insurance claim or lawsuit against them (and any other responsible party) for the “damages” you’ve gone through.

But like any claim, your best course of action depends on your needs. An insurance claim is generally quicker, but you might not be able to recover as much financial support because you’re dealing directly with an insurance company. In that respect, a lawsuit is a better option, but given that the fire and damage is ongoing, it might be difficult to put a full value on what you’ve lost.

Regardless, our team will be there to support you and guide you through the claims process, helping you recover things like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
• Reduced quality of life or companionship
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death expenses

Recovering from the damage you’ve experienced in the Eaton Fire is overwhelming, and it’s probably hard to even take measure of it as it currently stands. However, it’s important to act quickly to make sure your claim is filed within the two-year statute of limitations for claims in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a power company responsible for the Eaton Fire?

It’s currently unknown, and it’s going to be difficult to pinpoint one root cause of such a devastating fire. However, if a utility company contributed to causing the Eaton Fire by something they did (or didn’t do), you might be able to file a claim against them.

Do I need a lawyer to pursue a claim against a California utility company?

No. You’re not required to have a lawyer, but having legal representation can be crucial when dealing with electric providers. With our experience and resources, we can guide you through the claims process.

Can I still file a claim if a power company denies responsibility for the fire?

Yes. If a local utility denies responsibility or attempts to minimize its role in the fire, you can still file a claim and work with our lawyers to gather the necessary evidence to prove its negligence and get a fair settlement for your damages.

Experienced Legal Help From Maison Law

Maison Law’s team of California wildfire & utility lawyers understand the devastation that comes from the Eaton Fire and similar disasters all too well.

The full cause of the blazes around Los Angeles County is still being investigated, but Maison law is monitoring the role utility companies may have played. If they are found liable, you can work with our lawyers to hold them accountable. If you have suffered damages in the Eaton Fire, fill out the form below to set up a free consultation.