California Wildfire Lawsuits: Take Action

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether class action and individual lawsuits can be filed on behalf of California residents impacted by the recent wildfires.

Over a dozen wildfires ignited in Southern California in January, killing at least 29 people and burning over 40,000 acres in the Greater Los Angeles area. The fires forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed over 18,000 structures, with the two most damaging fires, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire, remaining active for nearly a month before reaching full containment on February 1.

Early estimates indicate that the wildfires may be the costliest ever in the U.S., with AccuWeather pegging estimated wildfire losses at between $135 billion and $150 billion.

Experts have also warned that smoke, ash and particles from the fires can be toxic and present “significant health risks” if inhaled.

The attorneys are now looking to speak with people who were impacted by the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Lidia Fire, Sunset Fire or Kenneth Fire as they look to bring both class action and individual lawsuits. It’s possible that residents may be able to get money back for their losses.

California Wildfire Lawsuits & Settlements

Though the causes of the California wildfires are still under investigation, several lawsuits have already been filed against utility company Southern California Edison.

According to the wildfire lawsuits, Edison’s power lines are to blame for the start of the deadly Eaton Fire, which has since become the most destructive in California history, destroying over 7,000 structures and burning over 14,000 acres. One complaint alleges that Edison violated public safety and utility codes and negligently failed to shut down power despite extreme fire conditions and powerful winds.

Edison reportedly submitted a filing with the California Public Utilities Commission stating that a downed conductor had been discovered at a tower near where the Hurst Fire began—but that Edison had not determined whether the damage occurred before or after the fire started.

Sparks from utility lines are one of the most common causes of wildfires, and Southern California Edison has in recent years paid millions of dollars in wildfire lawsuit settlements, including a $210 million settlement over the 2018 Woolsey Fire and an $80 million settlement over the 2017 Thomas Fire.

At least one lawyer is reportedly looking into whether the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres between Santa Monica and Malibu and become the second-most destructive fire in Southern California history, was caused by a downed utility line in the area.

Effects of Wildfires on Humans

A review of studies on the long-term health effects of wildfires indicates that exposure to harmful particulates, toxic chemicals and air pollutants from smoke could potentially increase the risk of premature death, respiratory illnesses and cancer, though the authors indicated that more research on the topic is needed.

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit or Individual Lawsuit Help?

A wildfire class action lawsuit could also provide free medical monitoring for potential harm caused by exposure to smoke.

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