Altadena, CA – A trio of law offices have initiated a mass tort action against Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for its alleged role in the catastrophic Eaton Fire, which occurred in early January. This fierce blaze led to significant destruction within the community of Altadena, claiming the lives of 16 people and demolishing 7,081 structures. The lawsuit, filed on January 13, 2025, argues for compensatory damages for both property loss and personal injuries incurred by the residents of Altadena.
Attorney Alexander “Trey” Robertson, IV, from Robertson & Associates, LLP, which is representing the plaintiffs, described the incident as a disaster of monumental proportions. Highlighting the region’s designation as a ‘High Fire Threat District – Tier 3’ by authorities, which signifies a severe risk from utility-caused wildfires, Robertson criticized SCE for not deactivating its powerlines amid forecasted critical fire weather conditions.
The legal complaint was bolstered by evidence including multiple cell phone videos that purportedly show the fire igniting at the base of SCE’s high-voltage (220kV) transmission towers. Additionally, reports of fluctuating power in nearby homes were recorded just minutes before the wildfire erupted around 6:18 p.m. near the intersection of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, eventually burning over 14,000 acres.
Robertson brings a wealth of experience in wildfire litigation to the case, having previously served as the Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel for about 10,000 victims of the 2018 Woolsey Fire. His track record includes representation of victims from various significant fires across California, Oregon, and Hawaii, securing over $1.2 billion in settlements for his clients.
The lawsuit against SCE is a collaborative effort among Robertson & Associates, LLP, Foley, Bezek, Behle & Curtis, LLP, and LippSmith, LLP, who together seek accountability and remedies for the extensive harms suffered by the Altadena community.
This legal action raises important questions regarding the responsibilities and crisis management strategies of utility companies in wildfire-prone areas, particularly regarding the maintenance and operation of power infrastructure during high-risk conditions. As communities across California increasingly face the threat of wildfires, the outcomes of such lawsuits could potentially influence industry standards and regulatory policies to prevent future catastrophes.
Meanwhile, the residents of Altadena are left to rebuild their lives and homes amidst the ashes of the disaster, while the case against SCE unfolds, possibly setting a precedent for how utility giants address and mitigate the risks of wildfire in the future.
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