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Updated 1/21/2025
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Since the Eaton Fire, Danko Meredith’s attorneys have been on the ground, offering steadfast support and guidance to fire survivors. We understand the challenges ahead and are here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Surviving a fire is deeply unsettling, leaving emotional and physical challenges that can feel overwhelming. At Danko Meredith, we understand both the immediate and long-term hurdles fire survivors face. Many of our clients have told us that having a trusted advocate brings comfort, knowing they have someone to guide them through the challenges ahead. You don’t have to face this alone.
We offer more than just legal counsel—we help you navigate the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of rebuilding your life. Whether it’s housing, job loss, stress, or feeling overwhelmed, we’ll connect you with the resources and support you need.
We’re here to support you through every stage of recovery. In the coming weeks, we’ll host events to provide direct assistance:
At Danko Meredith, we are committed to being a resource for fire survivors. You are not alone, and together, we will rebuild what has been lost. We are here for you.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena started on January 7, 2025 around 6 pm. It quickly grew and began to threaten homes in the surrounding area. Overnight, the fire had spread to thousands of acres and threatened thousands of homes. The fire reportedly started in the hills above Altadena.
Southern California Edison (SCE) high voltage electric transmission lines run above the ignition site of the Eaton Fire. A high voltage electric line like the one seen above Altadena was responsible for the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed Paradise and the surrounding area in 2018.
When a utility-caused fire strikes, insurance typically falls short of covering all your losses. At Danko Meredith, we leverage decades of experience to ensure you receive maximum compensation from both your insurance and the responsible utility. Our comprehensive approach helps you navigate the complex recovery process while focusing on what matters most – rebuilding your life.
Taking prompt legal action can significantly impact your recovery process in several ways:
Immediate Notice to Utilities: Early lawsuits ensure companies like Southern California Edison are put on notice right away, forcing them to take your claim seriously. This triggers an evidence preservation hold and initiates immediate investigations.
Critical Evidence Inspections: Fire cases require thorough documentation of the utility’s equipment. Once your case is filed, your attorney may participate in critical evidence inspections that could play a pivotal role in supporting your claim. This helps preserve valuable information and ensures nothing is missed when assessing the utility’s wrongdoing.
Priority in Court Proceedings: Recent fire litigation experience has shown that Courts may fast-track the first cases filed, allowing those who file a claim early to take advantage of priority in the legal process. This can mean a faster resolution and quicker compensation, helping alleviate the financial burden caused by the fire.
An Advocate by Your Side: We have decades of experience helping our clients navigate their recovery. We have helped with FEMA applications, insurance claims, rental deposit refunds, obtaining mental health support, and more for our clients. When you hire us, you are not in this alone, we will be with you every step of the way.
Memorialize Your Experience: We have extensive experience accompanying our clients to their property to document their losses, video record a description of the destruction of their property, tell the story of their home and recount the details of their evacuation.
With decades of experience in fire recovery, we have successfully handled thousands of cases against a utility company developing insights into effective strategies for maximum recovery.
If you are a survivor of the Eaton Fire, contact us today. Let our experienced team help you navigate the recovery process and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Do not let delays impact your recovery – reach out now to begin building your case.
The Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, bears striking similarities to other fires started by electric utility companies when their equipment fails. As we noted last week, SoCal Edison has transmission lines directly above the ignition site. As the investigations unfold, attention has focused on that transmission line and tower, raising questions about their role in the fire.
SoCal Edison initially released a statement claiming their equipment was not responsible, stating they had de-energized their lines and were not aware of any faults. However, emerging evidence suggests they may have caused the fire.
All the above has prompted officials to take a hard look at SoCal Edison as part of the
A critical question remains: why were the lines energized at all during red flag conditions?
SoCal Edison knew about the red flag conditions on January 7. Forecasts clearly showed the danger that was expected, and the utility knew it. They shut off power to every power line at risk in the area. They have a Public Safety Power Shutoff policy of shutting off power to prevent their “electric system from becoming a source of ignition.” https://www.sce.com/outage-center/outage-information/psps
While they appear to have shut off the power to their distribution system bringing power to homes and business, they left their high voltage transmission lines energize. In fact, it was high voltage transmission lines which were left energized that caused the deadliest fire in California history, the Camp Fire in Northern California.
Unfortunately, the combination of faulty equipment and poor management led to a predictable outcome and strongly points to SCE as responsible for the Eaton Fire.
The Eaton Fire is another example of a troubling pattern: utility companies denying responsibility for wildfires sparked by their equipment. Holding utility companies accountable is crucial to break this pattern and for community recovery.
At Danko Meredith, our attorneys fight to hold utilities like SoCal Edison accountable for their actions and lies, all so communities can rebuild, and negligence does not go unpunished.
If you were impacted by the Eaton Fire, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Together we can hold SoCal Edison accountable.
Make sure you are following the official updates and evacuation orders and warnings from officials:
Fires can change behavior and direction quickly. If you do not need to be in the area, stay away.
Danko Meredith has over 30 years of experience holding utility companies accountable for their actions. The Danko Meredith team has represented thousands of people who have lost their homes to a utility-caused fire. We have represented clients all over the state, including those who were affected by the 2017 Thomas Fire. We have also represented clients in Contra Costa County, Mendocino County, Butte County, Napa County, Sonoma County, Calaveras County, and Lake County. We have experience working with homeowners, renters, condominium owners, agricultural landowners, employees, and business owners.
Contact us for updates on whether SCE sparked the Eaton Fire. Please stay safe.
Danko Meredith is recognized as one of the leading plaintiff’s trial law firms in California and collaborates with attorneys and law firms on case referrals.
If you would like to assist your clients and team up with successful and experienced fire attorneys, please contact us to discuss referral percentages.