Eaton Fire

Danko Meredith: A Trusted Resource for Eaton Fire Survivors

Since the Eaton Fire, Danko Meredith’s attorneys have been on the ground, offering support and guidance to Los Angeles wildfire survivors. We understand the challenges ahead and are here to stand by your side and provide regular updates every step of the way.

The federal government has filed two lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) for its role in the Eaton Fire. These federal lawsuits against SoCal Edison note a troubling pattern of negligence that caused serious destruction to Altadena and communities around Eaton Canyon.

As of this writing, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Laura Seigle has set the first Eaton Fire bellwether trial for January 25, 2027. This is a test case that will establish critical precedents and shape how subsequent Eaton Fire claims are valued. In addition to fire damage, those business owners and residents can also file litigation for smoke inhalation and remediation related to the Eaton Fire.

We have to point out that SCE has planned to launch a claims process for those affected by the Eaton Fire. They’ve called it an expedited way to receive compensation, but we feel that SCE’s claims program should not be trusted. You deserve full compensation for your losses, and you should not be lumped into this one-size-fits-all approach that SCE proposed for damage control. Danko Meredith will make sure your case gets the individual attention it deserves.

Our Lawyers Stand with Victims of the Eaton Fire

At Danko Meredith, we are committed to being a resource for Eaton Fire survivors. You are not alone, and together, we will rebuild what has been lost. We are here for you. Contact our law firm to speak with experienced wildfire lawyers today.

What Sets Danko Meredith Apart?

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 Eaton Fire survivors face. Our clients tell 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 treat clients as people, not case numbers. 

• Real Attorneys, No Call Centers: When you contact Danko Meredith, you will not be routed to a call center that will read you a stock script. One of our trained team members will collect the basics of your case so one of our attorneys can directly follow up with you to discuss your situation and next steps. Your wildfire case should start with a lawyer, not a script.
• Fighters In and Out of the Courtroom: We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Our reputation creates leverage for fair resolutions, and when trial is the best path, we are ready. Our team has long experience holding utilities and corporations accountable in wildfire cases. We’ve recovered more than $1.5 billion for wildfire victims. We are one of the few firms that have taken utility companies like SCE to trial and won.
• Personal Service Backed by Deep Experience: The lawyers at Danko Meredith will know your case inside and out. We’re recognized for wildfire litigation and complex litigation, and we’re prepared to take utility cases to the brink and beyond. We combine the resources of a seasoned litigation team with the personal attention of a boutique legal practice.

Why You Should Act Now and Hire Our Eaton Fire Attorneys

The sooner you contact our law office, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and deadlines approach quickly. Speak with wildfire attorneys who understand these cases inside and out. 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: Wildfire 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 wildfire 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: Danko Meredith has 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.

Do Not Delay: Contact Our Eaton Fire Lawyers Today

If you are a survivor of the Eaton Fire and lost your home or your business in Altadena, let our experienced team help you navigate the recovery process. Danko Meredith will fight for the full compensation you deserve. Do not let delays impact your recovery. To request a free consultation, contact Danko Meredith today.

About the Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire 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 many homes and businesses. The Eaton Fire lasted 25 days and was fully contained on January 31, 2025. The blaze killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, many of which were located in Altadena.

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.

On January 23rd, 2025 Danko Meredith filed a complaint on behalf of clients alleging that misconduct by Southern California Edison was the reason that the Eaton Fire started.

Initial Findings: Was SoCal Edison’s Equipment Responsible for the Eaton Fire?

SoCal Edison initially released a statement claiming their equipment was not responsible for causing the Eaton Fire, stating they had de-energized their lines and were not aware of any faults. However, emerging evidence suggests they may have caused the wildfire.

• Energized Powerlines: SoCal Edison left some of their power lines energized at the time of the fire.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Residents saw the fire starting directly below the SoCal Edison transmission tower. Another eyewitness reported seeing a flash of light at the tower, and the fire at the base of the tower immediately after.
• Grid Monitoring: An electric grid monitoring company detected numerous faults in SoCal Edison’s equipment near where the fire started.
• Preservation of Evidence: Though not direct evidence, various insurance companies instructed SoCal Edison to preserve equipment and lines in that area where the fire started.

Why Were SoCal Edison’s Lines Energized?

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.”

While they appear to have shut off the power to their distribution system, bringing power to homes and businesses, they left their high-voltage transmission lines energized. In fact, it was high-voltage transmission lines that 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.

Danko Meredith Believes in Holding Utility Companies Accountable

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 breaking this pattern and for community recovery, especially for the countless homeowners and business owners who lost everything in Altadena.

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 a victim of the Eaton Fire and need to speak with a lawyer, contact Danko Meredith today for a free consultation.

Individual Wildfire Cases, Not a Class Action

At Danko Meredith, we prioritize individual cases for clients impacted by utility-caused wildfires. We treat each client as a person, not a case file, and believe the court should do the same. Our client-centered approach means we work with you at your pace, guiding you through every step. When you hire us, you get not only an attorney but a dedicated team of wildfire-recovery advocates committed to securing the best possible outcome for you.

We’re here to help. Below are answers to common questions about our process, but don’t hesitate to reach out with any others.

Why Individual Wildfire Cases Instead of a Class Action?

Every wildfire experience is different. From property damage to the sentimental value of lost items, emotional distress, and wage loss, each aspect of your case deserves individual attention. Class actions, by contrast, are focused on speed and efficiency, often sacrificing personal care and leading to lower recoveries.

At Danko Meredith, we will fight to ensure your unique story during the Eaton Fire is heard and that your losses are fully compensated.

What Does a Client-Centered Approach Mean to Fire Litigation?

Recovery is personal, and we move at your pace. Some clients are ready to discuss their experience during the Eaton Fire immediately, while others need more time.

Whether you’re inventorying past losses or finding new housing, we won’t burden you with unnecessary tasks. With decades of combined experience, we’ve successfully guided thousands through the complex recovery process caused by California wildfires.

Who Will Work on My Wildfire Case?

The attorneys and staff you meet when you sign up are the ones working directly on your Eaton Fire case. At Danko Meredith, we don’t outsource any work—all of it is handled in-house by our dedicated California-based team.

About Danko Meredith

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.

Attorney Referrals and Joint Ventures

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.