Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
January 15, 2025
As firefighters struggle to contain fires that have destroyed more than 12,000 homes and buildings in Southern California, early investigations into the L.A. wildfire causes are raising serious questions about whether negligence played a role in the deadly blazes.
The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires are only partially contained nearly a week after they were first reported. According to authorities, the death toll has reached at least 24 and is likely to grow, while destruction and property damage is expected to exceed $50 billion. Dangerous fire conditions, including high winds and dry conditions, remain in the forecast, hampering efforts to control the fires and prevent new ones from starting.
L.A. Wildfires Started Near Energized Power Lines
According to witness reports and early investigations, charred utility polls have been found in areas where the fires originated. The findings raise questions about whether utility companies like Southern California Edison followed established industry best practices and de-energized electrical lines when dangerous fire conditions were reported.
The reports echo investigation findings of previous wildfires — including recent catastrophic fires in Maui and California — where negligence by electrical providers was blamed. In Maui, defendants including Hawai’i Electric Company (HICO), reached a $4 billion settlement for their role in the 2023 Lahaina fire.
“As we learned in our work with Maui victims, these fires may appear to be natural occurrences, but we’re finding serious questions about whether negligence played a significant role,” said attorney Susan Ulrich, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel.
About Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel
Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is a national plaintiffs’ law firm devoted to helping families in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving asbestos and mesothelioma, benzene exposure, dangerous pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and birth defects caused by pesticides, toxic chemicals, opioid use, and semiconductor chip manufacturing. The law firm also represents plaintiffs in qui tam whistleblower matters and cases that uncover false claims submitted to the government. Based in Dallas, Texas, with offices in Los Angeles, California, and Moline, Illinois, Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has represented families from all fifty states and many foreign countries, as well as foreign governments.
If you’ve been affected by the Palisades or Eaton fires, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel today for a free consultation with an experienced fire attorney. Let us help you navigate the complexities of a wildfire lawsuit and secure the compensation you deserve. Were you affected by the LA fires? Contact us today.
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