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The Eaton wildfire left a devastating mark on Altadena, California, a historically significant community nestled in the foothills of Los Angeles County. Known for its charm, diversity, and deep-rooted sense of community and friendship, the neighborhoods of Altadena have been turned to ash. With over 5,000 structures being damaged or destroyed, and the lives of countless residents were upended. There have been 16 confirmed deaths due to the Eaton fire, and over 14,000 acres scorched. 

Among those affected was the community of middle-class Black families that had created a tight-knit community starting in the 1960s and 70s when redlining practices pushed them out of the city and into the hills of Altadena. The losses this community now faces extend far beyond property– their lives have been shattered, with many grieving the deaths of loved ones and the destruction of cherished memories and community. 

The Tragic Impact of the Eaton Fire

Eaton claimed the lives of several residents, including Rodney Nickerson, a retired aerospace engineer; Victor Shaw, a former courier; and Dalyce Curry, a former actress. Their deaths underscore the human cost of this disaster. 

The Altadena residents also suffered staggering property loss. Many homes destroyed in the fire had been passed down through generations, serving as a foundation for generation wealth. The loss of these homes has left some families with little to no options of rebuilding, especially for those without adequate fire insurance. 

Legal Avenues Available to Victims

The NAACP and Singleton Schreiber have partnered as advocates for the victims of the Eaton Fire by filing a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company and Edison International on behalf of the Mahone family. The Mahone family lost everything they owned in the fire and are now displaced. The lawsuit alleges that the fire began due to Edison’s electrical equipment sparking and igniting dry vegetation in Eaton Canyon. The canyon had previously been identified as an area of extreme fire risk, though Edison failed to take adequate precautions to prevent the fire, thus resulting in this tragic situation. 

For those facing the devastating aftermath of Eaton, taking legal action may provide a path toward recovery. Two main options that victims may choose to pursue include wrongful death claims and bad faith insurance claims. 

Wrongful Death Claims

Families who lost loved ones may have grounds to file wrongful death lawsuits. These types of claims seek to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions if negligence or recklessness contributed to the fire’s outbreak or severity. For instance, if investigations reveal that a utility company, landowner, or another entity failed to mitigate fire risks or maintain equipment properly, they could be liable for damages. 

Compensation in wrongful death claims may include: 

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• And more

These types of claims are vital for helping families find closure and financial stability in the wake of such profound loss. 

Insurance Bad Faith and Fraud

Many residents now face challenges associated with dealing with insurance companies to rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, some insurance providers may act in bad faith, delaying or denying valid claims. While others may attempt to undervalue losses, leaving policyholders without the resources needed to recover. 

Victims who encounter these types of issues with their insurance companies may wish to pursue legal action against insurers for breach of contract or bad faith practices and work to ensure that policyholders receive the benefits they are entitled to and hold companies accountable for any unethical behavior. 

“The path to recovery for Altadena's residents will be long and complex,” says Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber, “beyond the physical rebuilding, the community must grapple with the loss of its cultural identity and support network."

“While filing a wrongful death or bad faith insurance claim cannot reverse the devastation they’ve experienced, it can help to provide victims with financial relief and give them a chance to rebuild their physical homes and community.”

If you or a loved one have been impacted by the Eaton wildfire, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call us at (619) 771-3473 to get started with a free consultation today.