Eaton Fire Lawyers Launch Hotline as Southern California Edison Refuses Settlement Negotiations

The Wagner Law Group has launched a new hotline for individuals who suffered property loss due to the Eaton fire, which attorneys allege was likely caused by Southern California Edison. This development comes as an attorney representing Edison has refused mediation meetings to resolve more than 100 lawsuits filed against the utility company. These legal actions stem from allegations that Southern California Edison's infrastructure caused the fire that resulted in 19 fatalities and destroyed most of Altadena.

The Wagner Law Group, which is representing fire victims in lawsuits against Southern California Edison, expressed concern about what they characterize as the utility company's strategy to prolong the legal process. Butch Wagner of The Wagner Law Group stated that delaying legal proceedings is unethical and represents an attempt to pressure resource-limited victims into accepting inadequate settlements while forfeiting their right to pursue further legal action. A spokesperson for Southern California Edison responded that the company remains focused on serving those impacted by the fire.

Attorneys at The Wagner Law Group have extensive experience litigating against utility companies whose improperly maintained infrastructure causes fires. Wagner described the current situation with Southern California Edison as particularly brutal, accusing the company of hiding behind claims of helping people while intentionally causing harm through their legal strategy. The law firm has become aware of a draft compensation plan being circulated by Southern California Edison that would base settlement rates on square footage and extent of damage to affected properties.

According to the draft plan, owner-occupants of a destroyed 1,500-square-foot home could receive $900,000 in rebuilding compensation, plus $200,000 for program participation and $100,000 per adult for noneconomic damages. The proposal also includes $1.5 million for pain and suffering per death, plus $500,000 for each surviving spouse and eligible dependent, with an additional $5 million premium for claimants who proceed directly through the Edison fund rather than pursuing litigation. Wagner characterized these settlement offers as deplorable attempts to pressure victims into accepting inadequate compensation while surrendering their legal rights.

The Wagner Law Group is encouraging individuals affected by the Eaton fire to contact their dedicated hotline at https://www.thewagnerlawgroup.com for legal guidance. The firm has represented numerous clients in wildfire litigation and other personal injury matters, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for their clients across various case types. This situation highlights the complex challenges facing wildfire victims when dealing with large utility companies and the importance of understanding legal rights and options following catastrophic events.