Eaton Fire Victims Face Settlement Pressure as Southern California Edison Refuses Mediation

The Wagner Law Group has launched a new hotline for individuals who suffered property loss in the Eaton fire, which investigators believe was likely caused by Southern California Edison. This development comes as an attorney representing Edison has refused to participate in mediation meetings aimed at resolving more than 100 lawsuits filed against the utility company.

These legal actions stem from evidence suggesting Southern California Edison's infrastructure may have caused the devastating fire that resulted in 19 fatalities and destroyed most of Altadena. The Wagner Law Group, which represents numerous fire victims in litigation against Southern California Edison, expressed concern that the utility company appears to be employing delay tactics to prolong the legal process.

Butch Wagner of The Wagner Law Group stated that delaying legal proceedings represents an unethical strategy designed to pressure victims with limited resources into accepting minimal settlements and forfeiting their right to pursue further legal action. Meanwhile, a Southern California Edison spokesperson maintained the company remains focused on serving those impacted by the fire.

The legal firm has extensive experience litigating against utility companies whose improperly maintained infrastructure has caused wildfires. Wagner characterized Southern California Edison's current approach as particularly brutal, accusing the company of hiding behind claims of helping people while intentionally causing harm through their legal strategy.

According to documents reviewed by The Wagner Law Group, Southern California Edison is circulating a draft compensation plan that would base payments on square footage and extent of damage to affected properties. Under this proposed framework, owner-occupants of a destroyed 1,500-square-foot home could receive $900,000 for rebuilding costs, plus $200,000 for program participation and $100,000 per adult for noneconomic damages.

The draft plan also outlines compensation for fatalities, offering $1.5 million for pain and suffering per death, plus $500,000 for each surviving spouse and eligible dependent. An additional $5 million would be paid as a premium for victims who bypass the legal system and proceed directly through the Edison compensation fund.

Wagner condemned this approach as deplorable, arguing that Southern California Edison is pressuring victims to accept potentially inadequate settlements while leveraging their refusal to participate fully in the legal process. He asserted that the utility company has established a program designed to convince people to relinquish their right to sue, ultimately saving the corporation money at the expense of fair compensation for victims.

The situation highlights significant concerns about corporate accountability and access to justice for disaster victims facing well-resourced utility companies. The Wagner Law Group continues to encourage those affected by the Eaton fire to seek legal counsel before making decisions about settlement offers.