Just after 6 pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire broke out in the Altadena/Pasadena area near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in Los Angeles County. So far, there have been five deaths, and many more injuries, including four firefighters.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department estimates that over 1,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the fire. Due to the blaze, around 100,000 residents received mandatory evacuation orders while another 100,000 received evacuation warnings.
Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief reported that the growth of the fire has stopped but it is not contained. Officials estimate that the fire has now scorched more than nearly 11,000 acres.
The high wind conditions, dry brush, and low humidity all played a role in this fire’s rapid expansion.
While the flames have been fully contained, the impact remains. Contact our Eaton fire lawyers to explore your legal options.
If you have been affected by the Eaton wildfire, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian today for help. Our California wildfire attorneys understand the difficulties you are facing in the aftermath of this devastating event and will work to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to move forward and rebuild. Call us today for experienced representation for your Eaton Fire lawsuit at (949) 831-6611. Free consultations.
Why Hire An Eaton Wildfire Attorney?
An experienced California wildfire attorney can help you build a strong claim to seek the compensation you deserve for the losses caused by the fire. Whether you’ve suffered property damage, injuries, or other hardships, having skilled legal representation ensures your case is handled with the utmost care and attention it deserves.
At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, our team brings extensive experience in handling wildfire claims and a deep understanding of the complexities involved. We are dedicated to navigating the claims process efficiently and effectively on your behalf. We will:
- Pursue the maximum possible compensation: we will work diligently to recover all the damages you are entitled to, including property repair costs, medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and more so that you can rebuild your life in the aftermath
- Help you file your claim properly and on time: we will ensure your claim is completed with the correct paperwork, filed within the statute of limitations, and adheres to all legal requirements to avoid delays or denials
- Hold Insurers accountable: we will review your policy with you to ensure you have a full understanding of your coverage and advocate for you if your insurance company attempts to act in bad faith by delaying, undervaluing, or denying your claim.
- Provide personalized support: we offer compassionate and personalized guidance at every step of the claims process to ensure you never feel alone and understand what is going on in your case.
“We aim to represent our clients better than anyone else”
Our Firm Specializes in Wildfire Law
The attorneys at Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian have extensive experience in wildfire litigation. When you choose to work with us, you get personalized attention to your case to maximize recovery. We work on a low contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win. We have a perfect track record against Southern California Edison, representing thousands of clients.
Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian Files Complaint Against Southern California Edison
In the complaint, our team alleges Southern California Edison failed to de-energize power lines over Eaton Canyon, despite a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service. Read the full complaint below and find the Eaton Fire press release here. If you lost your home, you were injured, or are a victim of the Eaton Fire, join Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian and many other fire victims in this mass action suit against Southern California Edison.
Updates:
- Our firm is hosting a town hall for victims of the Eaton Fire on February 13th and 15th. This resource is intended to give fire victims a place to ask questions, learn their rights, how to pursue claims, and more.
- As of 2/3/25, the Eaton fire is 100% contained.
- Here are the latest figures:
• 9,413 destroyed structures.
• 1,074 damaged structures.
• 14,021 acres burned.
• At least 17 deaths.
News Coverage on the Eaton Fire Lawsuit
Affected Areas
While firefighters worked aggressively to stop the spread of the Eaton wildfire, officials issued evacuation orders and warnings to residents in an effort to keep them safe. Areas under evacuation orders included:
- Altadena
- Arcadia
- Pasadena
- Sierra Madre
Additionally, many schools have been closed including:
- Alhambra Unified School District
- Arcadia Unified School District
- Duarte Unified School District
- Garvey School District
- Glendale Unified School District (closed through Jan. 10)
- La Canada Unified (closed through Jan. 10)
- Monrovia Unified School District
- Pasadena Unified School District (closed through Jan. 10)
- San Gabriel Unified School District
- South Pasadena Unified School District
A full list of evacuation zones can be found on the CA Fire Eaton Fire incident update page.
Risks Residents Affected by the Eaton Fire Face
Residents who were affected by the Eaton wildfire, either due to their home being in the direct path of the fire or nearby, may experience a range of challenges and risks. Residents may experience losses including:
- Property damage and destruction – homes, personal belongings, cars, and other structures may be severely damaged or completely destroyed in the fire
- Burn injuries – residents caught in the fire’s path could suffer serious burn injuries, requiring immediate medical attention and potentially long-term care
- Wrongful death – tragically, some residents may lose loved ones due to the fire, whether from burns, smoke inhalation, or other related causes, leaving families to cope with emotional and financial burdens
- Smoke inhalation – exposure to thick smoke and harmful particles can lead to respiratory issues or exacerbate existing health conditions
- Financial losses – costs associated with property repairs, temporary relocation, and medical care can create significant financial strain
- Emotional and psychological trauma – the stress of evacuation, losing homes and other possessions, or witnessing the devastation can have a lasting emotional impact
- And more
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the goals of the Eaton Fire lawsuit?
Our firm has two main goals:
• To maximize your recovery in the lawsuit
• To force Southern California Edison to change and prevent this tragedy from ever happening again.
What does it cost to hire Eaton Fire representation?
Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian have reduced our contingency fee for fire survivors from 40% to 25%. If we recover nothing, you pay nothing.
Do you outsource legal work?
We never outsource legal work. Once we have accepted a case, it is entirely handled by our legal team.
Do you accept litigation funding?
Our firm does not use litigation funding to front legal costs. Unlike firms that operate with litigation funding, we won’t rush you into a settlement to pay off interest.
What is a “Mass Action” case?
In a mass action case, every affected individual has their own claim and therefore, must file it or lose it. We represent every client separately and pursue damages unique to them.
What damages can you recover as a plaintiff fire survivor?
- Economic damages are the quantifiable losses that fire survivors may recover including:
• Real Property: Compensation for damaged or destroyed homes or buildings, removal of debris, and more.
• Landscaping: Costs associated with restoring outdoor property like trees and gardens.
• Personal Property: Reimbursement for personal belongings that were lost or damaged.
• Loss of Use: Compensation for the inability to use your property due to the fire.
• Personal Injury: Costs for medical treatments, therapy, or rehabilitation.
• Lost Income: Coverage for income lost due to the fire, whether it’s from a personal salary or business operations.
- Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for intangible losses caused by the fire. These include:
• Emotional Distress: The mental suffering or anguish caused by the fire.
• Zone of Danger: Psychological trauma from being in immediate harm’s way, usually during evacuation. This can include sensory experience of fire, heat, smoke, ash, and falling debris.
• Nuisance: Compensation for ongoing disruptions caused by the fire’s aftermath. Get treatment and keep documentation of all medical bills.
• Cherished Family Possessions: Loss of irreplaceable sentimental items.
• Displacement, Stress, Anxiety, Annoyance, and Discomfort: Compensation for the disruption and emotional toll of being displaced or experiencing hardship due to the fire.
Do you handle insurance claims?
Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian are not insurance lawyers and do not offer insurance claims advice or representation. However, our firm is happy to take a look at your policy with you to give you peace of mind.
Why participate in litigation?
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- Victims can recover damages in excess of insurance policy limits.
- Recover emotional distress damages that are not covered by insurance.
- Help hold Southern California Edison accountable for their actions.
Call Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian Today For More Information
If you were affected by the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, call Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian to learn how we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t go it alone in the devastating aftermath of the Eaton wildfire, call us at (949) 831-6611 to schedule your free consultation.