Eaton Fire Lawyers

Was Your Home Damaged or Destroyed?

Are you uninsured or underinsured?

West Coast Trial Lawyers will help victims of fires get beyond their insurance policies from those responsible for the Eaton Canyon Fire.

Mark Your Calendar And Join Us for Our Webinar or Townhall Meeting

• 1/17/25 Webinar
  • 5PM Link below for Zoom information
  • Hosted by WCTL President Neama Rahmani, along side insurance experts, Ava & Barbara Ardalan, and Berj Aliksanian
  • We will discuss insurance claims, next steps, and legal to help fire victims get maximum compensation
• 1/19/25 Town Hall
  • 2PM Hilton Pasadena – 168 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Hosted by WCTL Founding Partner Allen Patatanyan, along side insurance expert Berj Aliksanian
  • We will discuss insurance claims, next steps, and legal to help fire victims get maximum compensation

Command Posts Providing Free Legal Advice

Our lawyers are boots on the ground, in the community providing free legal advice to victims. Come talk to us!

• Pasadena Civic Center (across the street) – 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • 11AM to 3PM Everyday
• Armen Market – 1873 Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
  • 11AM to 3PM Everyday

How We Help You

If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Eaton Canyon Fire, West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to help. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our dedicated team of attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience, our team of attorneys understand the devastating losses that have occurred in Eaton Canyon and the surrounding areas and they are ready to represent you and help you get back what you lost.

Unlike adjusters who take a percentage of your insurance payout, we guide you through the insurance claims process for free, ensuring you receive the maximum insurance payout without unnecessary fees. 

Our experienced team will also assist you with crucial FEMA and SBA applications, helping you access government aid quickly and efficiently. Plus, we’ll guide you through property tax and income tax relief options so you can minimize financial burdens during this difficult time.

Beyond insurance claims, WCTL is here to take aggressive legal action against all negligent parties, including Southern California Edison, to secure above and beyond compensation for your pain and suffering. With our track record of winning billions for our clients, you can trust us to fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.

As a result of our hard work and dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to guide them throughout the legal process. With news of insurance companies denying claims and thousands of displaced residents forced to start from scratch, our compassionate team of attorneys will do everything they can to hold those responsible for the fire accountable for their actions and get you the justice you rightfully deserve.

To schedule a FREE initial consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Expert Commentary in the Media

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How Did The Eaton Fire Start?

Many investigators are still trying to contain and determine the cause of the large scale wildfires such as the Pacific Palisades fire, Hurst fire, and Kenneth fire. Local sources have claimed that the devastating fires that spread across Eaton Canyon, Altadena, and Pasadena were caused by faulty electrical equipment from Southern California Edison.

Southern California Edison has denied claims that their electrical equipment was the cause of the fire, but early videos from local residents show flames burning at the base of an electrical transmission tower before it has raced down the canyon toward homes. While it is still an ongoing investigation, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison for negligence in not maintain proper care of their electrical equipment. 

Eaton Fire Statistics

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in an incident report, the Eaton fire has burned over 14,117 acres of land and threatens to destroy over 28,000 structures across Altadena, Pasadena, and its surrounding areas. As of January 15th, 2025, it has been reported that 4,627 structures have been completely destroyed and burned down, 486 buildings have been damaged by the fires, and at least 16 known civilian fatalities.

While containment has been a slow and steady process, with the fire department have assigned 3,408 firefighting personnel to combat the fire, along with 16 helicopters, 375 engines, 29 bulldozers, 50 crews, and 90 water tenders, with potentially more on the way.

Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers to Represent You?

With over 20 years of legal experience, our team experienced lawyers are not just prepared—they are exceptionally qualified to handle your case. Unlike other firms that operate as referral services or rely on retired names, West Coast Trial Lawyers is a real law firm with real attorneys you can meet and trust.

Our team is led by Neama Rahmani, one of the youngest graduates in Harvard Law School’s history, who brings elite legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to justice. Unlike other firms that lack trial experience or rely on non-lawyers to manage cases, our attorneys are seasoned professionals with decades of courtroom success, representing high-profile clients like Disney, Marriott, and the Roman Catholic Church. Whether it’s navigating insurance negotiations or presenting your case before a jury, we deliver world-class representation at every step.

What Truly Sets Us Apart

• No Hidden Fees: Many firms inflate their fees or charge for administrative tasks. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our fees are transparent, and you’ll always walk away with more in your pocket than we earn—guaranteed in pre-litigation cases.
• No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee: You pay nothing unless we win or settle your case, ensuring our representation is driven solely by results, not financial constraints.
• Free Property Damage Assistance: While other firms leave you to deal with property damage alone, we handle everything from start to finish—at no additional cost.
• Direct Access to Lawyers: From your initial consultation to negotiating with insurance companies, you’ll work directly with a qualified lawyer, not a non-lawyer intake staffer.

Our commitment to client success extends beyond our legal expertise. We’re available 24/7 and will meet you wherever and whenever you need us. Our diverse, multilingual team ensures seamless communication in the language you’re most comfortable with, giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout the process.

Identifying Liability After the Eaton Fires

When it comes to determining liability for wildfires, they are generally categorized as either natural or man made fires. While no claims can be made for natural wildfires due to the lack of a guilty party, man made fires are different because a negligent or reckless party can be held accountable for causing destruction.

However, trying to determine liability for wildfires tends to be a complex and lengthy process because local fire departments and state agencies would need to conduct an investigation to see if a liable party can be held accountable for the fire. Should a negligent or reckless party was discovered to be the cause of the fire, then fire victims can file a claim with an attorney in order to recover money and damages for their losses.

In the cases of the Eaton Fire, utility companies do have responsibilities to ensure that their power lines, electrical towers, and electrical equipment are built sturdy, safe, and durable enough to withstand the elements. This is due to the fact that utility companies built a network of power lines throughout mountains where a brush fire can easily run rampant under the right conditions. Should that ever happen, then utility companies such as Southern California Edison can be held liable for damages such as property damage, civilian fatalities, and any injuries to the Altadena residents who were forced to evacuate from their homes.

Recoverable Damages in a Wildfire

The extent of recoverable damages will be on a case-by-case basis because it will largely depend on the severity of the fire damage victims have faced, With that in mind, victims who lost their homes and sustained injuries from the Eaton fire can file a claim to recover compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

If you want to get a grasp on how much your claim is worth, fire victims can either consult with a personal injury attorney or input their information in a personal injury settlement calculator and get the best estimation for their damages. As the fire continues and the extent of damages may increase, and as a result, the value of your claim may change, but it is important to familiarize yourself with these damages in order to get an expectation of what you can recover.

Economic

Economic damages are referred to as calculable damages that can be recovered for a specific monetary value. This is designed to financially compensate victims for any accumulated losses as a result of an accident or a devastating incident and make them financially whole again. For example, damages such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages are all things that have a calculable value.

Non-Economic

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are defined as incalculable damages that are designed to compensate victims for damages and losses that are subjective and difficult to place a definitive value on. For instance, damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are all subjective and will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Punitive

Punitive damages are a unique form of damages that are focused on punishing a negligent party for their severely reckless and/or ill intentioned actions. The awarded sum of punitive damages is not as high when directly compared to economic and non-economic damages, but victims can get justice as those responsible are held accountable for their actions and/or negligence. Due to the nature of punitive damages, they are rarely issued out and are primarily saved as a means to set legal precedence and as a form of deterrence for those who might commit similar actions in the foreseeable future.

What To Do If Your House Burned Down In the Eaton Fire

If you have lost your home in the Eaton fire, it is important that you stay calm, collect yourself, and know that you are not alone in this terrible incident. As thousands of people have lost their homes and all of their personal belongings it is understandable to feel devastated by your situation, however, there are a number of things you can do to better your chances of making a financial recovery.

One of the first things you should do is to try and document all of your losses and damages by taking photos and videos and maintain a detailed record of any receipts of any costs you had to purchase due to the fire such as hotel costs or even eating out. Once you have compiled a detailed record, it is recommended to talk to your insurance provider to see if they can do anything about your losses.

While many insurance companies like State Farm and AllState have rescinded their coverage on wildfires, it is still worth calling your insurance company and see what options you have available. If they are unable to do anything, then it is recommended to consult with an experienced attorney who can help show you what your legal options are and potentially hold utility companies like Southern California Edison accountable for fires that resulted in the loss of homes and put human safety at risk.

West Coast Trial Lawyers is Here To Help

If you or your loved one have suffered significant losses in the Eaton fire, you may be eligible for financial compensation. As the ongoing fires make it difficult to clearly determine a responsible party, it is vital that you hire a dedicated and experienced attorney who will fight for you and look out for your best interests.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of Eaton fire lawyers are ready to help and serve as your personal and trusted legal counsel. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our lawyers are well versed in the California court system and are confident that they can get you the financial compensation you deserve.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to guide you throughout the legal process. As wildfire claims can be a confusing endeavor especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal process, our 24/7 legal team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case. No matter what kind of claim you have, we will be there every step of the way. 

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eaton Fire

How Much Does an Eaton Fire Attorney Cost?

Generally, personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency-based system, however, in events such as losing your home to a wildfire, you do not need to pay an attorney or a public adjuster to collect from your insurance. West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you for free and will guide you through your insurance claim.

What Does Long-Term Wildfire Disaster Recovery Encompass?

Long-term recovery includes processes like rebuilding homes, community rebuilding efforts, and accessing grants and loans for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Is Emotional Distress a Valid Claim Post-Wildfire?

Absolutely. The psychological impact of wildfires can be profound, and victims can seek compensation for the emotional and mental trauma they’ve endured.

Can Communities Collectively File a Lawsuit After a Wildfire?

Yes, communities can engage in class action lawsuits if numerous individuals are affected by a single party’s negligence, ensuring collective legal action and potentially larger settlements.

How Can I Help My Community In the Event of a Wildfire?

There are many volunteering opportunities throughout Los Angeles where you can do your part and help those in need. You can visit our guide on how to help Wildfire victims.