Losing a home to a fire is a devastating experience. Homeowners who learn an electric company’s negligence caused the fire face more than feelings of devastation, the also feel frustration that such a large business failed to protect the community it serves. These feelings magnify in situations where the electric company could have prevented the disaster. These are the frustrations homeowners are facing after the Eaton Fire.
Was the electric company negligent?
Multiple lawsuits are already moving forward against Southern California Edison connected to the Eaton Fire. The lawsuits point out the electric company reported a “fault” in its transmission line in the area around the time the fire started. Multiple witnesses and video evidence support that the fire emerged from the base of the transmission towers. To make matters even worse, the electric company failed to de-energize the electrical equipment in the area — further fueling the fire.
In situations like this, homeowners who are looking to hold an electric company accountable would need to establish negligence. Negligence in this context generally refers to the failure of the electric company to act with care, directly causing damage. Homeowners can work towards establishing negligence by keeping records of the event and its aftermath. Photos, official fire reports, and witness statements are helpful. It can also help to get testimony from an expert in electrical systems. This can help prove that the fire stemmed from the electric company’s infrastructure.
Have homeowners had success holding electric companies liable?
Numerous cases have set precedents where homeowners successfully claimed damages from electric companies. For instance, in California, Pacific Gas and Electric faced multiple lawsuits after investigations linked their equipment to several major fires. The lawsuits argued that the company’s failure to maintain its infrastructure and equipment adequately led to these devastating fires and resulted in millions in settlements to go towards those who lost their homes to the tragic fires.
What is the best way to move forward with a claim?
Homeowners are wise to take a proactive and informed approach to better ensure success when looking to hold electric companies liable for damages caused by fires. Understanding the legal framework, gathering comprehensive evidence, and choosing the correct legal strategy are essential steps in this process. While the challenge is significant, the law does provide mechanisms for compensation and accountability, helping to better ensure that electric companies uphold their responsibilities, prioritize safety, and provide compensation to help right any failures that result in losses to homeowners in the communities they serve.