Battle Over Smoke-Damaged Homes from LA County Wildfires Could Reshape Fire Insurance
Michelle Meyers, Partner at Singleton Schreiber, was featured by the Pasadena Star News in an article titled "Battle Over Smoke-Damaged Homes from LA County Wildfires Could Reshape Fire Insurance," published on May 31, 2026. The Pasadena Star News is the original publisher of this piece.
Singleton Schreiber has taken on several pending matters on behalf of Eaton fire victims, including two possible class-action lawsuits, with Meyers leading the firm's efforts.
The lawsuits focus on whether smoke-related contamination, such as lead, cyanide, and heavy metals, counts as a covered loss under California law, which requires coverage for "loss by fire." As two bills move through the state Legislature and court cases continue, the results could lead to enforceable standards for testing and cleanup, affecting areas beyond California.
On the challenge of smoke damage claims, Meyers noted: "You're almost better off if your house burns down. It eliminates much of the subjective nature of what you can fight about."
