Southern California Edison (SCE) has introduced a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for victims of the catastrophic Eaton Fire, which claimed 19 lives, destroyed nearly 9,500 structures, and caused widespread business disruption in Altadena and Pasadena. The program offers direct payments for home and business losses, personal injuries, fatalities, and other fire-related damages. While SCE has enlisted experts who helped develop major compensation funds, such as the 9/11 Victims Fund, wildfire attorneys are urging caution.
Gerald Singleton, founding partner of the prominent wildfire law firm Singleton Schreiber, warns that victims must fully understand the implications before participating, as the program may require waiving their right to sue SCE. “These utility compensation programs often require participants to waive their fundamental right to seek justice through the courts,” Singleton said, noting that such waivers could result in significantly lower compensation than what litigation might provide. The timing and terms of these waivers remain unclear, raising concerns that victims may make binding decisions without adequate information. Singleton Schreiber, which has recovered over $3 billion for more than 30,000 wildfire victims, is offering complimentary consultations to assist individuals in determining whether joining the program or pursuing legal action is the most suitable path forward.
