Eaton Fire Lawyers: Lawsuit Information and Resources

The Eaton Fire, also called the Altadena Fire, ignited January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon just north of Pasadena in the Angeles National Forest. The fire quickly exploded to nearly 14,000 acres in less than two days, according to Cal Fire.

As of Friday, January 31, the Eaton Fire was 100% contained. According to Cal Fire, there were a total of 17 civilian fatalities, nine firefighter injuries, and 9,413 structures were destroyed.

The Eaton Fire is the second largest of the fires that struck LA during the second week of January, after the Palisades Fire, in unusually dry conditions during an extreme Santa Ana wind event.

Will SCE Lawsuit Be Filed Seeking Compensation for Victims of Eaton Fire?

Update: Singleton Schreiber has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison (SCE) is conducting an examination to determine whether their power lines could have sparked either the Eaton or Hurst fires. The company has informed state regulators that insurance companies working to assess the damages from the fires have demanded that they preserve any electric equipment around the site as possible evidence in the Eaton Fire, though no evidence has currently indicated that SCE’s equipment was responsible for igniting the blaze.

SCE high voltage electric transmission lines run above the site of the fire, and a similar high voltage electric line was responsible for sparking the Camp Fire in 2018 in and around the town of Paradise in Northern California.

In Southern California, SCE has also faced litigation over the Silverado Fire in 2019 during a similar high wind event near Irvine, CA, when they said a “lashing wire” might have struck a conducting line above it after they lifted the rolling blackouts that they had imposed in the area.

If SCE is found to be responsible for the Eaton Fire, it would be one of the largest California wildfires caused by utility companies in state history.

Newsom Issues State of Emergency, Biden Issues Major Disaster Declaration

Gov. Gavin Newsom secured a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden on Wednesday, one day after the fires ignited, to provide access to federal funding for relief efforts. The state received a grant from the federal Disaster Relief Fund after the Governor issued a state of emergency, and the Governor issued a statement announcing the funds and urging residents to stay safe and follow the advice of local officials.

The Governor also issued an executive order to support Altadena, Pasadena, and the other communities affected, as he deployed more than 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel to protect the area from the ongoing fires across Los Angeles.

FEMA, Pentagon Join LA Fire Response

President Biden also announced Thursday that for the next six months, the federal government will pay for 100% of the disaster response costs from the wildfires destroying Los Angeles. The president said he will also ask Congress for even more funding for relief efforts.

The federal funding will cover debris removal, temporary shelters, and pay for first responders, the president said, adding that he is sending 400 federal firefighters and 30 federal firefighting planes to the area, among other assets.

The full disaster response coverage represents an increase from the current 75% the president previously allotted, after Gov. Gavin Newsom had requested 90%. The damage will place the LA fires among the most expensive disasters in California history.

In all, more than 179,000 people have been forced to evacuate from their homes in Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding communities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also been providing relief to locals, providing supplies like baby food to those in need, and even the Pentagon has readied firefighting personnel.

President Biden told residents and other victims impacted by the fires, “We’re not going anywhere.” He added, “To the firefighters and first responders, you are heroes.”

Eaton Fire Resources for Wildfire Victims in Altadena, Pasadena, and More

Use the links below to find resources for Eaton Fire victims in Altadena, Pasadena, and the surrounding areas, including emergency services, relief agencies, public safety, transportation, evacuation centers, food and shelter, pet and animal rescues, and more.

• Los Angeles Fire Department
• LAist
• Los Angeles Wildfires Resources
• FEMA Assistance Guide

Eaton Fire Specific Resources

• Reconnect with Loved Ones. For help finding a missing loved one due to the fires, contact 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) with detailed information.
• Family Assistance Center: If you are looking for someone impacted by the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles County, or you want to inform your family of your safety wellness. Please, contact the Red Cross at (800) 675-5799 
• Emergency Food and Supplies: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Works with its network of more than 600 partner agencies. To find a local food pantry, enter your address.
• Food and Nutrition for Older Adults: Offers support for older adults who may be experiencing food insecurity. To locate a meal site, click here.
• The Hotel Assn. of Los Angeles has compiled a list of hotels in the Los Angeles area that have room available and are offering special rates for fire victims. The list, which is accessible from a Google spreadsheet, is continuously being updated and contains contact information and details on any fire-related special rate.
• The California Fire Foundation is providing $250 SAVE gift cards for residents who lost their house in the fires at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101-2308. These cards can be used to purchase essential items such as food, clothing, gas, medicine, or temporary shelter in the immediate aftermath of a house fire. Distribution runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day—or until cards run out.
• SBA Disaster Loans: Loans may be available to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes in areas covered by a disaster declaration to aid in recovery. To apply for assistance, click here. 
• Insurance Commissioner Workshop: For Los Angeles residents affected by Eaton Fire to ensure they understand their insurance policies and are aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process. 
• Pasadena City College – 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
• January 25, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00 pm
• January 26, 2025 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
• To reserve a one-on-one appointment with an expert call (800) 927-4357
• Free clothing: Brooklyn Projects, a skateboard and clothing shop on Melrose, is providing free clothing, shoes and socks for victims who left their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The shop is located at 7427 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90046.
• SBA Disaster Recovery Presentation: On February 26, 2025, Singleton Schreiber and the NAACP hosted a town hall focused on the "ABCs of Rebuilding." This presentation walked survivors through FAQs about applying for the SBA loan.

Eaton Fire Disaster Relief Loans Applications Set To Close March 31

If you were affected by the Eaton Fire, time is running out to apply for disaster relief assistance. Both the Small Business Administration (SBA) and FEMA assistance loans have a March 31st deadline, giving homeowners, renters, and business owners a limited window to seek financial support. 

The SBA loans can help cover home and business property damage, while FEMA assistance offers aid for temporary housing, repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll need a loan, applying before the deadline preserves your eligibility to obtain a loan later. If you do not apply now, you will not have the option later. 

SBA Loans Options and Their Offerings

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits recover. These loans can be used to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, cover economic losses, and even fund mitigation efforts to reduce future risks. Below is a breakdown of the available loan options and how to apply. 

Home Disaster Loans

Available to: Homeowners and renters

Loan purpose: To repair or replace real estate and personal property, including automobiles, damaged or destroyed in the disaster. 

Key Details: 

• Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence
• Homeowners and renters may apply for up to $100,000 for personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances
• Secondary or vacation homes are not eligible
• Funders cannot be used for home improvements unless required by building codes
• A 20% increase in loan amount may be available for improvements that reduce future risks
• Loan maturity is up to 30 years with no pre-payment penalties
• First payment deferred for 12 months with no interest accrual during this period

How to apply:

Go to the MySBA Loan Portal and complete the online application. No contractor quotes are required to apply. If you are approved, you can choose to accept or decline the loan. 

Business Physical Disaster Loans

Available to: Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations

Loan purpose: To repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery, and equipment.

Key Details: 

• Up to $2 million to cover uninsured disaster losses 
• Proceeds from insurance coverage on business property may be deducted from the loan amount
• Loans cannot be used to upgrade or expand a business unless required by building codes
• Loan maturity is up to 30 years, depending on repayment ability
• First payment deferred for 12 months with no interest accrual
• Interest rates:
• Up to 4% if the applicant cannot obtain credit elsewhere
• Up to 8% if the applicant has access to other credit 

How to apply:

Go to the MySBA Loan Portal and complete the Business Physical Disaster Loan application. Provide the necessary documentation regarding property damage. If you are approved, funds can be used for repair and replacement costs. 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

Available to: Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations.

Loan purpose: To provide working capital for businesses unable to meet financial obligations due to the disaster

Key Details: 

• Designed to help businesses survive until normal operations resume
• Maximum load amount of $2 million (including physical disaster loans) 
• Businesses must demonstrate substantial economic injury, meaning they cannot cover regular operating expenses
• Loan maturity up to 30 years, depending on ability to pay
• First payment deferred for 12 months with no interest accrual
• Interest rate will not exceed 4%

How to apply: 

Visit the MySBA Loan Portal and fill out the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application. Provide the financial documentation showing economic impact from the disaster. If approved, funds can be used for working capital needs. 

SBA loans can help provide much-needed relief to Eaton Fire victims, but applications must be submitted before the March 31st deadline to be considered. 

FEMA Assistance Loans

FEMA provides financial aid to help with home repairs, temporary housing, and property damage (including damage to appliances, furniture, vehicles, and more). Assistance may also be available for other disaster-related costs, including child care, medical expenses, lodging, moving costs, and even funeral expenses.

How to apply for FEMA Assistance:

1. Assess your needs – FEMA will ask about the damages you’ve experienced and the type of assistance you require. 
2. Create or sign in to your account – you’ll need to log in or register through login.gov to access FEMA’s online application system
3. Complete your application – Return to disasterassistance.gov to submit your application and track its progress 

FEMA assistance can provide much-needed relief, but applications must be submitted before the March 31st deadline to be considered.

If you believe you qualify for these programs, we strongly encourage you to submit an application and take the first step toward accessing the support you need. Should you have any questions or require additional information, then you are welcome to contact the team at Singleton Schreiber.

Don’t Miss the March 31st Deadline, Get Help Applying Today

If you, your family, your home, your business, or nonprofit have been affected financially by the Eaton fire, check out the SBA and FEMA loans and see if you qualify. Even if you are unsure you will use the funds, it is best to apply so you don’t miss the opportunity altogether. 

Don’t miss this opportunity for assistance in recovering from the Eaton fire. Learn more today by talking with a personal injury lawyer at Singleton Schreiber who can provide you with legal assistance and help you through the loan application process.

What Compensation Can Eaton Fire Victims Recover?

In the aftermath of a fire, victims may face physical, emotional, and financial hardships. When you choose Singleton Schreiber to represent your fire claim, we do so with the utmost care and compassion.

Fire victims in Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding areas may be able to obtain compensation for the following damages after a wildfire:

• Property damage: for damaged and destroyed homes, vehicles, and other personal belongings and property lost due to the wildfire
• Evacuation-related expenses: for the cost of temporary housing, transportation, meals, and other costs related to the evacuation process and period
• Medical expenses: for injuries like burns, smoke inhalation, and other fire-related injuries that victims may have sustained due to the wildfire
• Wrongful death: if victims lost a loved one due to the wildfire, they may be able to hold the party responsible for the fire accountable for the costs associated with their loved one's death, such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and more

While fire victims’ insurance policies may offer some coverage, these policies may not cover the full extent of the damages they suffer. The team at Singleton Schreiber can also provide insurance claim assistance, helping you examine your policy and fight for the most possible compensation available to cover your losses. 

What Does It Cost To Hire A Lawyer For The Eaton Fire?

Our wildfire attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront fees. In fact – you don’t pay unless we win. 

How Long Does A Fire Litigation Case Take?

The length of a wildfire lawsuit can vary, and depends on the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs, and settlement negotiations. In some cases, the process can be as short as a few months, while other cases may take a year or more. Working with an experienced wildfire attorney can help expedite the process and protect your rights. 

Can I File A Lawsuit Even If I Don't Have Insurance?

Yes. You do not need insurance to file a wildfire lawsuit. Whether you were uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to pursue compensation from the responsible parties, such as utility companies, government agencies, or negligent landowners. 

What Steps Should I Take To Support My Claim?

To help strengthen your wildfire claim, you can:

• Document the extent of damages – take photos and videos of property damage and damaged belongings
• Keep receipts – save records of temporary housing, repairs, and other related expenses you want to be compensated for
• Obtain copies of official reports – fire department records and government reports can help to prove liability and strengthen your case
• Consult with an attorney as soon as possible – an experienced lawyer can help you build a strong claim for compensation, and work with you to preserve evidence that will help strengthen your case. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any vital filing deadlines. 

Why Should I Hire An Attorney To File A Claim?

Wildfire cases can be complex, especially when it comes to determining liability. Insurance companies and the responsible parties may attempt to minimize payouts, or deny your claims entirely. An experienced wildfire attorney can:

• Investigate the cause of the fire and help you determine liability
• Handle all negotiations with insurance companies and responsible entities
• Maximize compensation for your losses
• Ensure all legal deadlines are met
• Advocate for your rights in court, if necessary

Why Choose Singleton Schreiber To Represent You In Your Eaton Fire Claim

Wildfires can have devastating effects on all affected by the destruction. From homes being burnt down, to injuries, loss of belongings, and more, fire victims may face significant financial hurdles in the aftermath of a wildfire. At Singleton Schreiber, we understand how difficult it can be for victims to move forward after a fire, and are here to help those affected fight for full and fair compensation for the damages they suffer.

When you work with the Singleton Schreiber team, you get:

• A team of highly experienced wildfire attorneys: we have extensive experience holding responsible parties accountable for the damages caused by wildfires
• A team with a proven track record of success: since 2007 we have helped more than 26,000 individuals and businesses secure the compensation they deserve for losses sustained in wildfires
• A team dedicated to upholding your rights: we are ready to invest our time, energy, and resources into building a strong claim for you

If your home or business in Altadena, Pasadena, or surrounding LA communities has been affected by the Eaton Fire, contact the Singleton Schreiber team today to learn how we may be able to help you.

Speak With Our LA Fire Lawyers About a Possible Eaton Fire Lawsuit and Compensation for Eaton Fire Victims

Contact the experienced LA wildfire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber to find out how you can receive compensation for the Eaton Fire. Schedule your free consultation with an LA fire lawyer today to learn more about your options and find out how much your case could be worth. Call us today at (213) 344-0668 to get started.

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