ABC 7, KTLA, NBC, Fox 11, KNX News and Others Report on Lawsuit Filed Against Southern California Edison Over Eaton Fire Devastation
As reported by multiple news outlets, trial law firms McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP, Becker Law Group, and Singleton Schreiber have filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company (Edison) on behalf of victims of the devastating Eaton Fire.
The Eaton Fire erupted on January 7 in the Altadena region, prompting widespread evacuations. As of Thursday, January 16, it had scorched 14,117 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 structures. The Eaton Fire is now regarded as one of the most lethal fires in California's history, with 16 fatalities reported thus far.
Patrick McNicholas told KNX News, “There’s eyewitness reports, there’s photographic evidence, and there’s video evidence, as well as the circumstances around the electric wires would indicate that there’s a source of ignition there also.”
Watch the KTLA interview here.
Read the KNX News / Audacy story here.
Read the Yahoo News story here.
Read the Daily Journal story here (subscription required).
Read the Times Now News story here.
Read additional CBS News coverage here.
Read the ABC 7 New York story here.
Read the Law360 story here (subscription required).
Listen to the John Kobylt Show (iHeart Radio) here.
Read the Newsbreak story here.
Trial law firms McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP, Becker Law Group and Singleton Schreiber have filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company (Edison) on behalf of victims affected by the catastrophic Eaton Fire. The blaze, which ignited on January 7, 2025, has left a trail of unprecedented destruction and loss across the region – claiming at least 11 lives, destroying 1,422 structures and leaving an additional 39,000 properties under threat. The lawsuit alleges that Edison failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines properly and overgrown vegetation.
"In my decades of experience handling wildfire litigation, the Eaton Fire is among the most devastating and heart-wrenching cases I’ve seen,” said Patrick McNicholas, Partner at McNicholas & McNicholas. "This goes beyond a failure of responsibility—it is gross negligence in an area highly vulnerable to wildfires, especially with well-documented weather alerts and high wind risks. We are committed to holding Southern California Edison accountable for their alleged negligence and to seeking justice for victims who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones."
The legal team has met with more than 500 victims over the past three days, with 95% experiencing complete burndowns. “In the dozens of wildfire cases we’ve handled, we have never seen such a high burndown rate. The toll of the Eaton Fire is staggering, displacing families and devastating entire communities,” added McNicholas, who was part of the legal team that secured a $13.5 settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to compensate victims of wildfires caused by the utility company’s equipment between 2015-2018. The legal team has been hosting multiple town halls to provide resources, guidance and support for those affected.
McNicholas is available to discuss the lawsuit, its impact on wildfire victims and the role of utility companies in preventing future disasters. To speak with him, please contact Angely Levis at (310) 405-7331 or angely@berbay.com.
Access complaint HERE.
With more than 25 years’ experience as a trial lawyer, Partner Patrick McNicholas exclusively represents victims in personal injury, product liability, sexual assault and other consumer-oriented matters, such as civil rights, aviation disasters and class actions. Learn more about his professional background here.