Eaton Fire Survivors to Hear From Plaintiffs’ Lawyers on Edison Claims and Lawsuits

Two attorneys coordinating lawsuits brought by Eaton Fire victims against Southern California Edison will address Altadena survivors Wednesday evening during a free online forum examining the utility’s compensation program, litigation and mediation.

Every Fire Survivor’s Network, a Pasadena-based nonprofit, will host the two-hour webinar from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28 as part of its “Beat the Clock” legal education series. Organizers said the session will include developments from a court hearing scheduled earlier that day.

The speakers are Jerry Singleton of Singleton Schreiber and Amanda Riddle of Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP. Both serve as court-appointed liaison counsel coordinating attorneys representing individual plaintiffs in the Eaton Fire litigation.

The discussion will compare potential compensation through Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program with outcomes that could result from lawsuits or mediation. Participants will also hear about attorney fees, payment timelines, legal deadlines and the possible effect of bellwether trials on settlements.

The webinar comes as Edison’s Nov. 30 deadline approaches for submitting claims through its voluntary compensation program.

In an Oct. 20 announcement, Edison reported receiving more than 5,300 claims representing over 16,250 individuals, trusts and legal entities. The utility said it had offered nearly $1.1 billion in compensation and paid more than $580 million.

Edison says submitting a claim or reviewing an offer does not waive a claimant’s legal rights. Accepting an offer, however, requires a settlement agreement and release. The company says it aims to issue offers within 90 days of receiving substantially complete claims, with payments following satisfaction of settlement conditions.

The Nov. 30 cutoff applies to the utility’s compensation program, not necessarily to lawsuits. Separate statutes of limitations govern court claims, and deadlines depend on the type of loss and individual circumstances.

The pending Eaton Fire litigation includes claims for deaths, injuries and property losses. The first bellwether trial has been scheduled for January 2027, although Edison has sought a postponement.

Every Fire Survivor’s Network says participants may submit questions during Wednesday’s session. The organization describes the program as general legal education, not individualized legal advice, and says participation does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

NEED TO KNOW: “Edison Compensation Program or Litigation? Know Your Rights, Deadlines and Choices” takes place Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Pacific on Zoom. Admission is free. Registration information is available at https://www.efsurvivors.net/beat-the-clock.