California Wildfire Attorneys

At The Barnes Firm, our dedicated attorneys represent clients harmed by the negligence of others and are helping those affected by the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires — including both the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire. These fires caused widespread destruction across Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, and surrounding communities, claiming lives, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and displacing tens of thousands of residents. If you or a loved one has been affected, we are here to help you pursue justice, recover your losses, and begin the process of rebuilding.

If you were affected by either fire, time is limited. California generally allows two years from the date of an incident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim, which puts the deadline for Eaton and Palisades Fire claims at approximately

If you were affected by either fire, time is limited. California generally allows two years from the date of an incident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim, which puts the deadline for Eaton and Palisades Fire claims at approximately January 2027. Claims against government entities (such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) can involve even shorter procedural deadlines. Waiting to speak with an attorney risks losing your right to recover compensation altogether — even if you’re still unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, it’s important to have your situation reviewed now.

Why You Need an Experienced California Fire Lawyer

The wildfires in California have caused a devastating aftermath, including property damage, physical injuries, emotional trauma, and loss of life. Navigating a wildfire claim can be complex and requires a deep understanding of state laws, government liability rules, and insurance policies. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced attorneys will work with every client on a case-by-case basis to assess your losses and help you get the best result possible for your case.

At The Barnes Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis and are not paid until we win your case. Insurance companies may delay, undervalue, or deny your claim. Our team will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for damages caused by others’ negligence.

The Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire ignited on January 7, 2025, and devastated Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding areas, destroying approximately 9,400 structures and claiming at least 17 lives. Southern California Edison (SCE) has acknowledged that a fault was detected on its equipment at the time and location the fire started, and litigation against SCE is consolidated in Los Angeles Superior Court. Additional plaintiffs in the litigation include Los Angeles County, the City of Pasadena, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

A word of caution about SCE’s compensation program: SCE has launched a voluntary “Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program,” offering direct settlements to claimants outside of court. While this program can resolve claims faster than litigation, accepting an offer requires waiving your right to sue — and attorneys representing fire victims have raised concerns that program payouts may fall short of what a court could award, and that the waiver may block future claims for long-term health effects related to smoke or ash exposure. Before accepting any settlement offer from SCE or any insurer, it’s important to have an attorney review it first.

The Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire also ignited on January 7, 2025, destroying more than 6,500 structures in Pacific Palisades and the surrounding area. Unlike the Eaton Fire, the official cause of the Palisades Fire remains under investigation, and responsibility is genuinely contested. Lawsuits have been filed against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging that a critical reservoir (the Santa Ynez Reservoir) was offline for maintenance at the time of the fire, leaving fire hydrants without adequate water pressure and hampering firefighting efforts. Some lawsuits also allege that LADWP or utility power lines may have contributed to the fire’s ignition or spread, though LADWP disputes this and no investigating authority has publicly confirmed it. Litigation is in its early-to-middle stages, with discovery underway and no settlements reached as of this writing.

Because claims against government entities like LADWP can involve different, and sometimes shorter, procedural requirements than claims against private companies, it’s especially important for Palisades Fire victims to have their case reviewed by an attorney as soon as possible.

Steps to Take Following a Wildfire

Experiencing a wildfire can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your safety, preserve your rights, and strengthen your potential legal claim.

• Document all damages to your property, belongings, and vehicles.
• Keep any receipts or correspondence related to the wildfire, including online credit card statements.
• Do not sign or accept any settlement offer — from a utility, a government compensation program, or an insurer — without having an attorney review it first.
• Consult a California attorney who can help assess your claim, determine liability, and pursue compensation for your losses.

What Compensation May Cover

Depending on the specifics of your case, compensation for a wildfire claim may address:

• Property damage and loss, including your home, vehicles, and personal belongings
• Temporary housing and relocation costs
• Lost wages and business losses
• Medical expenses, including treatment for smoke inhalation or other injuries
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members, in fatal cases

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

At The Barnes Firm, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’ve been affected by a wildfire, contact us at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and begin the process of rebuilding.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Nichole W.

The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.