Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Files Wrongful Death Lawsuits Against SCE Over Eaton Fire in Altadena
The lawsuits, centered on the deaths of several victims alleging that SCE was negligent in its failure to de-energize power lines during the high-risk Santa Ana wind conditions
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken legal action against Southern California Edison (SCE), filing multiple wrongful death lawsuits following the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through Altadena and Pasadena earlier this month. The fire, which has claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed thousands of structures, has left a community in mourning and seeking accountability.
Crump, alongside co-counsel Anne Andrews and other legal teams, argues that timely power shutoffs could have prevented the ignition and spread of the fire in the densely populated areas of Altadena, a community with significant historical Black homeownership.
"These were preventable tragedies," stated Crump at a recent press conference. "Southern California Edison had a duty to act responsibly by shutting off utilities during high-risk conditions, but they failed to do so, leading to the loss of lives and homes."
The Eaton Fire, reported to have started on January 7, 2025, quickly escalated due to the dry vegetation and high winds, devastating the region. The lawsuits claim that SCE's aging infrastructure and lack of vegetation management around electrical equipment were direct contributors to the disaster.
In addition to Crump's actions, the NAACP has also filed lawsuits against SCE, focusing on the disproportionate impact of the fires on underserved communities.
Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, emphasized the organization's commitment to justice for the Altadena community, stating, "Altadena—a community deeply rooted in Black history and homeownership—deserves justice."
The legal actions against SCE are not isolated. Several other law firms have filed at least 14 lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire, representing numerous plaintiffs who have lost homes, businesses, or loved ones.
As Altadena begins the long process of recovery, with community efforts and mutual aid rising to the challenge, the lawsuits underscore a demand for accountability and systemic change to prevent future tragedies.