On January 17th, 2025, The Guardian reported that a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the family of a woman who was killed during the tragic wildfires that hit the Los Angeles area in January of 2025. The family of Evelyn “Petey” McClendon of Altadena, California has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE). The family alleges that dangerous and defective electrical equipment owned by the utility company was the cause of the Eaton Fire. Here, our Stockton wrongful death attorney provides a more comprehensive overview of the allegations.
Wildfires Devastated Los Angeles in January of 2025
As reported by the Sacramento Bee, terrible wildfires hit the Los Angeles area in early January of 2025. Indeed, Los Angeles faced a series of devastating wildfires. The Palisades Fire ravaged over 23,700 acres in Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu. It destroyed approximately 6,770 structures and resulted in 11 confirmed fatalities—making it one of the most financially-devastating natural disasters in recent history. During the same time period, the Eaton Fire consumed more than 14,000 acres in areas including Altadena and Pasadena. That fire destroyed nearly 10,000 buildings and caused at least 17 deaths. The fires—which were driven by severe drought conditions and unusually powerful Santa Ana winds, forced the evacuation of over 200,000 people. In response to the widespread devastation, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved a $2.5 billion relief package to support recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area. Far more recent relief will likely be required.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Southern California Edison (SCE)
In January 2025, the mother of Evelyn McClendon—a 59-year-old Altadena resident who perished in the Eaton Fire—filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE). Southern California Edison (SCE) is one of the largest electric utility companies in the United States, serving nearly 15 million people across a 50,000-square-mile area of Southern California. It is a subsidiary of Edison International—a publicly traded company headquartered in Rosemead, California. The wrongful death lawsuit alleges that SCE’s negligence contributed to the Eaton Fire.
Allegations: SCE Electrical Equipment Ignited Eaton Fire
More specifically, the wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the family of Ms. McClendon alleges that SCE failed to de-energize its electrical equipment. This despite the fact that the utility company allegedly received repeated advances warnings about extreme fire conditions. The claim contends that the improper actions by the company contributed directly to the ignition of the catastrophic Eaton Fire. Notably, the wrongful death lawsuit is one of several filed against SCE. In recent years, SCE has faced significant criticism and legal challenges due to its role in wildfires allegedly caused by its equipment. Here are specific issues raised in the wrongful death complaint:
- SCE Failed to De-Energize Power Lines During High-Risk Conditions: SCE is accused of failing to “de-energize” (shut off) power lines in areas identified as high-risk during red flag warnings, which indicate extreme fire weather conditions. Strong winds are a big factor.
- Negligent Maintenance of Equipment: Another issue raised is that SCE is alleged to have neglected routine maintenance of its electrical infrastructure, such as repairing aging power lines, transformers, and utility poles. The negligence purportedly allowed equipment to deteriorate and increased the likelihood of massive fires. In multiple lawsuits, including the one filed in relation to Ms. McClendon’s death, it is claimed that sparks or heat from SCE equipment directly ignited wildfires.
- Insufficient Vegetation Management in Fire Prone Areas: Finally, SCE is accused of failing to adequately trim trees and clear vegetation around power lines and equipment. This is required to minimize fire risks in areas where dry vegetation can act as fuel. While dry vegetation may not be the technical “spark” of a fire, it can allow it to grow and spread.
Understanding Wrongful Death Liability in California
A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil action. Liability in California can arise when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, improper, or even intentional actions of another party. Under California law, eligible surviving family members—such as spouses, children, or other dependents—can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses. Wrongful death damages may be both economic and non-economic. Economic damages are things like out-of-pocket medical costs and funeral and burial expenses. Non-economic damages are intangible—but no less real—losses, such as loss of love, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium.
Wrongful death claims are fault-based civil legal cases. To prove liability, plaintiffs must establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty, and caused the death as a result. Every deadly accident should be thoroughly investigated. A top-tier Stockton, CA wrongful death lawyer can represent your family during an investigation. Notably, these time-sensitive legal claims. California’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is typically two years.
How Our Stockton Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
The loss of a loved one to a tragic accident is one of the most terrible experiences that any family can ever be forced to endure. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are committed to helping grieving families navigate the nuances and complexities of the civil legal claims process. Our California wrongful death lawyers have a proven record of case results in complex claims. With more than $25 million recovered for victims and their families, you can trust our team when it matters most. Your initial consultation with our wrongful death lawyer is free, confidential, and carries zero obligations.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Wrongful Death Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton wrongful death lawyer is skilled, compassionate, and experienced. Grieving families need strong legal representation after a fatal accident. If you have any questions about a wrongful death claim, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. With an office in Stockton, our firm provides wrongful death representation in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout Central California.