Recently, Southern California Edison (SCE) announced its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. This fund promises to provide “direct payments and fast resolutions” to eligible individuals who have suffered wildfire-related losses.
However, this fund is not what it seems. It is designed to pay pennies on the dollar of what Eaton Fire victims truly deserve. Protect your rights by consulting with a wildfire lawyer in California before submitting a claim with the SCE compensation fund.
The Truth Behind SCE’s Compensation Fund
The SCE’s wildfire compensation fund will go into effect in fall 2025. The utility company states that the fund is designed to quickly and fairly compensate victims who have been impacted by the Eaton Fire, without the need for litigation. However, victims of this fire are urged to use caution before filing.
The truth is that the fund was designed to protect SCE, not compensate wildfire victims. Historically, funds run by utility companies have paid around 20 to 30 cents on the dollar compared with negotiated settlements and jury verdicts. They dramatically undervalue rebuilding costs and do not pay for losses such as pain and suffering.
Wildfire Lawsuit vs. Compensation Fund
When utility companies like SCE cause or contribute to California wildfires, they can be held accountable through wildfire litigation. This is a civil lawsuit brought by a victim to recover financial compensation for the physical, emotional and financial toll a wildfire has taken.
A wildfire lawsuit could lead to financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Past and future medical bills for burns or smoke inhalation injuries
- Full property damage repairs or replacement
- Business losses
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement or disability
- Lost wages and future capacity to earn
- Pain, suffering and emotional damage
- The wrongful death of a loved one in a fatal fire
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Filing a lawsuit against the utility company is the better option for wildfire victims compared to utility funds 95 percent of the time. Lawsuits always result in greater payouts for victims than fund offers.
How Much Is Your Wildfire Case Actually Worth?
Rebuilding after the Eaton Fire may take much more money than what SCE’s fund is willing to pay. You should never accept less than the rightful and true value of your claim. You deserve a full financial recovery – not just what SCE wants to pay.
The SCE fund will not give you an individualized settlement that is tailored to your unique circumstances. Instead, it will give you a formula-based offer with limited damage categories – often presented as final. A true settlement maximizes each and every category of your damages, including emotional distress.
Should I File a Claim With the SCE Compensation Fund?
As of now, the attorneys at Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian are not recommending that Eaton Fire victims file claims with the SCE compensation fund. Less than 5 percent of eligible individuals in prior wildfires have opted into these types of funds. They know it is a gimmick meant to help SCE, not wildfire victims.
Instead of filing a claim with the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, contact our California wildfire litigation lawyers for a free consultation. We have a long history of going up against utility companies – including SCE – and winning outstanding results for our clients. As your lawyers, we will fight for every penny that you deserve. Call (949) 831-6611 to get started with a free case review.