As victims of the Eaton Fire grapple with Southern California Edison’s compensation offer, Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian’s own Allan Bridgford III shares his thoughts on the situation with Pasadena Now.
Utility-run funds have historically paid 20 to 30 cents on the dollar compared with negotiated settlements in litigation with an Eaton Fire lawyer, leaving victims to foot the rest of the damages. Typically, these programs are “take it or leave it” which pressures families to accept offers less than the total cost of rebuilding their lives.
“A true settlement is where each and every category of damages is truly maximized”
“What it actually costs to rebuild the house in today’s dollars per square foot, what it costs to replace mature vegetation, personal property, alternative living expenses, and loss of use, and to be made whole on emotional distress.”
“Being Made Whole” For Wildfire Victims
Allan notes these commonly underpaid or omitted damages by utility-run funds, but are a hallmark in case-by-case settlements in litigation
- Rebuild costs at current market prices (not a low “per-square-foot” figure).
- Mature landscaping (trees, shrubs and grading), which he says can total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Personal property at fair market value, not a depreciated or capped amount.
- Alternative living expenses (long-term housing, meals, incidentals while displaced).
- Loss of use of the home and property over months or years.
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs, which he says should be compensated in full in a “true” settlement.
- Interest for the time families wait to be paid.
- Emotional distress, including the evacuation experience and loss of irreplaceable mementos.
Individual Settlements Provide More Value Than Utility-Fund Offers
95% of the time, litigation is the better choice for wildfire victims. These cases always result in a larger settlement than a fund offer.
See the full article here: https://pasadenanow.com/weekendr/before-you-opt-in-to-sces-compensation-fund-read-this