Edison Launches Wildfire Compensation for Eaton Victims

Southern California Edison has announced a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program to provide expedited financial support to victims of the January Eaton Fire in Altadena, which resulted in up to 19 deaths and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The program is set to launch in the fall and will be available to renters, homeowners, business owners, and insured or uninsured individuals, including those already involved in lawsuits against SCE. Claims may cover total and partial property loss, commercial property damage, business interruption, smoke and ash damage, physical injuries, and fatalities. The utility, while not admitting liability as the fire’s cause remains under investigation, hired experts who previously managed the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to help design the initiative. Some attorneys for fire victims caution that compensation programs like this have historically resulted in lower payouts compared to litigation. Community leaders urge survivors to carefully review program details, which are expected later this summer.