A surge of wildfire lawsuits is sweeping across Los Angeles and the state of California following the devastating January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires. Plaintiffs include homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and former officials seeking accountability for billions in losses. Courts are now weighing claims that could reshape liability standards for utilities and government agencies statewide.
The City of Malibu filed a civil complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that state and local agencies failed to properly manage wildfire risks, resulting in widespread destruction of public infrastructure and private property. The complaint names the state of California, the City of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles County among defendants. Malibu officials argue that taxpayer resources were severely impacted by what they describe as preventable failures in preparation and response.
At the same time, property owners are pursuing major claims against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. A judge recently allowed lawsuits seeking billions in damages to proceed, rejecting efforts to dismiss allegations tied to water supply failures during the Palisades Fire. Plaintiffs contend that infrastructure shortcomings intensified the destruction in Pacific Palisades neighborhoods.
Private utilities are also facing mounting legal pressure. Southern California Edison has been linked to the Eaton Fire and is defending numerous lawsuits alleging its equipment sparked the blaze. In a separate but related development, PacifiCorp agreed to pay $575 million to settle federal wildfire claims connected to fires in Oregon and California.
Political fallout has followed the legal turmoil. Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Karen Bass, alleging wrongful termination after the wildfire response drew public scrutiny. The case adds another layer of complexity to an already crowded legal landscape.
The wave of litigation underscores growing demands for accountability in a state long challenged by catastrophic wildfires and strained emergency systems.
