The mother of a woman who lost her life in the devastating Eaton fire—a wildfire that ravaged Los Angeles neighborhoods—is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), the region’s power provider. Evelyn Cathirell, a resident of Altadena, has filed the lawsuit following the tragic death of her daughter, Evelyn “Petey” McClendon, who was found deceased in their shared home during the fire.
This lawsuit, spearheaded by prominent attorney Ben Crump, marks the first death-related case filed against SCE since the fires erupted on January 7. Crump, widely known for representing families in high-profile civil rights cases like that of George Floyd, is also representing several other clients in wildfire-related claims against the utility company. So far, at least 13 other lawsuits have been filed, including one by the NAACP.
The lawsuits come as Los Angeles begins to recover from the extensive wildfires that have claimed lives and displaced tens of thousands of residents. The fires, fueled by extreme winds and dry conditions, left a trail of destruction. However, by Friday, efforts to contain the two largest wildfires—the Palisades fire and Eaton fire—had made progress. As of that morning, the Palisades fire was 31% contained, and the Eaton fire was 65% contained. Cooler air and increased humidity over the weekend were expected to aid firefighting efforts, though dry winds might return early next week.
Tragically, the fires’ death toll climbed to 27 on Thursday, with 10 fatalities linked to the Palisades fire and 17 to the Eaton fire. Victims include a diverse range of individuals, from a 95-year-old woman connected to Hollywood to a father and son with disabilities who perished while awaiting emergency assistance. Authorities are still combing through evacuated neighborhoods, utilizing cadaver dogs to search for remains and provide closure to families of the missing. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department estimates that 31 people are still unaccounted for.
The fires have caused catastrophic damage to property, with the Palisades fire destroying over 3,500 structures and the Eaton fire leveling more than 7,100. These numbers are expected to climb as assessments continue. Preliminary estimates put the total damage at around $250 billion. Some evacuees have been permitted to return to their neighborhoods, but many others remain displaced, with over 80,000 still under evacuation orders. Officials warn of hazardous debris and toxic waste in areas affected by the fires, urging residents to exercise caution if they venture back to their properties.
Environmental experts have issued warnings about the lingering dangers in fire-damaged areas. Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, emphasized the risks of exposure to toxic substances in the aftermath of the fires. Residents sifting through debris face potential contact with hazardous materials like lead, battery acid, and carcinogenic plastics. Field recommends protective gear, such as N-95 masks, goggles, gloves, and full-body suits, to minimize health risks.
Pasadena officials have declared a public health emergency due to widespread ash and particulate matter in the air. Additionally, the fires have destabilized the land in some areas, raising concerns about potential mudslides. In Pacific Palisades, a home that escaped the flames was later split in half by a mudslide. Residents living near slopes are urged to remain vigilant, as loose soil and debris continue to pose dangers.
The fires have also deeply impacted communities beyond property loss. Mutual aid groups in Altadena are mobilizing to support affected families, while non-profit organizations are working to assist undocumented immigrants, many of whom are ineligible for federal aid. Schools in the area have suffered damage, leaving educators and families grappling with the fallout. Compounding the financial strain, some residents lost wildfire insurance coverage last year, further complicating recovery efforts.
The lawsuit filed by Evelyn Cathirell underscores the human toll of these disasters and the pursuit of accountability. A Valdosta wrongful death lawyer, observing this case, might highlight the importance of holding responsible parties accountable for negligence that leads to loss of life. They would likely point to the utility provider’s alleged role in sparking the fire and the broader implications for public safety. Such cases often emphasize the need for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies, alongside providing grieving families with a sense of justice and closure. Attorneys in these situations play a crucial role in advocating for victims and ensuring their voices are heard in the legal process.
Leave A Comment