Lawyer Ben Crump sues Southern California Edison for negligence.
Nationally recognized civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, along with co-counsel Anne Andrews, are taking legal action against Southern California Edison (SCE) and its parent company, Edison International. This lawsuit arises from the tragic incident where 83-year-old Erliene Kelley lost her life in the devastating Eaton Fire, one of California’s deadliest wildfires. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, aims to hold SCE accountable for its alleged negligence.
The Eaton Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon, was a catastrophic event that led to the destruction of more than 14,000 acres of land, over 7,000 homes, and structures, displacing almost 40,000 residents. Sadly, Ms. Kelley was among at least 16 individuals who lost their lives in this tragedy. The lawsuit alleges that SCE’s failure to properly maintain its electrical infrastructure and vegetation management systems, coupled with its decision not to de-energize power lines despite hazardous weather conditions and warnings from the National Weather Service, was the root cause of the blaze.
In essence, the lawsuit underscores that SCE’s aging electrical equipment and disregard for public safety in favor of financial gain resulted in tragic consequences. By neglecting to adhere to safety standards, maintain proper vegetation clearance, and inspect aging infrastructure, SCE is accused of failing to meet its obligations. This negligence, according to Attorney Ben Crump, led to the untimely death of Erliene Kelley, a cherished member of the Altadena community.
Described as the heart of her close-knit neighborhood, Ms. Kelley had resided in her family home for over half a century. Tragically, on the night of the Eaton Fire, she was unable to evacuate due to blocked roads and fallen utility poles. Her home was engulfed in flames, and she was later found in the debris. This lawsuit, the second of its kind filed by Ben Crump and Anne Andrews for victims of recent fires in the Los Angeles area, seeks to serve justice to the Kelley family while holding SCE accountable for its role in the incident.
Ben Crump Law, led by Attorney Ben Crump, represents a movement to safeguard the rights of marginalized individuals through groundbreaking civil rights cases and advocacy. The law firm is dedicated to upholding social justice and accountability for those who abuse their power. For additional details on Ben Crump Law, visit their website.
Those seeking legal counsel and guidance can receive a free case review by contacting Ben Crump Law. With a consistent commitment to equity and justice, Ben Crump and his team strive to provide passionate legal representation to individuals seeking justice in various challenging scenarios. Contact them today for assistance in navigating your legal issues.
