NAACP - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
01/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/17/2025 12:01
NAACP and Singleton Schreiber Partner to Seek Justice for Victims of the Eaton Fire
New lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison for devastating Eaton Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2025
Contact:
Allison Fagan
520-405-9042 [email protected]
Alicia Mercedes
Today, the NAACP and Singleton Schreiber are announcing a partnership to advocate for justice on behalf of the victims of the devastating Eaton Fire and the burning of Altadena. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing the tragic loss of life, property, and livelihoods caused by Southern California Edison Company's negligence.
The NAACP and Singleton Schreiber have filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company and Edison International, on behalf of plaintiffs, the Mahone family, whose home was completely destroyed by the Eaton Fire. The plaintiffs have lost everything in the fire, are displaced from their home, and are now seeking justice for the devastation caused by Edison's negligence. The lawsuit asserts that the fire started when Edison's electrical equipment caused sparks to ignite dry vegetation in Eaton Canyon. Despite previously identifying the area as an extreme fire risk zone, Edison failed to take adequate precautions to prevent the fire, resulting in this catastrophic tragedy.
The Eaton Fire ignited in Los Angeles County early January, wreaking havoc across the communities of Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and nearby areas. As of today, the fire has claimed the lives of 16 individuals, with 6 still unaccounted for, and has scorched over 14,000 acres. Thousands of families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and entire communities left grappling with unimaginable loss.
Altadena, home to one of Southern California's most historic Black communities, has long served as a cultural and social hub. The area, known for its rich history and tight-knit neighborhoods, now faces unprecedented destruction. Entire families have lost their homes, and the community's historic landmarks have been threatened, leaving a profound impact on its legacy.
"We are heartbroken and devastated by the many tragedies caused in the California fires. For over a century, the NAACP has shown up for our community in times of crisis, and this is no exception. Altadena - a community deeply rooted in Black history and homeownership - deserves justice," said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. "We are proud to support any effort to advance the facts and bring the truth forward in a court of law. It is our hope that the evidence is followed and just relief is provided to those impacted by the negligence of private corporations. This is far from over. We'll see you in court."
Singleton Schreiber, which leads the nation's largest fire litigation practice, has represented over 26,000 wildfire victims and continues to seek justice in cases involving Edison's equipment, including the Thomas, Woolsey, Bobcat, Silverado, and Fairview fires.
"This partnership underscores our shared commitment to holding Edison accountable for prioritizing profits over public safety,"said Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber. "Together with the NAACP, we aim to ensure that impacted communities, especially those historically marginalized, are supported in their pursuit of justice and recovery."
This collaboration will also focus on raising awareness of the disproportionate impacts of disasters like the Eaton Fire on underserved and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
To further support victims, the NAACP and Singleton Schreiber will have teams on the ground in the impacted areas this week, hosting public town halls to help provide information and access to resources to those affected. Representatives will be available to meet with victims, answer questions, and help guide them through the legal process to ensure their rights are protected and their voices heard.
The NAACP and Singleton Schreiber will be holding ongoing informational town halls for affected community members.
The firm is holding a town hall on January 21 at 6:00pm PT to provide information and answer questions for those affected by the Eaton and Hurst Fires in Los Angeles County. Register for the town hall through this Zoom link. For more information, please contact Allison Fagan at [email protected].
About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
About Singleton Schreiber
Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm, specializing in mass torts/multi-district litigation, fire litigation, personal injury/wrongful death, civil rights, environmental law, insurance bad faith, and sex abuse/trafficking. Over the last decade, the firm has recovered more than $3 billion for clients who have been harmed and sought justice. The firm also has the largest fire litigation practice in the country, having represented over 26,000 victims of wildfire, most notably serving plaintiffs in litigation related to the 2023 Maui wildfires, the Colorado Marshall wildfire, the Washington Gray wildfire, the Texas Smokehouse Creek wildfire, several California wildfires, and others.