Southern California Edison this week unveiled a proposed pay schedule for its wildfire compensation program for victims of the devastating Eaton fire who agree not to sue.
Some rates would be based on square footage and extent of damage to affected homes. For instance, owner/occupants of a destroyed 1,500-square-foot home could collect $900,000 in rebuilding compensation, plus $200,000 for working with the program and $100,000 per adult for noneconomic damages.
Under the draft plan, each death would bring $1.5 million for pain and suffering, plus $500,000 for each surviving spouse and eligible dependent. Another $5 million would be paid as a premium for going directly through the Edison fund.
The January fire destroyed more than 9,000 structures and killed 19 people, sparking more than 100 lawsuits by victims who say SCE equipment ignited the blaze. While the cause of the fire remains under state investigation, Edison launched the compensation program in July, saying it would allow victims a quicker financial resolution than litigation.
“Ultimately, this is about helping our community … these are my neighbors. I want to make sure they get the right help,” said Pedro Pizarro, chief executive of Edison’s parent company, on the compensation fund’s website. Pizarro has in the past said the firm’s leading theory is that a long-dormant tower became reenergized and perhaps triggered the fire.
The draft schedule proposes that destroyed residences could qualify for $550 to $750 per square foot of habitable space.
Edison has enlisted the help of consultants Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros, who worked on the 9/11 victims’ compensation program. Feinberg said the main advantages of Edison’s program, among other things, are speed and efficiency.
“Southern California Edison from day one has made it a personal objective that it will work,” Feinberg said on the website.
Mikal Watts, one of myriad lawyers suing Edison, said he was heartened by the involvement of Feinberg and Biros.
“I’ve known Ken Feinberg for decades; he is one of the best at resolving complex litigation involving tens of thousands of claimants,” Watts said. “If Ken and Camille are in charge of resolving these Edison cases, then I trust it. If Edison is in charge of the process, then I don’t trust it.”
Michael Artinian, another attorney suing Edison, wasn’t so sure. Artinian said SCE should concentrate on settling the lawsuits rather than paying victims what he believes is less than they would receive from litigation.
“They (SCE) are really trying to put a little carrot out there. Ninety to 95% of the clients would do much better … doing a real resolution protocol,” he said.
Related Articles
LA County final report confirms elevated lead in soil downwind from Eaton fire A comedy set in post-fire Altadena is in the works. But is the timing right? Army Corps completes debris removal in Eaton fire area Altadena’s tree stewards spend ‘roasting hot’ summer days saving what remains Judge sets 2027 trial date for first set of lawsuits against SCE for Eaton fireArtinian said the SCE compensation program is a ploy by the utility to save itself money.
If found liable for damages, Edison would be responsible for the first $1 billion and could then tap the $21 billion state Wildfire Fund for the rest. However, state officials are concerned that the Eaton fire could deplete the entire fund, created to keep Edison and two other privately owned utilities from going bankrupt if found liable for a fire. State officials are considering ways to replenish the fund.
Public workshops are being held virtually and in person on Edison’s draft pay protocol. To view the schedule and register for the workshops, go to energized.edison.com/wildfire-recovery-compensation-program-launching-soon.
Hence then, the article about sce fund unveils compensation rates for eaton fire victims who do not sue was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( SCE fund unveils compensation rates for Eaton fire victims who do not sue )
Also on site :