The Consumer Law Group of California and Doyle APC filed a class action lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the LADWP and City of Los Angeles concerning the January 2025 Palisades Fire.
The class action lawsuit names the City of Los Angeles and its department, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power or LADWP, alleging infrastructure failures that may have contributed to the fire’s ignition and spread. A secondary ignition was allegedly sparked by energized power lines and made worse by critical water system failures that hampered emergency response efforts.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
- Power lines owned by LADWP caused a secondary ignition of the Palisades fire during a forecasted, severe windstorm.
- Despite extreme red flag warnings, LADWP failed to shut down its power grid.
- Fire hydrants ran dry due to an empty reservoir and depleted water tanks that compromised firefighting capabilities.
These are allegations are based on available evidence including surveillance footage, witness accounts, and public records. No official cause determination has been issued by the ATF, Cal Fire or other investigating authorities.
“This lawsuit is about accountability and fairness,” said Alan M. Mansfield of Consumer Law Group of California.
Why the Class Action Was Filed
Under California’s Government Claims Act, individuals generally must present a written claim to a public entity, like the LADWP, before filing a lawsuit for money damages. This deadline is typically six months from the date of loss, unless excused as futile or otherwise satisfied.
For certain claims related to the Palisades Fire, including those based on negligence or nuisance, this written claim requirement may apply. However, homeowners asserting inverse condemnation claims may not be subject to this deadline, and courts have recognized exceptions to the Government Claims Act in similar contexts.
The class action lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to help protect the legal rights of Palisades residents by:
- Asking the court to declare that the filing and pendency of this class action, along with a written claim submitted on behalf of the class, satisfies the Government Claims Act’s requirements where applicable;
- Preventing valid legal claims from being lost solely due to statutory deadline issues.
View the Complaint (PDF opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is included in the LADWP class action?
The proposed class includes individuals who lived in or owned property in the affected areas of the Palisades Fire and who had not filed individual claims or litigation at the time the lawsuit was initiated.
Do I need to join the Palisades class action?
No action is currently required by individual property owners to be considered part of the proposed class. The case is proceeding under the class action framework, subject to court review and certification.
Why was this Palisades class action filed?
To address procedural hurdles under California’s Government Claims Act that could otherwise interfere with potential claims against public entities. While some types of claims, such as negligence, may require written notice within six months of the fire, other claims, including inverse condemnation, may not be subject to this requirement.
The class action asks the court to confirm that these procedural obligations have been satisfied on a class-wide basis, and to protect the rights of those affected.
Who is this Palisades class action lawsuit filed against?
The City of Los Angeles and its water and power department, the LADWP. The class action lawsuit alleges infrastructure failures by the LADWP that may have contributed to the Palisades fire’s massive devastation across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Topanga Canyon.
What is the goal of the LADWP lawsuit?
To provide procedural protection under the Government Claims Act for Palisades fire victims who haven’t yet filed individual legal claims. This preserves victim’s legal rights while they focus on recovery and rebuilding.
What does the class action seek?
The class action lawsuit primarily seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the Government Claims Act requirements and claim procedures. Individual Palisade fire victims would retain their rights to pursue damage claims through appropriate legal channels.
Does the class action replace individual fire damage claims?
No. At this time, the class action lawsuit is seeking to address procedural deadlines. Fire victims may still need to pursue individual cases for property damages and other losses.
Will this class action affect my insurance claim?
No. This is a separate legal action focused on the government claims procedures and deadlines.
Please note: This update is for informational purposes only. While the six-month claims deadline under the Government Claims Act may apply to certain causes of action, it does not necessarily apply to all, particularly inverse condemnation claims. The class action is intended to clarify and address these procedural issues on a class-wide basis. No action or inquiry is required from affected residents at this time.