The Consumer Law Group of California and Doyle APC have filed a class action lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to protect the legal rights of those affected by the January 2025 Palisades Fire.
The suit names the City of Los Angeles and its department, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging infrastructure failures that may have contributed to the fire’s ignition and spread. The fire 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 allegedly ignited the fire during a 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.
- Thousands of residents suffered massive losses with little or no time to respond.
Important Note: These are allegations based on available evidence including surveillance footage and public records. No official cause determination has been issued by CAL FIRE or other investigating authorities.
“This lawsuit is about accountability and fairness,” said Alan M. Mansfield of Consumer Law Group of California. “Victims of this disaster should not lose their right to seek justice because of an arbitrarily short deadline that is futile to even have to consider based on the positions taken by the City of Los Angeles.”
Why the Lawsuit Was Filed Now
Under California’s Government Claims Act, before initiating a lawsuit for money damages against a public entity, individuals must present a written claim to that entity within six months of when their losses occurred unless excused as futile or otherwise satisfied.
For the Palisades Fire, that deadline could expire as early as July 7, 2025. Many victims haven’t yet filed while focusing on insurance matters and rebuilding their lives, and may not even know about this legal requirement.
This class action seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to preserve legal rights by:
- Asking the court to declare that the filing and pendency of this class action and/or presentment of a written claim to Defendants on behalf of all such persons satisfies the written claims requirement under the Government Claims Act for those affected.
- Preventing valid claims from being forever lost under the Government Claims Act simply due to missed deadlines.
View / download the Complaint (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions – January 2025 Palisades Fire Class Action
Who is this lawsuit against?
The City of Los Angeles and its department, LADWP. The complaint alleges infrastructure failures that may have contributed to the fire’s devastation across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Topanga Canyon.
Who is included in the class action?
Anyone who lived in or owned property in the affected areas of the Palisades Fire and has not already filed individual claims or litigation against the City of Los Angeles or LADWP.
Why is this case important right now?
Because before filing a lawsuit for money damages against a public entity, California law requires people to present a written claim within six months unless doing so is excused as futile. Based on when the fire occurred, victims may need to submit their government claims as early as July 7, 2025.
This lawsuit asks the court to extend or deem that deadline satisfied for all fire victims in the class through the class action filing.
What is the main goal of this lawsuit?
To provide procedural protection under the Government Claims Act for fire victims who haven’t yet filed individual claims. This preserves their legal rights while they focus on recovery and rebuilding.
What does the lawsuit seek?
Currently, declaratory and injunctive relief regarding claims procedures. Individual fire victims retain their rights to pursue damage claims through appropriate legal channels.
Does this replace individual damage claims?
No. This case addresses procedural deadlines only. Fire victims may still need to pursue individual cases for actual damages and losses.
Do I need to pay anything to join?
No. This case is being handled on a contingency basis. There are no upfront costs, and you will only owe fees if compensation is recovered in your individual case.
Will this affect my insurance claim?
No. This is a separate legal action focused on government claims procedures.
Should I still file an individual government claim?
While this lawsuit aims to address the claims requirement for the entire class, you should consider consulting with an attorney about your specific circumstances and whether filing an individual claim provides additional protection.