Victims from the Thomas Fire and Woolsey Fire in California have been waiting for the trials set to take place for lawsuits against Southern California Edison, the utility company which has admitted its equipment was at least partially responsible for igniting the blaze.

The first trials were set to start at the beginning of June, and an investigative report was set to be released to attorneys later this month.

However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made it pretty clear that the upcoming trials are very likely to be delayed. The firm representing victims affected by the Thomas Fire and Woolsey Fire noted that preparations for the trial have been delayed significantly, with the Thomas case being mostly shut down and the Woolsey case being entirely shut down.

Across California, the coronavirus pandemic has been affecting a slew of court cases as jurisdictions attempt to limit how many people are inside buildings at a time. Some are dealing with the crisis and moving operations forward by using various kinds of video and audio technology.

For instance, the litigation for the Thomas Fire and Woolsey fire is being handled in Los Angeles County Superior Court. However, the Spring Street courthouse, where the hearings are supposed to be held, has been shut down.

Edison has said that it is doing its best to keep the litigation moving.

“Despite the pandemic and stay-at-home restrictions designed to keep everyone safe, SCE has been working diligently with the other parties on issues that can be addressed during this brief period when the courts are closed,” according to a statement from an SCE spokesperson.

“When possible, we have continued to engage in the discovery process and work on pretrial issues with plaintiffs in both matters.”

However, depositions still need to take place, but this may be hard to pull off while also following all state, local, and federal social distancing guidelines. Other states have begun using video technology in these situations, but Edison has so far declined to engage in video depositions.

“In cases of this magnitude and importance, ‘virtual’ depositions are not a reasonable substitute for in-person depositions due to numerous technological challenges and due-process considerations,” said the SCE spokesperson.

After court resumes its normal operations when pandemic social distancing guidelines are eased up, it may take a few more months until depositions can be completed.

The delay is a significant one for the Thomas Fire plaintiffs especially, as most insurance companies offer additional living expenses coverage for only up to 24 months after a fire. A state emergency declaration extended expenses coverage until Dec. 4.  Individuals are dealing with homeowners insurance complications as well.

Plaintiffs involved in this litigation allege that Edison’s negligence led to the Thomas Fire in December 2017, which began in Ventura County and spread to Santa Barbara County, covering approximately 281,893 acres—the largest California wildfire in modern history, until the Ranch Fire of August 2018.

After the Thomas Fire, the Ventura County Fire Department released an investigative report that shows Edison power lines as the ignition points for the fire.

Since then, Edison has admitted that its equipment is likely to blame for one of the two ignition point of the fire.

“The company previously disclosed in October 2018 that witnesses reported that a fire ignited along Koenigstein Road near an SCE power pole, and that SCE believed its equipment was associated with this ignition,” Edison said. “SCE fully and actively cooperated with fire officials throughout their investigation.”

However, the utility company maintains its stance that its equipment did not cause the other ignition point of the Thomas Fire.

“SCE has evidence that the ignition at Anlauf Canyon started at least 12 minutes prior to any issue involving SCE’s system and at least 15 minutes prior to the start time indicated by VCFD in its report,” Edison said.

On top of this, Edison has also noted that its equipment was likely responsible for starting the Woolsey fire as well.

“Absent additional evidence, SCE believes it is likely that its equipment was associated with the ignition of the Woolsey Fire,” the company said in a statement.

Hundreds of plaintiffs are involved in this litigation, waiting for compensation that will help them rebuild their homes and continue on with their lives, a challenge made all the more difficult for many by the ongoing pandemic. On top of that is the follow on damage from mudslides.

If you were affected by one of the recent California wildfires, such as the Thomas Fire or Woolsey Fire, even if you already received compensation from an insurance claim, you may be able to receive additional compensation. A qualified lawyer can help you file your claim.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.