[ad_1]
In an attempt to avoid lengthy lawsuits, Edison of Southern California said Wednesday he would offer to directly compensate the victim for damages, despite not officially admitting that the equipment lit the flames on Jan. 7.
Edison said he plans to launch a wildfire recovery compensation program this fall, which has been opened to those who lost their homes, businesses or rental properties in the fire that killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,400 homes and other buildings in Altadena. It also covers people who have been injured by smoke, suffered physical injuries, or have died.
“While details of how Eaton Fire is still being evaluated are still being evaluated, SCE provides a quick process to pay and resolve claims fairly and promptly,” said Pedro Pizzarro, chief executive of Edison International, the utility’s parent company, in a press release. “This will allow the community to focus more on recovery rather than on long, expensive litigation.”
The utility said it hired consultants Kenneth R. Feinberg and Kamille S. Bilos who were involved in the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund to help design the program.
Dozens of cases were filed against Edison in the wake of the January 7 fire, as video captured the opening under the Eton Canyon transmission line. The cause is still under investigation, but Pizzaro’s main theory is that in 1971, the last used Idol Edison transmission line was somehow born again and began to fire.
The lawyer representing the fire victims expressed skepticism about the plan, saying it could lead to a decrease in compensation for fire victims.
“In the past, utility companies have proposed these programs as a way to short-circulate and underwear for victims,” said Attorney Richard Bridgeford. “The victims do well when represented by lawyers.”
Edison said the program will be designed to promptly compensate victims, including victims. People said they could apply with or without a lawyer. The program is scheduled to run until 2026.
“The architecture and timing of the SCE direct billing program contributes to efficient management of funding resources, ease interest costs, and minimizing inflationary pressures, ensuring that funds deal with actual claims and fair compensation for losses to community members,” Pizzaro said.
If Edison is determined to be responsible for the fire, the state’s $21 billion wildfire fund is expected to refund the company for all or most payments to the victim. Brigford said he believes the Wildfire Fund is sufficient to cover Eaton Fire’s claims.
“They’re trying to panic people, so they don’t get the right expression,” he said.
Others are concerned that the state’s wildfire funds are inadequate. Officials from the Earthquake Bureau, which manages the Wildfire Fund, said in a document released before Thursday’s meeting that they fear Eaton Fire’s expenses will run out of funds.
State officials will discuss what can be done to extend the fund’s lifespan at the meeting.
Edison said eligibility details and other details of the compensation plan will be announced in the coming weeks.
[ad_2]Source link
