LA Wildfires: Ben Crump Sues Again Amid Calls For Mortgage Moratorium To Protect Black Homeownership

In a continued fight for justice, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, along with co-counsel Anne Andrews, have filed a third wrongful death lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) over its alleged role in the devastating wildfires that ravaged parts of California.

Announced during a news conference in Altadena, California, on Thursday, Crump and Andrews’ latest lawsuit claims that SCE was negligent in failing to turn off utilities during dangerous fire conditions which they believe directly contributed to the deadly infernos and the tragic loss of life in the historically Black neighborhood of Altadena, Pasadena, and other areas impacted. According to CAL FIRE, as of Jan. 27, 2025, 28 fatalities have been reported, with confirmation still pending from the coroner. Additionally, 16,255 structures have been destroyed in the ongoing fires.

MORE: The Black History Of Altadena

The lawsuit claims that SCE, despite being aware of extreme weather conditions, did not take sufficient precautions, such as de-energizing power lines, which could have prevented the fires from spreading and causing fatalities. Crump and Andrews are representing several plaintiffs who are families of the deceased victims, seeking accountability for what they argue was the utility’s failure to protect their communities and take necessary action in the face of looming danger.

This latest lawsuit comes just one week after Crump and Andrews filed their first wrongful death suit on behalf of victims affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. On Jan. 17, the same day, Crump also filed a separate lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Erliene Kelley’s family. Kelley, an 83-year-old retired pharmacy technician, tragically lost her life in the Eaton Fire, which also displaced thousands of Black families in Altadena.

The complaint claims that SCE’s aging electrical equipment, combined with its failure to de-energize power lines despite warnings from the National Weather Service and hazardous conditions, was a direct cause of the fire. The lawsuit also claims that the SCE demonstrated neglect in fulfilling its safety responsibilities, including inadequate vegetation clearance and insufficient inspection of its aging infrastructure.

“Erliene Kelley was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who should still be with her family today,” Crump stated in a press release. “Her death was the result of Edison International and Southern California Edison’s repeated prioritization of profits over public safety. This lawsuit seeks justice for the Kelley family and accountability for the corporate negligence that contributed to her untimely death.”

Crump wants a mortgage moratorium set in place for Los Angeles wildfire victims.

As firefighters work to control the aftermath of the catastrophic fires, Crump is calling on California’s state leaders—Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and lawmakers—to take immediate action by freezing mortgage payments and blocking unsolicited offers to buy properties in fire-ravaged areas.

Crump is urging state officials to follow the lead of Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who, after the 2023 wildfires in Maui, implemented sweeping measures to protect victims from financial exploitation. The measures included emergency aid, a ban on unsolicited property purchase offers, restrictions on rent hikes and evictions, and a pause on property tax payments, all designed to provide relief to those facing immense loss.

In Altadena, where 81% of Black residents owned homes as of 2023, almost double the national average, many are now caught in a desperate situation. While still making mortgage payments on properties destroyed by the fire, they are forced to pay for temporary lodging, such as Airbnb or hotel rooms.

“Altadena is a success story of Black home ownership, even if it was created by the discriminatory practice of redlining, which prevented Black families from owning homes in other parts of the state,” Crump said. “We can’t allow this legacy to be lost as families struggle to make mortgage payments on homes that no longer stand and greedy investors swoop in to purchase valuable California real estate for pennies on the dollar.”

He added, “The proud residents of Altadena are ripe for exploitation by those who would prey on disaster to acquire lucrative California property for redevelopment and profit –– that would be a compounding tragedy. The Governor and Attorney General should use everything in their authority –– and the power of the bully pulpit –– to make sure that doesn’t happen and residents have the opportunity to rebuild Altadena for future generations of their families.”

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