ALTADENA, Calif. –– Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Anne Andrews will hold a news conference to announce the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) for its role in the devastating California wildfires that claimed the life of Evelyn McClendon. The lawsuit alleges that SCE failed to turn off utilities despite dangerous conditions, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The lives of the McClendon family were horribly devastated by the fires that swept through Altadena, a largely minority community. Besides their homes, they lost a beloved daughter and sister, who served the community as a school bus driver. Like many in Altadena, they were able to build their version of the American Dream, purchasing a home decades ago that grew in value and represented by far their largest asset. Attorney Crump pledged to seek justice for the McClendon family’s unspeakable loss and also to ensure that the Altadena community receives the support it needs to recover fully.
Immediately following the news conference, attorneys will be hosting a townhall for other impacted residents. There will be a Zoom webinar for those unable to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86445740897?pwd=DTP77l-6xR_uxQZ0vrGtAwZRmAsBpA.nNJFGOXq7B3l_Jiq Passcode:598572
Attorney Ben Crump released the following statement:
“Homes can be rebuilt but the loss of a cherished family member is a tragic consequence that no family should have to endure. The tragic loss of Evelyn McClendon, coupled with the destruction of the family’s homes, underscores the devastating human cost of these wildfires. Southern California Edison had a duty to act responsibly by shutting off utilities during high-risk conditions, but they failed to do so. This lawsuit is about more than one family — it’s about fighting for the Altadena community to ensure they are not overlooked and receive the justice and resources they need to rebuild their homes and lives.”
WHO:
Family of Evelyn McClendon
Attorney Ben Crump
WHEN:
Wednesday, January 15, 2024, at 5 PM PT
WHERE:
Harambee Ministries
1609 Navarro Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.