November 4, 2026
Gibbs Mura partner Steve Lopez spoke with CALÓ News about an approaching legal deadline for survivors of the January 2025 Eaton Fire, with certain claims against Southern California Edison (SCE) due by January 7, 2027. Read the full CALÓ News article here.
Steve, who serves on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Eaton Fire litigation, told CALÓ News that Gibbs Mura and co-counsel Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle, working together as Corey Gibbs Fire Lawyers, represents hundreds of families who lost their homes in the fire. Plaintiffs allege that SCE’s failure to properly maintain its equipment caused the fire to start. Steve explained that the statute of limitations for certain claims is two years from the fire, and he identified personal injury and emotional distress as the two most important types of claims for survivors to consider.
“It would be very challenging if people missed that deadline, and we believe these cases are strong and can help them rebuild their lives,” Steve told CALÓ News.
Steve said that information about recovery and relief has not reached all of the vulnerable communities affected, and that the firm is working to make sure every survivor knows what the deadlines are.
“If people have concerns, they should still talk to a lawyer and understand what the process would look like. A lawyer can help them understand their rights,” said Steve Lopez to CALÓ News, emphasizing how initial conversations with an attorney are confidential.
For survivors considering a claim, Steve advised homeowners to gather public records showing proof of residency and property ownership. Eaton Fire survivors with questions about their legal options can contact Corey Gibbs Fire Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation:
About Steve Lopez
Steve Lopez is a partner at Gibbs Mura who represents consumers, employees, and whistleblowers harmed by corporate misconduct in cases ranging from environmental mass torts and automotive class actions to employment litigation and mass arbitrations. He co-led the firm’s work on behalf of thousands of wildfire survivors of the Camp Fire and North Bay Fires, helping secure more than $1 billion from PG&E for the families the firm represented.