Amanda Riddle Advocates for Eaton Fire Survivors on LAist’s “AirTalk”
November 26, 2025
Corey Gibbs Fire Lawyers attorney, Amanda Riddle, recently joined LAist’s AirTalk podcast to warn Eaton Fire survivors about the hidden risks in Southern California Edison’s Compensation Program.
Riddle described the program as a “discount settlement,” designed to resolve claims quickly but at a significant cost to survivors. Although SCE’s program may offer faster payments than a lawsuit, those payouts are typically much lower than what could be recovered through litigation. Critics have accused SCE’s program of exploiting survivors who may feel that they cannot afford to wait for a lawsuit to conclude into accepting less compensation than they deserve.
Amanda also explained why it can still be beneficial to consult with an attorney, even for those considering SCE’s offer. Survivors with legal representation often recover more than those who do it alone. Attorneys can review the fine print, challenge unfair terms, and ensure maximum compensation within SCE’s program.
Listen to Amanda’s full interview on AirTalk.
Learn More about our Eaton Fire Lawsuits against SCE:
Consumer Watchdog Echoes the Warning: “Fast Pay Doesn’t Mean Fair Pay”
In a recent video, Consumer Watchdog board member and Eaton Fire survivor, Ellen Snortland, raised serious concerns about SCE’s “Fast Pay” program pathway, highlighting issues such as:
- Payments may fall as much as 53-73% short of actual rebuilding costs.
- SCE’s payment calculator deducts your full insurance coverage, including money survivors haven’t received yet and may never receive.
- SCE’s program undervalues legal claims for renters, children, and smoke-damage property claims.
- Accepting a payment from SCE’s program waives survivors’ rights to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
- The “Fast Pay” option takes advantage of people who are in difficult situations and need money quickly.
- No ability to negotiate the amount offered through “Fast Pay.” Survivors can request a detailed review of their claims if they are unsatisfied, but there is no guarantee that the offer will change.
- The program was designed by an attorney known for offering “pennies on the dollar” in past disasters.
Snortland urges survivors to consult with an experienced attorney before accepting SCE’s “Fast Pay” offer to ensure they know the true value of their claims.
Watch Consumer Watchdog’s video:
Why Many Survivors May Recover More Through a Lawsuit
For survivors seeking full and fair compensation, a lawsuit may be the best option. A lawsuit allows survivors to pursue the true value of their losses and hold SCE accountable for its role in the fire. SCE’s program may offer a faster payout, but it likely won’t adequately compensate survivors.
If you are evaluating your options, reach out to our team to learn about our concerns about SCE’s Compensation Program and how a lawsuit is more likely to offer the recovery needed to rebuild.