Civil Litigation
Oct. 17, 2025
Judge weighs class bid over Thomas Fire smoke damage
A Los Angeles judge is weighing class certification for homeowners claiming property damage from smoke and ash caused by the 2017 Thomas Fire, as experts and attorneys spar over damages methodology.
A Los Angeles judge will decide whether to certify a class of plaintiffs who say their homes were damaged impacted by smoke, soot, ash and other airborne particles from the 2017 Thomas wildfire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Judge Elaine Lu took the plaintiffs' motion under submission on Thursday after hearing arguments about whether an expert analysis of the extent of the damage should form the basis of a separate class action.
Leila J. Noël and A. Barry Capp...
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