Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP is representing Shaw Zhao in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison (SCE) for its conduct relating to the deadly Eaton Fire that began near Altadena, California, on January 7, 2025. Shaw’s father, Zhi Feng Zhao (84), is among the 17 confirmed fatalities caused by the Eaton Fire, with more suspected. Eyewitnesses recorded images of a fire at the base of a utility transmission tower during the early stages of the fire.
Using his extensive experience as a wildfire attorney and trial lawyer, Attorney-Partner Robert D. Jarchi has taken the lead in the case filed for Shaw. In a press release that was recently released to various newsrooms [see links below], Attorney Jarchi was quoted as saying, “I think this case, like many of the others that are going to be filed, is about justice for Mr. Zhao, justice for the community. This was a preventable tragedy. None of this had to happen.”
The press release told of Zhi Feng Zhao’s tragic passing but also acted as an important opportunity to share some of his legacy. He was born in rural China in 1940, lost his parents at the age of 4, and grew determined to make a loving life for himself and the family he would have one day. He attended Peking University, met his future wife in Shanghai, and eventually started a family with her. Years later, he would encourage Shaw to pursue a degree and career in computer science.
As we fight for the rights of those who passed away in the Eaton Fire, our attorneys from Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP know how important it is to remember their lives and legacies, not just how they passed away. To this end, we are proud to be part of the Orange County Register project to catalog and honor those who have lost their lives in the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire. You can view this project, which is still under development as information becomes available, by clicking here.
Did you lose a loved one in the Eaton Fire that may have been caused by Southern California Edison’s negligent maintenance of its power lines in the Altadena area? Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP can help you explore your legal rights and options, just as we have for others harmed by wildfires. Since 1973, we have proudly stood up for people across Los Angeles and Southern California who were harmed by the negligence of others, but we have also helped preserve the memory of those who have been lost in accidents, disasters, and tragedies. We have obtained billions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP is the only firm that has represented family members of each and every person who passed away in the tragic Woolsey fire, one of the most destructive fires in the history of California. For experienced legal counsel that is respectful and understands what you are going through, speak with a member of our team today.
Call (866) 634-4525 and request a free consultationwith our Eaton Fire attorneys. We are available 24/7.
Eaton Fire-Zhao Wrongful Death Lawsuit Press Release Links
The press release featuring Attorney Jarchi can be found on several news websites (some may need a log-in or subscription), including: