by Los Angeles, California – Nearly one year after the deadly Palisades Fire, grief and anger continue to mount as families of victims pursue a wave of wrongful death lawsuits, accusing city and state officials of catastrophic failures that they say cost lives and could have been prevented.
Sixteen lawsuits filed in late December 2025 allege systemic breakdowns in wildfire prevention, emergency response, and infrastructure, as survivors prepare to mark the painful anniversary of the blaze that tore through parts of Los Angeles County.
Lawsuits Target City and State Response
The legal actions claim the Palisades Fire, which erupted in January 2025, was the result of negligence at multiple levels of government. Attorneys representing the families argue that officials failed both to prevent the fire and to adequately respond once it began spreading.
According to the lawsuits, the fire reignited from hotspots left behind after the earlier Lachman Fire, which had been declared contained days before the deadly outbreak.
A Mother’s Account of the Morning Her Son Died
One of the most emotional cases comes from Shelley Sykes, who lost her 32-year-old son Rory in the fire. Rory, a former childhood actor who lived with cerebral palsy, was staying in a guesthouse on the family’s property.
“You do whatever you can for your baby, and Rory was my miracle boy,” Sykes told The Post.
She described running toward the flames as embers rained down on the structure.
“I came running up the drive, burnt the hair off my head, and I tried to get the hose out, unravel it and try and put the flames out, but then no water came out,” she said. “I couldn’t understand why there was no water.”
Sykes said she went to the fire department for help, but when responders returned to the home, it was already too late.
“When I got here, there was no body, there was no nothing. It was pulverized,” she said.
Other Victims Remembered in Court Filings
The lawsuits detail similar stories of desperation and loss. Arthur Simoneau, described as a devoted father and adventurer, built his Topanga home with his own hands. His body was found near the doorway.
According to the lawsuit, this indicated he died while attempting to protect his home.
In another case, Monique Lasky alleged that her husband Marc survived the fire but suffered severe physical and emotional trauma in the months that followed. Court documents state that he later died by suicide after prolonged suffering tied to the disaster.
Attorneys Allege Preventable Disaster
A coalition of law firms is representing the families, arguing the Palisades Fire never should have escalated to such a deadly event.
“It’s a complete failure by the government on multiple levels,” attorney Roger Behle told The Post.
Behle said the state failed as a landowner by not ensuring the Lachman Fire was fully extinguished before reopening the area.
“The fire shouldn’t have started in the first place,” he said. “But once it starts, that’s where the city in its infrastructure steps in and says, all right, well, let’s at least give the firefight some water.”
Drone Footage and Alleged Oversight Failures
Attorneys point to drone video from January 1, 2025, which they say shows smoldering ground after firefighters had left the area. They argue this footage contradicts claims that the earlier fire had been fully contained.
Attorney Alexander Robertson, who represents Sykes, said a state park ranger was present at the site.
“She admitted in her deposition under oath that she saw the ground smoldering,” Robertson said. “And didn’t tell anybody, didn’t do anything.”
According to the lawsuits, officials failed to close the park or conduct adequate inspections, allowing the fire to reignite days later.
Emotional Toll as Anniversary Approaches
With the anniversary approaching on January 7, attorneys say families are reliving the trauma.
“When you lose a family member to a fire, it’s hard to imagine a more horrific way to die,” Robertson said. “There’s a lot of trauma associated with the anniversary for those families.”
What Happens Next in Court
A judge is scheduled to hear motions to dismiss filed by the city and state on February 5, a critical step that could determine whether the lawsuits move forward.
Despite the legal uncertainty, families say accountability remains their goal.
“The good news is Rory’s not disabled now,” Sykes said quietly. “He’s in another reality now having a nice time — and I just have to start again.”
Conclusion
One year after the Palisades Fire, the lawsuits reflect ongoing grief, unanswered questions, and growing pressure on government agencies to explain what went wrong. As court proceedings begin, families hope the legal system will bring both accountability and change.
Wildfires continue to reshape communities across California. Share your experiences in the comments below and tell us how disasters like the Palisades Fire have affected your views on preparedness, accountability, and public safety.
