Orange County is girding itself against a potential flood of litigation from victims of the Airport fire , a destructive blaze that was sparked by a public works crew and destroyed more than 160 structures.
On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to retain the law firm of Meyers Nave to assist the county in litigation in connection with the fire.
Four claims for expenses such as destroyed property and hotel fees during evacuation orders have already been filed with the county, according to public records.
Attorney Emily Pincin told The Times that she and business partner Michael Kent were coordinating with several other law firms to file a mass action lawsuit, potentially representing more than 1,000 victims, within the next six months. A mass action lawsuit involves separate lawsuits against a single defendant.
Pincin says the county could be held financially liable for damaged property , lost personal items, relocation expenses and emotional distress.