PG&E Wildfire Lawsuit
If you or your loved ones lost property or suffered injuries from a wildfire caused by PG&E, our trusted lawyers at Cutter Law can help you file a PG&E wildfire lawsuit. We are dedicated to supporting fire victims in rebuilding their lives by explaining their rights and representing their interests in court.     Â
Can I Sue PG&E for Losses Caused by a Wildfire?
Companies such as PG&E are responsible for conducting routine checkups and replacing outdated or worn-out equipment. You can file a PG&E lawsuit if there is evidence that the company’s failure to maintain equipment or other negligence contributed to the cause or spread of the fire. Our wildfire litigation attorneys will review your case and provide professional legal advice.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Lawsuit Against PG&E?
The damages you can recover from a PG&E wildfire lawsuit depend on your losses, including the fire’s impact on you and your family’s mental well-being. Most lawsuit payouts include economic and non-economic damages. In limited cases, you may seek an award of punitive damages.
- Economic damages: These are actual financial expenses incurred from the wildfire, including medical costs, property damage, evacuation costs, and loss of income.Â
- Non-economic damages:Â These are non-monetary losses caused by the fire, including emotional distress, pain, suffering, and inability to enjoy life as before, among other damages.Â
- Punitive damages:Â Occasionally, the judge may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior.
History of PG&E Lawsuits and Settlements in California
The first wildfire lawsuit filed against PG&E was in 1994. Investigations showed the fire was caused by untrimmed trees along electrical wires, and the company was found negligent. More wildfires and lawsuits against the utility company occurred in the following years:
- Sonoma County Fire – 1996: 50 claims were filed, and nearly all of them paid out, including a $5 million settlement to a destroyed vineyard.Â
- Tahoe Fire – 1999: PG&E paid a $14.75 million settlement to restore burnt forestland and compensate victims.
- Trinity & El Dorado Counties Fires – 2004: The utility company agreed to pay almost $30 million to settle federal lawsuits over destroyed forests.
- San Bruno Pipeline Ignition – 2010: PG&E paid $565 million in legal settlements and other claims after a gas explosion caused by a faulty pipeline.
- Butte Fire – 2015: Following this wildfire, the Calaveras County Water District received $5 million in a settlement from PG&E.
- North Bay Fires – 2017: PG&E paid $415 million to settle local government claims.
- Camp Fire – 2018: After this deadly fire, PG&E paid $580 million to local governments of affected towns.Â
- Dixie Fire – 2021: PG&E paid $2.5 million to local Native American tribes for damages to their cultural assets.
PG&E Wildfire Settlement Fund
PG&E filed for bankruptcy protection in January 2019 over its liability for wildfires sparked by poorly maintained equipment. The PG&E Fire Victim Trust was established in 2020 to compensate victims of the 2015 Butte, 2017 North Bay, and 2018 Camp Fires. The trust oversees the efficient processing of claims and disbursement of PG&E lawsuit settlements for both economic and non-economic damages caused by those fires.
The trust is funded through a combination of cash and stock shares as part of PG&E’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan. As of February 2024, the trust had awarded $19.2 billion to 85 percent of claimants.
How Can I File a Lawsuit Against PG&E for Wildfire Damages?
Filing a lawsuit against a large company such as PG&E can be intimidating for wildfire victims who are unaware of their legal rights. You must first determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit.Â
Our wildfire lawyers at Cutter Law can do the following for you:
- Review and evaluate your case:Â The skilled lawyers at Cutter Law have years of experience helping people restore their lives after a wildfire. We will analyze your case, advise you on the strength of your claims, and explain the legal process.Â
- Gather evidence to build a strong case:Â Your attorney will review your evidence, such as photographs, repair bills, and personal injuries, to calculate your damages. Depending on your case, they also may collect more evidence, such as expert testimonies and eyewitness accounts, to confirm your losses.Â
- File the lawsuit: A PG&E lawsuit attorney will also determine whether you’re better off filing an individual lawsuit or joining an existing class action suit. Regardless of the option, Cutter Law attorneys will gather all the documentation needed and file it promptly.
- Review the insurance company’s settlement offer: If you file a valid wildfire lawsuit, an insurance company may respond with a settlement offer. You can review this offer and either accept it, negotiate for a higher amount, or decline it and pursue a lawsuit in court. Cutter Law will help you through these processes.
Cutter Law attorneys have extensive experience representing people whose lives have been devastated by PG&E wildfires. Not only have we witnessed how fires can upend lives, but we also know families who lost property and cherished memories in a wildfire. We understand how suddenly things can change for victims and how they struggle to rebuild a life with minimal financial resources.Â
Our PG&E wildfire lawyers are committed to supporting wildfire victims as they pursue justice. If you have any questions or concerns about your wildfire lawsuit against PG&E, our attorneys are available to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to fight for you and your family every step of the way.
Why Choose the PG&E Lawsuit Attorneys at Cutter Law?
Cutter Law attorneys have extensive experience representing people whose lives have been devastated by PG&E wildfires. Not only have we witnessed how fires can upend lives, but we also know families who lost property and cherished memories in a wildfire. We understand how suddenly things can change for victims and how they struggle to rebuild a life with minimal financial resources.Â
Our PG&E wildfire lawyers are committed to supporting wildfire victims as they pursue justice. If you have any questions or concerns about your wildfire lawsuit against PG&E, our attorneys are available to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to fight for you and your family every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Deadline To File a California Wildfire Lawsuit Against PG&E?
The deadline to file a wildfire lawsuit against PG&E depends on the type of claim you are pursuing. If you seek compensation for personal injuries or wrongful death resulting from a wildfire, the deadline is generally two years from the injury or death. Property damage cases have a deadline of three years. Â
How Long Does a Lawsuit Against PG&E Take?
The duration of a PG&E wildfire lawsuit can vary depending on factors such as the strength of the evidence, the case’s complexity, and whether you settle out of court or go to trial. Your lawsuit may take several months to a few years to resolve.
What Evidence Should I Collect for My Lawsuit Against PG&E?
The types of evidence to collect for your lawsuit against PG&E include medical bills if you or your loved one suffered injuries or illnesses from the fire, medical records, repair bills, evacuation-related expenses, proof of property ownership, and any communication you may have had with PG&E representatives regarding the fire. Document your damages through photographs, including pictures of your property, vehicles, and cherished items before and after the fire.Â
How Does PG&E's Bankruptcy Affect Wildfire Lawsuits?
Lawsuits from the 2015 Butte, 2017 North Bay, and 2018 Camp Fire fires against PG&E were stayed by the company’s January 2019 bankruptcy. Victims affected by those fires must pursue claims through the PG&E Fire Victims. Those affected by the most recent wildfires, such as the 2021 Dixie fire, can file individual lawsuits against PG&E.
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