The Los Angeles Post
California & Local U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: January 15, 2025
Today: January 15, 2025

Oregon jury awards $85 million to 9 victims of deadly 2020 wildfires

Oregon Wildfire Lawsuit
January 24, 2024
AP - AP

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon jury awarded $85 million Tuesday to nine victims of wildfires that ravaged the state in 2020, the latest verdict in a series of legal proceedings that are expected to put the utility PacifiCorp on the hook for billions of dollars over its liability for the deadly blazes.

“We are so proud of the strength and resilience of our clients, and thankful to the jury for holding PacifiCorp accountable for what happened on Labor Day 2020 — something it will never do itself,” Nick Rosinia, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said in a statement.

PacifiCorp expects post-verdict rulings and insurance payments to bring its share of the verdict to just under $80 million, the company said in a statement.

“The 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic,” it said. “PacifiCorp has settled and will continue to settle all reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law. ... The growing threat of wildfires to communities and businesses is bigger than any one company or industry.”

Oregon jury awards $85 million to 9 victims of deadly 2020 wildfires
Oregon Wildfire Lawsuit

The fires were among the worst natural disasters in Oregon’s history, killing nine people, burning more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroying upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.

Last June a jury found PacifiCorp liable for damages for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials, saying its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes. PacifCorp has appealed.

That jury awarded around $90 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with damages to be determined later for a broader class that could include the owners of about 2,500 properties, as estimated by plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Oregon jury awards $85 million to 9 victims of deadly 2020 wildfires
Oregon Wildfire Lawsuit

The damages awarded Tuesday were the first in cases brought by that broader class, with additional trials expected in February and April.

PacifiCorp also agreed last month to pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 463 plaintiffs who were harmed by separate devastating wildfires in southern Oregon over Labor Day 2020.

Related

Environment|Science|US

Why some structures may have withstood the Los Angeles area wildfires – while those next door burned to the ground

Why some structures may have withstood the Los Angeles area wildfires – while those next door burned to the ground

Why some structures may have withstood the Los Angeles area wildfires – while those next door burned to the ground
Environment|US

Neighbor says this home was ‘touched by God’ in community that now looks ‘like a war zone’

CNN's Kyung Lah speaks to Altadena residents grappling with the loss of their homes to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Neighbor says this home was ‘touched by God’ in community that now looks ‘like a war zone’
Business|Economy|Environment|Europe|MidEast|World

Italy, Albania, UAE sign deal for Adriatic energy link

Italy, Albania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed on Wednesday a deal worth at least 1 billion euros ($1 billion) to build a subsea interconnection to

Italy, Albania, UAE sign deal for Adriatic energy link
Business|Economy|Environment|Europe

Biggest IKEA retailer to invest $1 billion in recycling firms

The investment arm of Ingka Group, the biggest global IKEA retailer, said it will invest 1 billion euros ($1.03 billion) into recycling companies as it aims to better

Biggest IKEA retailer to invest $1 billion in recycling firms
Share This

Popular

Business|Environment|Technology

Edmunds highlights the top car-tech trends from CES 2025

Edmunds highlights the top car-tech trends from CES 2025
Asia|Environment|Food|Science

Kashmir's saffron growers experiment with indoor farming as climate pressures mount

Kashmir's saffron growers experiment with indoor farming as climate pressures mount
Economy|Election|Environment|Europe|Political

German parties' energy policies in February national election

German parties' energy policies in February national election
Economy|Environment|Health|Political|US

Biden bids farewell from Oval Office as Trump looms over his legacy

Biden bids farewell from Oval Office as Trump looms over his legacy