Yes. PG&E did go bankrupt a few years back but then emerged from bankruptcy a short time later. California wildfire victims can still file claims against PG&E to draw from the Fire Victim Trust. They can also file individual lawsuits.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has faced many lawsuits over its practices that contributed to the start of dozens of devastating wildfires in California over the past several years. At one point, the company was approved for bankruptcy protection. The company is no longer in bankruptcy and victims may file damage claims and lawsuits.
Seeking Wildfire Compensation from PG&E After Bankruptcy
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) was found responsible for causing over 30 wildfires in California since 2017. Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) point to PG&E’s failure to maintain and upgrade its power grid over the years. They also found that the utility company ignored threats to its power lines and put off maintenance that would have helped stop fires from sparking during storms and high winds.
Lives were lost and residents suffered billions of dollars in damages. Many homeowners sued PG&E to get help rebuilding their lives. The high number of lawsuits led to PG&E filing for bankruptcy in 2019. The company emerged from bankruptcy on July 1, 2020.
In many ways, that bankruptcy was beneficial to victims. Out of the bankruptcy, the Fire Victim Trust was created. It was meant to help the victims of certain wildfires. It gave them a place to draw support from to pay their medical bills and to replace their property and possessions.
The fund was part of the bankruptcy requirements and was backed with 5.4 billion dollars in cash and a percentage of company stock.
The fund is meant for victims of the 2015 Butte Fires, the 2017 North Bay Fires, and the 2018 Camp Fires. Since then, the victims of other California Wildfires have been brought under the umbrella of the Fire Victim Trust. Almost 20 billion dollars has been awarded to victims through the trust created out of the bankruptcy agreement.
What If I’m a Victim of a Wildfire Not Covered by the Fire Victim Trust?
Some major fires, such as 2021’s Dixie Fire, are not included under the Fire Victim Trust. But now that PG&E has emerged from bankruptcy, individual lawsuits are allowed again.
The victims of other wildfires are filing to demand help in rebuilding their homes, paying hospital bills, and seeking support after the loss of a family member. Families affected by wildfires can also seek compensation for their evacuation costs and for non-economic damages like the emotional damage done to young children forced to flee a life-threatening disaster.
Getting Help After a California Wildfire
Families need to be aware of every benefit available to them through a claim or lawsuit filed against PG&E. Unfortunately, PG&E will have corporate lawyers and insurance adjusters trying to convince families that their losses aren’t all that important.
Families should have a California Wildfire & Utilities Claim Lawyer at their side throughout the claims process and potential lawsuits. Your lawyer protects your rights and makes sure your family has the support they need for the future.
Contact Maison Law for a free consultation no matter where you live in California. Our wildfire case reviews are confidential and come with no obligation. If you decide we can help you earn more for your injuries and damages after a wildfire, you won’t need to have any upfront money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the wildfire settlement money or court judgment you are awarded.
