Wildfire victims can seek damages from PG&E for the cost of their evacuations. This includes support for their living expenses like rent and the cost of food, water, and other supplies needed to live. It might include support for medical care required for injuries suffered in an evacuation.
Maison Law represents wildfire victims who have lost their property and suffered physical harm due to the negligence of California utility companies like PG&E. Our personal injury lawyers go to work immediately to hold power companies responsible for damages and tragedies that result from their carelessness. That can include the costs victims endure while they make a frightening evacuation and are forced to seek shelter. Please contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a real California lawyer and find out how to hold PG&E fully accountable for your hardships.
PG&E’s Liability for Wildfire Evacuation Damages
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has been blamed for causing over 30 wildfires in California since 2017. These fires caused thousands of injuries and over 100 deaths. Millions of people have had to flee from their homes.
Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) point to the utility company’s failure to maintain and upgrade its power grid, especially their power, lines across the state. This negligence left their equipment and grid more likely to spark wildfires in dry and windy conditions.
The victims of the 2015 Butte Fires, the 2017 North Bay Fires, and the 2018 Camp Fires have been able to seek compensation through the Fire Victim Trust. The victims of other fires, such as 2021’s, Dixie Fires, have sought justice through individual lawsuits.
Victims should have a California Wildfire & Utilities Claim Lawyer on their side throughout the claims process and potential lawsuits. PG&E can afford corporate lawyers to cast doubt on each injury claim you submit. You need a skilled lawyer to protect your rights and ensure your family receives every benefit available.
Compensation for Wildfire Victims Suffering Harm During Evacuation
Thankfully, the majority of families escaped the deadly path of recent wildfires. Unfortunately, they didn’t all escape damages and injuries during their evacuations. Some were physically injured during the flight from harm.
Some victims suffered emotional trauma during the enormous stresses caused by a frantic drive away from danger. Some families suffered property damage while escaping only to find out later that they’d lost their homes too.
PG&E is responsible for helping victims rebuild their homes and replace their property, but they are also liable for helping evacuees with the financial burden of evacuating and finding temporary homes.
Your Maison Law attorney would be listing these hardships in any wildfire claim and backing them with evidence. It’s an important step because anything left out of your claim won’t add to the support you receive in a wildfire settlement check.
These and other damages related to life as an evacuee will be part of your claim against PG&E:
- The cost of medical care after evacuees are hurt in the fire or during a frantic evacuation.
- Wrongful death benefits for families if a loved one is killed during evacuation efforts.
- Damage to vehicles during evacuation.
- The physical pain and discomfort evacuees must endure.
- Emotional trauma caused in the evacuation and during an uncertain life in an emergency shelter.
- Support for those with a permanent disability, making an evacuation physically and emotionally more difficult.
- Living expenses while victims are without a home. This may include the cost of a hotel or temporary rental.
- Replacement of paychecks while victims are unable to go into to work.
- Help in paying mortgage payments, car payments, and credit card bills while victims are homeless.
- Compensation for the loss of keepsakes and valuables lost during the evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a California wildfire claim against PG&E?
Two years. Most wildfire victims will have two years to file a claim to get help in replacing a home or with their evacuation costs. Victims filing claims against the Fire Victim Trust may have longer in some cases.
What if I can’t afford to hire a California Wildfire Lawyer?
You won’t need any money to hire a skilled California wildfire lawyer to represent you against PG&E. Maison Law doesn’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement you receive.
Should I talk to PG&E’s Corporate Lawyers and Insurance Adjusters?
No. Only give basic information and then refer them to your lawyer. After a fire, lawyers and adjusters call and ask for a recorded statement about what happened. Refuse. These statements can be twisted and used against you later.
Contact a California Wildfires Lawyer
Wildfires can disrupt people’s lives in ways that few other disasters can. Evacuees can flee for their lives and later learn they’ve lost everything. They may suffer life-threatening harm while trying to save their families. Power and utility companies must be held responsible for their negligence and even their policies that put California residents at life-threatening risk every year.
If you or a loved one are injured or lose your home and property to a wildfire caused by PG&E, speak to a California utility fire lawyer. We aren’t afraid to take on gigantic power companies and government agencies to earn our clients what they need to heal and rebuild after a fire.
Contact Maison Law for a free consultation no matter where you live in California. Our case reviews are confidential and come with no obligation. We aren’t afraid to stand up to major corporations and insurance companies to make sure our clients receive everything they need to rebuild their lives.