Oregon jury awards $305M to wildfire victims in PacifiCorp class-action lawsuit

An Oregon jury has ruled that PacifiCorp must pay $305 million to 16 individuals affected by the horrific wildfires that ravaged the state in 2020. This ruling is part of a larger class-action lawsuit against the utility, which includes thousands of members seeking justice.

This latest verdict adds to the over $1 billion PacifiCorp has been ordered to pay as a result of a 2023 trial that found the utility negligent for failing to cut power during a windstorm, despite warnings from fire officials. PacifiCorp is currently appealing this case, with more than 1,000 additional class members awaiting trial in the coming years.

The 2020 Labor Day weekend fires were a tragic event in Oregon’s history, claiming 11 lives, burning over 1,560 square miles, and destroying numerous homes. The recent ruling in Multnomah County Circuit Court granted compensation to the victims of the Santiam Canyon fire, acknowledging the profound losses they have endured.

Lead trial attorney for the plaintiffs, Shawn Rabin, expressed the significance of the verdict, stating that it recognizes the hardships faced by the victims and the irreparable damage caused by the fires. Despite this, PacifiCorp remains adamant, denouncing the verdict as an “irresponsible outcome” for damages caused by a fire the utility claims it did not start.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s report, most fires in the Santiam Canyon were attributed to embers from another fire, with downed power lines causing some others. PacifiCorp has taken steps to resolve numerous lawsuits stemming from the wildfires, including agreeing to pay substantial amounts to the federal government for damages on federal land in Oregon and California.

While PacifiCorp continues to challenge the verdicts and navigate the legal proceedings, the victims and their families seek closure and justice for the losses they have suffered. The implications of this class-action lawsuit extend beyond monetary compensation, highlighting the accountability corporations must uphold in ensuring public safety and preventing future tragedies.