Cutter Law Announces PG&E Lawsuit Filed Following Devastating Camp Fire

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cutter Law PC announces it has filed a lawsuit against PG&E alleging the utility is responsible for the devastating Camp wildfire (also known as the Camp Fire) that started on November 8, killing 88 people and destroying more than 4,800 homes and other structures in Paradise, California, and surrounding areas. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of victims of the tragic fire who lost their homes and other property, pets and livestock, income, or who suffered injuries.

Included in the lawsuit are allegations that the Camp Fire started when PG&E's electrical infrastructure and/or sparks from that infrastructure made contact with vegetation that PG&E was responsible for.

"The fire began at the base of a nearly 100-year-old PG&E transposition tower when a steel hook holding a high voltage line failed, spreading rapidly," the lawsuit argues. "PG&E was well aware of the fragility of the tower at issue, having seen five other century-old towers collapse in a 2012 windstorm, yet neglected to take reasonable steps to inspect and maintain the equipment that ultimately failed on November 8^th."

Under California law, PG&E has a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair its transmission lines and other equipment, ensuring they operated in a safe manner and, where they require maintenance, to conduct that maintenance in a timely manner. Included in PG&E's duty is a responsibility to inspect and manage any vegetation around its power lines and/or electrical equipment. Had PG&E upheld its duty, the lawsuit alleges, the devastation in Paradise caused by the Camp Fire would not have occurred.

The lawsuit also argues that the defendants knew California was in an extreme drought and the fire risk was extraordinarily high.

"Defendants, and each of them, knew that if the power lines or other equipment came into contact with, or caused electricity to come into contact with, vegetation it was probable that a fire would result and that, given the drought conditions, a resulting fire would likely result in the loss of life, significant damage to real and personal property and damage to members of the general public, including these Plaintiffs," the lawsuit states. 

"This lawsuit, and others filed, are an important initial step towards holding PG&E accountable and obtaining justice for people who have, in some cases, lost everything," said attorney Brooks Cutter.

Cutter Law filed the lawsuit on December 7, 2018, in Superior Court in Butte on behalf of several plaintiffs who were affected by the Camp Fire. The lawsuit makes claims for negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass, and other allegations. Among the damages sought are personal injury, damage to and los of use of real and personal property injury to livestock and pets, pain and suffering, loss of income, emotional suffering, and other harm.

To help victims of the Camp Fire understand their legal rights, Cutter Law is holding an informational meeting on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 6:00 pm at Chico Guild Hall, 2775 Nord Avenue, Chico, CA. Our attorneys will be available to answer your questions and speak with you about any potential legal claim you may have—regardless of whether or not you have insurance. We will also have an experienced contractor available to answer questions.

About Cutter Law

Cutter Law P.C. is a Sacramento and Oakland law firm that specializes in personal injury, product liability, insurance, and employment lawsuits in individual, group, and class action claims. We have fought successfully against insurance companies, including recovering millions of dollars against PG&E for its alleged role in a catastrophic fire to being co-lead counsel in a class action lawsuit against State Farm that resulted in State Farm being ordered to change its adjustment practices. Our attorneys have been involved in litigation against medical device makers, insurance companies, social media companies, and many other organizations. For more information about Cutter Law or our attorneys or practice areas visit http://www.cutterlaw.com. For a free case evaluation, fill out our contact form or call 707-306-0540.

SOURCE Cutter Law

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