Several top media outlets including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Fox News have reported on the recent announcement from Baron & Budd that Pacific Gas & Electric will pay out $1 billion to 14 local governments as a result of its connection to the historic California wildfires. Claims from the cities are for fire-related damages to the cities’ infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, bridges and signage.

“PG&E’s new board appears ready to look forward by resolving these important taxpayer claims for the benefit of the communities,” said Baron & Budd Shareholder John Fiske. “Our clients want to rebuild and focus on prevention, mitigation, and safety into the future.”

Investigators determined PG&E’s equipment was the cause for the deadliest wildfire in state history. The company’s electrical transmission lines were determined to be the cause of the Camp Fire that killed 85 people and destroyed 19,000 homes and properties last November.

PG&E, the largest utility company in California, filed for bankruptcy back in January knowing it would be faced with billions in liabilities after the wildfires. This recent $1 billion settlement must still be approved in the Bankruptcy Court and is separate from individual and business claims.

“We remain focused on supporting our customers and communities impacted by wildfires and helping them recover and rebuild,” PG&E told Fox News. “This is an important first step toward an orderly, fair and expeditious resolution of wildfire claims and a demonstration of our willingness to work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve mutually acceptable resolutions.”

Wildfire Attorneys

Our attorneys have successfully fought against PG&E and they are prepared to continue doing it. They are not only experienced in legal claims for damages, but they are also experienced in cases involving companies that declare bankruptcy. When a defendant like PG&E is in bankruptcy, there are critical deadlines that you need to be aware of.

Known collectively as Wildfire Recovery Attorneys, Baron & Budd and Dixon Diab & Chambers LLP are nationally-recognized attorneys that teamed up to help those affected by these tragic wildfires. These firms have extensive experience in representing families, businesses and other entities that suffered losses in previous wildfires having been appointed by the California Courts to lead previous lawsuits against utility companies.

Contact Baron & Budd

If you or a loved one suffered loss due to the Camp Fire or other California wildfires, give us a call at 866-504-7321 or [clink text=”contact us online”]. We will let you know how the PG&E bankruptcy may affect your case and inform you of other ways in which we may be able to help.

For more information about the PG&E wildfire settlement, check out the links below:

Wall Street Journal
PG&E Reaches $1 Billion Settlement With Paradise, California Governments

Fox News
PG&E to pay $1 billion to local governments for catastrophic wildfires

Washington Post
PG&E to pay $1 billion to governments for wildfire damage

Bloomberg
PG&E Reaches $1 Billion Wildfire Settlement With Local Agencies