Ten survivors of the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires have received a significant ruling in their favor, with a jury awarding them $44.1 million in compensation during the eighth trial of a class action lawsuit against Portland-based utility company PacifiCorp.
This latest verdict doubles both economic and noneconomic damages and includes a punitive damages increase of 25% directed at PacifiCorp.
The plaintiffs, all of whom lost their homes, land, and possessions in the Santiam Canyon, Echo Mountain, or South Obenchain fires, have endured profound losses, including the tragic death of five people and the destruction of thousands of homes.
Among the affected is George Orey and his wife Cheryl, who mourn the loss of their home and cherished family heirlooms, including photographs of their deceased son. Their surviving cat, Baby, suffered injuries from the fire, including burned paws and ears.
Another family involved in the lawsuit found themselves displaced just two months after their long-awaited dream of homeownership was shattered by the Santiam Canyon fire.
Cody Berne of Stoll Berne, one of the law firms representing the survivors, expressed admiration for the plaintiffs’ perseverance, stating, “It’s an honor to stand alongside the fire survivors in their fight for justice. The ten plaintiffs have waited nearly five years for their day in court.”
Berne also highlighted the responsibility of Berkshire Hathaway, PacifiCorp’s parent company, noting that Warren Buffett should feel embarrassed by the treatment of these plaintiffs and countless others who suffered as a result of the fires. Berne argued it is time for Berkshire Hathaway to take accountability.
This trial follows a pivotal 2023 jury decision that found PacifiCorp liable for causing the wildfires, particularly due to its failure to turn off power amid hazardous conditions.
With a total of eight trials conducted to date and four more scheduled for later in the year, the legal proceedings concerning damage compensation are expected to persist through 2026.
Nicholas Rosinia from Edelson PC remarked, “We are deeply inspired by the courage of the survivors who have stood up and shared their stories of loss and resilience. We look forward to presenting more and more of our clients’ stories to juries in the coming months.”
PacifiCorp, in a statement, noted its commitment to resolving claims related to the wildfires, revealing that it has settled over 2,000 such claims since 2020. The company highlighted its negotiation efforts with various law firms representing victims of multiple fires to provide meaningful compensation to help individuals recover and rebuild their lives.
Despite these settlements, controversies continue to swirl around PacifiCorp’s role in the wildfires. On March 19, 2025, the Oregon Department of Forestry released an investigation that concluded PacifiCorp power lines did not contribute to the spread of the Santiam Canyon fire.
Moreover, on April 1, PacifiCorp filed an opening brief in the Oregon Court of Appeals challenging important legal decisions in the James class action lawsuit concerning the wildfires, raising significant questions regarding class certification, evidentiary burdens, and adherence to legal precedents.
The outcome of these trials will be closely watched as they continue to unfold, with the potential for further financial accountability for PacifiCorp and continued support for the wildfire survivors.
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