$49.5 Million Verdict in Oregon Wildfire Case Brings PacifiCorp’s Liability to $270M

An Oregon jury has awarded $49.5 million to eight victims of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, adding to the mounting damages against PacifiCorp, a utility owned by Berkshire Hathaway. The latest verdict, handed down in a Portland state court, increases the total damages in the ongoing class action to $270 million.

The case stems from a series of devastating wildfires that swept through Oregon in September 2020, fueled by historically strong winds. Plaintiffs alleged that PacifiCorp negligently left power lines energized despite extreme weather warnings, leading to catastrophic fires that destroyed homes and communities.

The Trial and Prior Verdicts

The first trial in 2023 found PacifiCorp grossly negligent and awarded $94 million to 17 wildfire victims. That verdict set the stage for a series of bellwether trials to determine compensation for the remaining 2,500 certified class members.

Two additional trials in 2024 resulted in:

• $84 million awarded to nine Oregon homeowners
• $42 million awarded to ten fire victims

In the most recent trial, a fourth jury awarded:

• $32 million for emotional distress to eight victims
• $7.6 million in stipulated economic damages for lost property
• An additional 25% in punitive damages, as per the original classwide holding, bringing the total verdict to $49.5 million

What’s Next?

Eight more damages trials are set to take place throughout 2025, with the next scheduled for March 24. The ongoing litigation could significantly increase PacifiCorp’s financial liability.

PacifiCorp has also reached a separate $178 million settlement with 403 wildfire claimants who opted out of the class action. Despite the mounting verdicts, the company maintains that it is committed to resolving legitimate claims.

A PacifiCorp spokesperson responded to the latest ruling, stating, "The company has successfully negotiated with multiple law firms representing plaintiffs who were impacted by the Archie Creek, Echo Mountain, 242, South Obenchain, and Beachie Creek fires to resolve these claims… These settlements were the result of negotiations culminating in meaningful compensation to help those affected by the fires recover, rebuild and move forward."

Attorneys and Law Firms Involved

Plaintiffs are represented by:

• Edelson PC
• Keller Rohrback LLP
• Stoll Berne
• Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton PC
• Nick Kahl LLC

PacifiCorp is represented by:

• Hueston Hennigan LLP
• Stoel Rives LLP
• Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP

The case is Jeanyne James et al. v. PacifiCorp et al., case number 20CV33885, in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County.