PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Pacific Power, part of PacifiCorp, announced on Monday that it has reached a $178 million settlement with more than 400 Oregon plaintiffs in connection with the devastating 2020 wildfires.
In recent trials, Oregon juries have ordered PacifiCorp to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to wildfire victims, with ongoing litigation potentially leading to billions in damages.
The settlement reached on Monday includes 403 plaintiffs who were affected by the Echo Mountain Complex Fire on Oregon’s central coast and the Santiam Fire near Salem, Oregon.
The utility has settled almost 1,500 claims from the Labor Day 2020 wildfires, which were among the state’s worst natural disasters, resulting in nine fatalities and massive destruction.
Attorney George McCoy stated, “We believe this settlement will provide our clients with the opportunity to rebuild and recover from these tragic events.”
PacifiCorp is facing additional lawsuits related to the wildfires, including one from Oregon wineries seeking over $100 million in damages for smoke and soot damage to their crops.
In a previous trial, PacifiCorp was found liable for negligence in failing to cut power despite fire warnings, leading to property damages and punitive measures.
While many class members are awaiting trials, mediation is also being considered for potential settlements.
Last week, Oregon utility regulators rejected a request from PacifiCorp to limit its liability in wildfire lawsuits, citing concerns about excluding compensation for noneconomic damages.
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