Firm News

When PG&E’s electrical lines spark a fire, and the fire damages someone’s real or personal property, PG&E must pay for the damage.  It must pay even if it did nothing wrong.  That’s because of the legal doctrine of “inverse condemnation,” a doctrine somewhat unique to California. Condemnation.  We have all heard of “condemnation.”  That’s when…

The Zogg Fire began in September 2020, when a gray pine tree grew into and touched a PG&E 12 kV electrical transmission line north of Igo. That ignited a fire that destroyed 204 buildings and killed four people.  The remains of the grey pine was seized by investigators as evidence, who finally announced this past…

A FAIR Plan policy is basic coverage only.  It seldom is as good as private insurance.  That said, there is good news.  FAIR Plan policies pay for the cash value of the dwelling that burned.  Say your home’s value before the Dixie Fire was $300,000.  The FAIR Plan will pay you the value of the…

If you have insurance, call your broker and get a copy of your policy and your declarations page.  The insurance is required by law to provide this to you within 30 days of your request.  Ask your broker to tell you how much coverage you have to rebuild your home, to cover the contents, and…

PG&E admits that it’s facilities likely started the Dixie Fire.  In its July 18 report to state regulators, it explains that after a power outage, one of its workers went to figure out what was wrong, and saw a Douglas fir tree leaning against one of its hi-voltage line, two blown fuses nearby, and a fire…