Updated 7/9/26

Camp Fire Lawsuit

Holding PG&E Accountable for the Destruction of Paradise

PG&E knew that the hardware on its transmission line was worn and in need of replacement. However, internal documents show that PG&E made the deliberate decision to defer the repair work, counting on seasonal rain to extinguish any fire that would result if the hardware failed. Tragically, the hardware failed on a dry November day when there was no rain. The resulting wildfire destroyed the town of Paradise and devastated the neighboring communities of Concow and Magalia, ultimately wiping out 15,000 homes and killing 84 individuals.

Our clients include renters, landlords, homeowners, and business owners. We also represent the family members of those killed, alongside individuals who sustained serious injuries as they fled the fast-moving flames.

As a direct result of the incriminating evidence we unearthed against the utility company, PG&E was convicted of 84 counts of felony manslaughter.

Summary of the Camp Fire Recovery

Case Impact & Scope Ignition Cause & Details Litigation Status
Camp Fire Destroyed Paradise and devastated Concow and Magalia; wiped out 15,000 homes and claimed 84 lives. Worn transmission line hardware that PG&E deliberately chose to defer repairing. Represented 5,000+ claimants; filed the very first lawsuits and secured over $1.5 billion paid into a survivor trust.

What We Recovered Money For

Utility wildfire claims seek to cover the full spectrum of structural, financial, and deeply emotional losses. The compensation we obtained for our Camp Fire clients includes money to compensate them for:

  • Property & Structural Damage: The direct costs of rebuilding, the diminution in property value resulting from the fire, and the loss of outbuildings like sheds.
  • Vehicles & Equipment: Compensation for lost tools, boats, motorcycles, and other personal equipment.
  • Financial & Business Losses: Lost income, ongoing business losses, and associated attorneys’ fees.
  • Displacement Expenses: The financial costs of living away from home while waiting for settlements to clear.
  • Sentimental Items & Keepsakes: Invaluable personal assets that hold deep sentimental value, such as:
    • Family photographs
    • School yearbooks and trophies
    • Card collections
    • Passed-down gun collections
  • Animals & Family Pets: Compensation for beloved pets lost in the disaster.
  • Health & Emotional Toll: Coverage for medical expenses, physical injuries, emotional distress, worry, grief, and the heavy stress and aggravation of navigating the fire’s aftermath.

Why the Choice of Attorney Matters

When facing complex corporate legal maneuvers, the experience and resilience of your legal team are paramount. Danko Meredith represents more than 5,000 Camp Fire claimants, and we brought the very first lawsuits on their behalf against PG&E in state court.

When PG&E filed for bankruptcy—a massive roadblock that caused some lawyers to give up entirely—our firm pressed on aggressively. As a direct result of that persistence, PG&E was forced to pay more than $1.5 billion into a trust for fire survivors, funds that are currently being actively distributed to our clients.

“Thanks so much for being so open and responsive to my emails – it’s very much appreciated and makes the whole process seem much more transparent and understandable. You’re always there for me!”

— Camp Fire Client

Contact Danko Meredith

If you or your family has been affected by a California utility wildfire or disaster, we want to hear from you. We offer free consultations and handle all wildfire cases on a contingency basis — no fees, no costs, unless we recover for you.