PacifiCorp Faces $85M Verdict in Oregon Wildfire Case

The utility company, found negligent for not cutting power despite warnings, is expected to face billions in liabilities.

An Oregon jury has awarded $85 million to nine victims of the 2020 wildfires, marking the latest verdict in a series of legal proceedings against utility PacifiCorp.
PacifiCorp, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., is expected to face billions of dollars in liability over its role in the deadly blazes.
The fires, among the worst natural disasters in Oregon's history, killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles, and destroyed over 5,000 homes and other structures.
In June, a jury found PacifiCorp liable for damages for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials.
PacifiCorp has appealed the verdict and expects post-verdict rulings and insurance payments to bring its share of the verdict to just under $80 million.