When PG&E’s electrical lines ignite a wildfire, resulting in damage to private property, the legal doctrine of inverse condemnation mandates that PG&E compensate for these losses, regardless of whether it was at fault. In California, inverse condemnation provides property owners with recourse when their property rights are adversely affected by government or public utility actions....
Wildfire
The Army Corps has begun Phase 2 of efforts to clean up the Maui Fires mess. Phase 1 involved removing toxic materials and other public health and safety hazards. A difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is that in Phase 2, officials must obtain permission to step onto each lot that they want to...
Because we’ve represented thousands of fire survivors, we are familiar with the agonizing journey that starts when someone loses everything in a fire. One day things are normal, and the next, nothing is the same. Fire victims usually come to us in “survival mode.” Overwhelmed by feelings of loss and helplessness, those who have lost...
The Heartbreak of Loss: Honoring Loved Ones After the Maui Fires You are likely here because you have lost a precious family member in the Maui Fires, and we are so very sorry. We cannot fathom the anguish and emptiness you are feeling, and we broach today’s topic with reverence for the cherished life of...
Those harmed by the Maui Fire can bring claims against HECO and the other defendants alleged to have started the Maui Fire. The claims can be for many different types of damages. Many fire survivors are understandably focused on recovering the costs of rebuilding their homes. However, there are many other types of damages available...
The traumatic nature of any wildfire can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, distressing memories, avoidance of reminders, and changes in mood and behavior[1][6]. Here are some key points to know about PTSD after a fire such as the Maui Wildfire: Common symptoms: Maui Wildfire...
The Maui Fires, caused by Maui Electric’s failure to turn off the power during a extreme high-wind event, destroyed many small businesses, including sole proprietorships in and around Lahaina. A sole proprietorship is unique in that business operations may be conducted out of the owner’s home, an office or workspace, or on-site at a client’s...
In Washington State, a utility “can burn down your house and get away with it,” according to an article in the Seattle Times. That’s because unlike California, Washington does not hold utilities responsible for wildfires that they spark under the doctrine of inverse condemnation. Rather, it leaves it to regulators to control the conduct of...