Though more than 30 homes were destroyed by the PG&E gas explosion, many more suffered damage that is not visible from the street.  Getting cracked chimneys, leaky roofs, and broken windows repaired has been, for many homeowners, an overwhelming battle of paperwork, engineering reports, claims forms, and phone calls.  Some homeowners have given up trying.  As a result of the emotional trauma they have suffered, the task is just too much for them to handle.

Early on PG&E promised that it would establish a $100 million fund to those affected by the fire – no strings attached.  But so far, only $17.5 million of that has been distributed.  Shaun Bishop of the San Francisco Examiner wrote about the victims’ struggle in an article published this morning.

As I explained to Shaun, residents should not expect PG&E to compensate them fully unless they obtain a court judgment against PG&E. 

Danko said he reminds his clients that PG&E is not obligated to pay them anything unless they obtain a court judgment.

Until that happens, PG&E is free to offer as little to the victims as it likes.