In times like these, survivors are grappling with the aftermath, and your compassion can make a difference in their lives. Often, finding clear guidance on how to assist can be frustrating, leading to moments of discouragement. Your willingness to offer concrete advice on navigating resources and offering a helping hand can significantly ease the burden
“I’ve Lost My Home in the Maui Wildfire. What Should I Do Right Now?”
There are things that Maui wildfire survivors can do right now to help make the recovery process easier. Once you and your loved ones are out of imminent danger, you should immediately contact your insurance company, make a plan for housing, track all expenses and insurance interactions, and prepare an inventory of your losses.
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Firefighters and the PFAS lawsuit
In June 2023, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva and 3M Company put up more than $13 billion to settle AFFF actions (Aqueous Film Forming Foams.) These settlements pertain only to 600 Public Water Systems. The settlements are subject to approval by Judge Richard M. Gergel, who was assigned in December 2018 to oversee the ongoing MDL proceedings
Can a school district be held accountable for a student’s death by suicide?
It depends. A New Jersey School district paid $9.1 million to parents of bullied student, Mallory Grossman who died by suicide in 2017. See news report here.
But most states do not allow recovery in cases of death by suicide. They follow the archaic “suicide rule” that considers death by suicide a voluntary act
Will my inheritance count against me in my wrongful death case?
Q: My father was killed in an accident that was not his fault. As a result, I ended up with an inheritance. Will the inheritance count against me if I sue the wrongdoer who caused my father’s death?
A: No. At least not in a case in California. It’s not what you received as a
San Francisco Judge Recommends Coordination of all PG&E Fire Lawsuits
PG&E asked Judge Curtis Karnow to send the various fire victims’ lawsuits to five different counties. Instead, Judge Karnow decided that all cases that have been filed — or that will be filed — as a result of the Nor Cal fires will be handled by one judge and that judge will be in San
Cal Fire Determines PG&E Power Line Cause of Butte Fire
Today Cal Fire issued a news release. Cal Fire investigators determine the cause of the destructive Butte Fire was the PG&E power line. Cal Fire will file a lawsuit against PG&E to recover over $90 million for firefighting costs.
Property owners and renters in the Butte Fire area are working with attorneys to calculate
Coincidence? Or Something More?
In February 2015, tree cutters working for PG&E were supposed to remove trees from a grove that threatened power lines. But they left standing a tree in the middle of that grove – a 44-foot tall grey pine that had a diameter of about 5 inches at the base that was leaning toward the lines.
Environmental Damages Quantified
Consultants and paid experts are now working to evaluate the environmental damages that the Butte fire caused. Some of the aspects of the loss they are looking into:
Cost of Clean Up: Wholly apart for reasons of aesthetics, all properties must be cleaned up. An owner may not be too concerned about felled timber left
Butte Fire Cases to be Coordinated
What documents must PG&E turn over to the lawyers for the fire victims? Which PG&E employees will be required to appear and answer questions under oath, and when? What scientific tests may plaintiffs’ experts perform on the evidence found at the fire’s origin?
These are the types of questions that a judge must decide as