With all the wildfires happening in California, there has been some question as to who is responsible for the damage. While fires are typically accidental and caused by a person, some believe that many of the fires are caused by negligent utility companies, particularly Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
It is believed that PG&E was negligent because they did not properly maintain their equipment. This equipment allegedly malfunctioned and led to sparks, which caused the fires. PG&E is being sued by thousands of homeowners for causing these fires.
These fires have caused billions of dollars in damages. PG&E cannot reimburse every homeowner for these damages without going bankrupt. Therefore, the company will likely have no choice but to pass on the costs to customers in the form of higher rates. This means that, in a sense, PG&E customers will be held liable for the fires.
Other Types of Liability
When you start a fire in your home by accident, your insurance company is considered liable for the fire. Your negligence caused the fire, but because you paid for homeowners’ insurance, your insurer will (hopefully) foot the bill. If you start a fire and it burns down a neighbor’s home, you will likely have liability coverage on your policy. Again, the insurance company should cover the damages and protect you from any lawsuits that may be filed against you.
However, if you were considered grossly negligent in causing the fire and committed arson, then you would be held liable for the damages because homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damages caused by fires that were started deliberately.
If you live in an apartment and the landlord’s lack of maintenance led to a fire, then he or she could be held negligent. For example, poorly maintained smoke alarms or faulty wiring can cause a fire or cause a person to not be aware of a fire. If the repairs are the responsibility of the landlord and he or she failed to maintain or repair something in the building that then causes the fire, the landlord could be held liable for any damages.
Fires could also be caused by car accidents. Cars contain gas and fuel lines, which could explode upon impact. The person who caused the crash may be held liable for any damages.
Seek Legal Help from The Wildfire Lawyers
Wildfires are typically caused by negligence. People accidentally start fires all the time. California is usually dry, making fires spread quickly. Following the tragic fires of 2018 in California, electric companies such as PG&E are getting sued for their alleged negligence.
If you or a loved one was a victim of the Woolsey Fire, Camp Fire, or another fire in California in recent years, you may be able to seek compensation from PG&E for damages. The lawyers at The Wildfire Lawyers offer aggressive representation for their clients. They can help you file a lawsuit against PG&E or another liable party. Contact us 24/7. We have several locations throughout California. To schedule a consultation, fill out our online form or call (888) 501-6083.