In the latest chapter of ongoing litigation against utility provider PacifiCorp, a jury has awarded $27.97 million in noneconomic damages to ten Oregonians impacted by the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires. This marks another significant outcome in the ongoing legal battle, with total damages awarded in related trials now exceeding $400 million.

This jury awards $28M PacifiCorp wildfire trial latest verdict is the result of claims brought by individuals who lost homes, businesses, and cherished possessions in the fires that swept across the state during a rare windstorm event. Plaintiffs include a professional pet photographer and a charter boat operator, whose personal and financial losses were presented in court.

According to plaintiffs’ counsel, the total value of the verdict — including economic damages and court-determined punitive damages — is expected to reach approximately $44 million. The trial was held in Oregon’s 4th Judicial District.

Among those receiving compensation:

• Jerry Vavra, a photographer who lost his studio and decades of archived work, was awarded $3.85 million.

• George Orey, a charter boat operator from Otis, received $3.62 million.

• Brenda Dairy of Gates, Oregon, whose home was completely destroyed, was awarded $3.41 million.

• Nigel Dolder, who narrowly escaped with his family during the firestorm, was awarded $2.64 million.

• The smallest award, $728,000, went to Sandy Pearson, who had plans to build a home on her property.

In 2023, a previous jury found PacifiCorp liable to the entire plaintiff class, citing reckless and willful conduct, and declared the company's actions a public and private nuisance as well as trespass. Jurors heard evidence that the utility failed to shut off power, even amid extreme wind conditions and active fire outbreaks, and left hazardous vegetation near its power lines.

Despite claims by PacifiCorp that it was an industry leader in wildfire mitigation and had implemented preventative strategies, the court found otherwise. Jurors noted that the utility also failed to disable “reclosers,” devices that automatically reconnect power lines after disruptions, during the emergency.

Plaintiffs were represented by:

• Nicholas Rosinia, Edelson PC

• Nick Kahl, Nick Kahl LLC

PacifiCorp was represented by:

• Alison Plessman, Hueston Hennigan

This verdict adds to a growing body of legal decisions holding PacifiCorp accountable for widespread destruction linked to its operations during the 2020 Oregon wildfires.