Devastating

PacifiCorp Ordered to Pay $42 Million in Damages for Devastating Oregon Wildfires

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GATES, Oregon — PacifiCorp, a unit of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, has been ordered by an Oregon jury to pay over $42 million to 10 victims of the devastating wildfires that occurred on Labor Day 2020. This verdict is the latest development in a series of litigations that are expected to result in the electric utility being held accountable for billions of dollars in damages. The jury’s decision last June found PacifiCorp liable for negligence in failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials. The jury concluded that the … Read more

Canadian Woman Sues Xcel Energy, Alleging Power Pole Started Devastating Texas Wildfire

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CANADIAN, Texas — A Canadian woman has filed a lawsuit claiming that a power pole owned by Xcel Energy started the largest wildfire in Texas history. Melanie McQuiddy alleges that a splintered power pole fell and ignited the Springhouse Creek fire. According to Reuters, McQuiddy argues that Xcel had a duty to maintain safe electrical equipment but neglected to properly repair and inspect its power line poles. She is seeking compensation for the damages caused by the wildfire. The lawsuit also names Osmose Utilities Services as a defendant. McQuiddy asserts that the company was hired … Read more

Belmont County Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Devastating Childhood Rape

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BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio—A 70-year-old man from St. Clairsville, Ohio, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday for the rape of a young girl throughout her entire childhood. Michael May had pleaded guilty to one count of rape back in January. The judge presiding over the case, Chris Berhalter, had some strong words for May during the sentencing hearing. While on the surface May appeared to be an active member of his church with no criminal record, Judge Berhalter described him as a monster who took advantage of a child’s trust for his own … Read more

Inland Power Sparks Devastating Wildfire in Medical Lake, Lawsuits Mounting, Trial Set for 2025

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MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. — A recent report by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that a devastating wildfire in Medical Lake last summer was caused by sparks from an Inland Power light. The fire destroyed hundreds of homes in the area. In response to the report, the attorneys behind the largest lawsuit related to the fire held a town hall for those affected. The law firm Singleton Schreiber had previously accused Inland Power of being responsible for the fire, and now their claims have been supported by an independent investigation conducted by the … Read more