Comparing PG&E vs. Southern California Edison Wildfire Cases

Wildfires have become a tragic reality in California, and in many cases, utility companies are at the center of the blame. Two names stand out: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Both have faced significant legal battles and paid substantial settlements over wildfires allegedly sparked by their equipment. But while the headlines may look similar, each utility’s wildfire liability record and litigation history tell a different story.

For wildfire victims, understanding these differences is more than a matter of curiosity. It can shape your legal strategy, potential compensation, and how your case is handled from start to finish.

The Role of Utilities in California Wildfires

California’s landscape, climate, and growing wildfire risk make utility infrastructure a potential ignition source. Downed power lines, aging equipment, and poor maintenance have been cited in multiple investigations into fires that destroyed homes, displaced thousands, and claimed lives.

When investigators determine that a utility’s negligence caused or contributed to a fire, wildfire attorneys can file lawsuits on behalf of victims to recover damages. These claims often target property losses, evacuation costs, business interruption, and emotional distress, as well as injuries or wrongful death.

PG&E: A Record of High-Profile Settlements

PG&E’s wildfire liability history is both extensive and costly. The utility has been linked to some of the largest and deadliest wildfires in California history, including the Camp Fire in 2018, which destroyed the town of Paradise, and the Tubbs Fire in 2017.

• Camp Fire (2018): PG&E equipment was found to have caused the blaze that killed 85 people and destroyed over 18,000 structures. The company agreed to a $13.5 billion settlement with victims through the Fire Victim Trust.
  
• Tubbs Fire (2017): Initially, PG&E was thought to be responsible, but later investigations shifted the official cause. However, PG&E still faced lawsuits for other fires that year.
  
• Bankruptcy Filing: In 2019, PG&E filed for bankruptcy, citing more than $30 billion in potential wildfire liabilities. This restructuring process significantly impacted how victims received payouts.

Key takeaway for victims: PG&E’s bankruptcy and settlement history mean that many claims are now processed through the Fire Victim Trust, which comes with its own rules, deadlines, and distribution formulas. Wildfire lawyers familiar with PG&E cases know how to navigate these unique challenges to maximize recovery.

Southern California Edison: Ongoing Litigation

While SCE’s wildfire liability record is not as long as PG&E’s, the utility has been tied to multiple destructive fires in Southern California.

• Woolsey Fire (2018): Destroyed over 1,600 structures and damaged nearly 300 others in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. SCE admitted its equipment likely started the fire and later reached settlements exceeding $2 billion with victims and insurers.
  
• Thomas Fire (2017): One of the largest fires in California history, burning over 280,000 acres and sparking deadly mudslides in Montecito. SCE has paid out significant settlements and continues to face related lawsuits.
  
• Regulatory Actions: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has fined SCE for safety violations and maintenance failures linked to wildfire risks.

Key takeaway for victims: Because SCE has not gone through bankruptcy like PG&E, its wildfire cases tend to be resolved through direct settlements or litigation rather than a trust fund. This can impact payout timelines and negotiation strategies.

PG&E vs. SCE: Key Differences in Wildfire Cases

Factor	PG&E	Southern California Edison
Bankruptcy Status	Filed for bankruptcy in 2019; many claims are now processed through the Fire Victim Trust	No bankruptcy; cases handled through direct litigation or settlements
Notable Fires	Camp Fire (2018), Tubbs Fire (2017), Dixie Fire (2021)	Woolsey Fire (2018), Thomas Fire (2017), Silverado Fire (2020)
Settlement Structure	Structured trust payouts; victims often receive partial payments over time	Lump-sum settlements are more common, depending on the case resolution
Public Perception	Reputation severely damaged due to repeated fires and bankruptcy	Still faces criticism but less public outrage compared to PG&E
Legal Approach Needed	Requires deep knowledge of trust procedures, claims deadlines, and proof submission	Focused on negotiating directly with the utility or pursuing court judgments

Choosing the Right Legal Approach

The differences in each utility’s legal history mean that one-size-fits-all strategies don’t work.

For PG&E wildfire claims, you need a legal team that understands:

• How the Fire Victim Trust processes claims.
• The importance of comprehensive documentation for partial and supplemental payments.
• Navigating deadlines unique to trust administration.
  

For SCE wildfire claims, your attorney must be skilled in:

• Negotiating directly with the utility’s legal team and insurers.
• Leveraging expert reports and CPUC findings to strengthen liability arguments.
• Preparing for trial if settlement talks stall.

Types of Evidence That Strengthen Wildfire Claims

Regardless of whether PG&E or SCE is involved, wildfire victims must present clear, well-documented evidence. This can include:

• Property photos taken immediately after the fire.
• Repair estimates and receipts.
• Insurance documents showing claims filed and payouts received.
• Utility correspondence, such as outage notices or safety alerts.
• Official investigation reports.

The sooner this evidence is collected, the stronger your case will be.

Why Hiring Experienced Wildfire Attorneys Matters

Both PG&E and SCE have vast resources and legal teams dedicated to defending against wildfire claims. Without strong representation, victims risk settling for less than they deserve or missing critical deadlines.

An experienced wildfire attorney can:

• Help investigate the cause of the fire and establish utility negligence.
• Work with experts to prove the extent of property and personal losses.
• Handle negotiations or litigation to maximize compensation.
• Ensure compliance with statutes of limitations and procedural rules.

Potential Damages in PG&E and SCE Cases

Wildfire lawsuits against utilities can seek compensation for:

• Property damage (homes, vehicles, personal belongings).
• Evacuation costs (lodging, meals, transportation).
• Business interruption losses.
• Emotional distress and mental anguish.
• Medical expenses related to burns, smoke inhalation, or other injuries.
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones.

Deadlines to File a Claim

In California, most wildfire claims must be filed within two years of the date of loss under CA Civil Code § 335.1. Exceptions may apply if damages are discovered later, but waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation, especially when dealing with PG&E trust deadlines or SCE settlement windows.

Tailoring Your Claim to the Utility at Fault

While PG&E and Southern California Edison share the unfortunate distinction of being tied to catastrophic wildfires, their legal landscapes differ dramatically. From PG&E’s bankruptcy and Fire Victim Trust to SCE’s direct settlements and ongoing litigation, knowing the unique challenges and opportunities with each utility can mean the difference between a delayed, partial payout and full compensation.If you’ve suffered losses in a wildfire caused by a utility company, don’t navigate the process alone. The experienced fire damage lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot understand the complexities of these claims and can develop a strategy tailored to your case.