PWRFL Secures $48M Victory for Oregon Fire Survivors

A Multnomah County jury awarded $48 million to seven plaintiffs who suffered losses during the 2020 wildfires caused by PacifiCorp’s negligence. This verdict—one of the largest in the ongoing James et al. v. PacifiCorp case—sets new records for individual non-economic and punitive damages. Attorneys Michael S. Wampold and Paul G. Sewell of PWRFL represented the plaintiffs, securing a powerful victory for clients whose lives were forever altered.

The fires, which include the Santiam, South Obenchain, Echo Mountain Complex, and 242 Fire, tore through Oregon in 2020. In 2023, PacifiCorp was found liable for failing to shut off power lines during high-risk conditions, contributing to the spread of these devastating blazes. Now, damages trials like this one are determining the compensation owed to individuals and families affected.

During the latest trial in Portland, the jury heard from seven plaintiffs who shared stories of loss, including Denise Dake, who lost her family homestead of six decades, and John Wagner, who escaped the flames with only his dog and truck.

The emotional weight of these accounts left a lasting impression on jurors. The trial concluded with a $48 million award, including $15.8 million for Dake and $13.3 million for Wagner—both records for wildfire-related damages.

PWRFL’s attorneys played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, not only highlighting the physical devastation but also centering the emotional toll. A particularly effective moment came when plaintiffs’ counsel invited jurors to imagine a classified ad offering payment to experience such trauma—an analogy that powerfully reframed the stakes. The strategy resonated and set this case apart from earlier trials.

PacifiCorp, by contrast, called no witnesses and asked the jury to limit damages to $3.8 million. The jury’s rejection of that figure, awarding more than ten times that amount, underscores the importance of empathetic, fact-driven advocacy. This was the fourth trial in the ongoing litigation; to date, $306 million has been awarded across 50 plaintiffs. With more than 1,500 claims still pending, the total damages could exceed $9.6 billion.

This case is a reminder that beyond the legal proceedings are real people and real losses. PWRFL is proud to stand with survivors of these fires, advocating for their recovery and holding corporations accountable. As future trials unfold, we remain committed to pursuing justice for every individual still awaiting their day in court.