PacifiCorp Wildfire Case Heads to Oregon Supreme Court
Justices will hear arguments in James v. PacifiCorp, a class action over more than $1.2 billion in damages from four 2020 wildfires.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should utility companies pay full damages when their equipment is blamed for wildfires?
The Oregon Supreme Court will hear arguments in James v. PacifiCorp on November 3, 2026, after the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the Phase I liability verdict against the utility on April 8, 2026. The appeals court found jurors were improperly instructed they could assume trial evidence applied to all class members.
Why it matters
The justices' decision could significantly shape the continuing litigation and the compensation sought by wildfire survivors across Oregon. Thousands of related claims depend on how the liability question is resolved.
PacifiCorp has posted $719 million in bonds covering judgments for 129 plaintiffs while appeals proceed, against roughly $1.25 billion in net damages awarded to 201 plaintiffs. Class certification and certain damages questions have not been resolved by the appeals court.
The players
PacifiCorp
A regional utility serving parts of the Pacific Northwest, whose equipment has been linked to the 2020 Oregon wildfires and who faces the class action damages.
Oregon Supreme Court
The state's highest court, which agreed to review the appeals court ruling and will hear arguments in the case.
Oregon Court of Appeals
The intermediate appellate court that reversed the Phase I liability verdict against PacifiCorp in April 2026.
The details
Jurors in June 2023 found PacifiCorp grossly negligent, reckless and willful toward 17 named plaintiffs and the wider class over the Santiam Canyon, Echo Mountain Complex, South Obenchain and 242 fires. The appeals court concluded the disputed jury instruction was prejudicial, and that evidence about particular fires and ignition locations did not necessarily apply across the entire class.
Timeline
June 2023: Jury finds PacifiCorp grossly negligent in the plaintiffs' trial.
April 2024 to January 2026: 1,760 class members file nine additional mass complaints.
April 8, 2026: Oregon Court of Appeals reverses the Phase I liability verdict.
November 3, 2026: Oregon Supreme Court hears arguments at 1:30 p.m. in Salem.
Market Landscape
The case follows the 2020 Labor Day wildfires in Oregon, which triggered a wave of utility-liability litigation against PacifiCorp. The Supreme Court's review will determine whether the class-wide liability approach used at trial can stand under Oregon law.
Wildfire survivors and PacifiCorp customers in Oregon may see the outcome shape future compensation and utility liability. The ruling could affect how claims tied to the 2020 fires are pursued and resolved.
The takeaway
The Supreme Court's decision will determine whether the jury's liability finding can extend across the entire class, a question that shapes how mass wildfire claims are tried in Oregon. Residents tracking the case should watch the November 3, 2026 hearing for signals on the legal standard.
What happens next
The Oregon Supreme Court will hear arguments on November 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Salem, with a one-hour session scheduled.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Utilities in Oregon.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tidings.
Live Poll
Should utility companies pay full damages when their equipment is blamed for wildfires?
