Christopher and Natalie Cutler v. PG & E
- Resolution Date:
- December 2004
- Practice Areas:
- Wrongful Death, Industrial Accidents, Premises Liability
- Synopsis:
- On January 23, 2004, a 7,200-volt PG&E power line fell due to a defective conductor-to-splice connection, causing a fire in the front yard of Cutler's house. After the line fell, an automatic re-closer de-energized the line. At the same time, Cutler walked outside to inspect the fire in his front yard. Moments later, a PG&E operator manually re-energized the downed power line without investigating the problem. Re-energizing the line caused it to spark and whip about so that it struck Cutler, killing him. The firm contended that PG&E was liable for the actions of its operator who recklessly re-energized the downed line, and that PG&E had negligently failed to maintain the conductor-to-splice connection. The matter settled before trial.
- Attorneys:
-
Kevin Lancaster
Oliver Vallejo - Resolution:
- $1.5 Million