An Oregon appeals court overturned a class action ruling against PacifiCorp, a utility unit of Berkshire Hathaway. The decision addresses litigation involving multiple 2020 wildfires and could significantly reduce the company's estimated tens of billions in liabilities.
The court ruled that a trial judge erred by treating distinct wildfire events as a single class action. Plaintiffs allege PacifiCorp negligently failed to de-energize power lines during a major windstorm.
The case returns to the lower court to determine if separate classes are necessary for different fires. This ruling may dismantle the current litigation structure, which previously relied on a series of costly mini-trials.