California Utility Liability Attorney

Holding Utility Companies Accountable 

If you or someone you love was injured or killed due to utility-owned equipment, or if you suffered damage to your home, property, ranch, or business in an explosion, wildfire, or other disaster connected to a utility company, you may have grounds to pursue compensation from the utility or other responsible parties – even if you have already received payment from your insurance carrier. 

At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we’ve built a legacy litigating complex and high stakes claims against utilities, insurance companies, and powerful corporations. Our award-winning attorneys have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients and are standing by to discuss how we can help you. 

Our utility liability lawyers are based in Sacramento and serve clients across California and beyond. Call (916) 520-6639 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation.

Types of Utility Cases We Handle

Our firm represents individuals, families, and businesses in a variety of utility liability cases, including:

• Wildfires Caused by Utility Negligence. Many of California’s most devastating wildfires have been linked to the negligence of utility companies, such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Electrical equipment failures, downed power lines, and poor vegetation management have sparked wildfires that have led to billions in damages. Our firm is actively involved in wildfire litigation, helping victims recover compensation for property losses, personal injury, wrongful death, and economic damages.
• Explosions & Gas Leaks. Gas leaks and pipeline failures can lead to catastrophic explosions, causing severe burns, structural damage, and fatalities. Utility companies are responsible for maintaining their gas infrastructure, detecting leaks, and responding to reports of gas odors. When they fail to do so, they must be held accountable.
• Electrocution & Power Line Injuries. Exposed power lines, faulty transformers, and electrical malfunctions can cause serious injuries or fatalities. If a utility company’s negligence led to an electrocution accident, victims and their families have legal options to pursue compensation.
• Water Contamination & Utility-Owned Infrastructure Failures. Contaminated drinking water due to aging infrastructure, chemical leaks, or improper maintenance can lead to serious health complications. Our team has experience litigating environmental injuries and losses caused by toxic exposure, such as exposure to lead or copper, and has the resources to take on negligent utilities.

How Kershaw Talley Barlow Can Help

Our firm is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive legal support and help clients evaluate their options, whether they are an individual who has been injured, a homeowner who has suffered damage or loss to their home, or a business which has incurred damage and may have lost revenue by having to shut down. Depending on the circumstances, we can assist with:

• Civil Negligence Lawsuits: Seeking financial recovery for property damage, business interruption, pain and suffering, and other losses arising from a utility’s negligence.
• Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Claims: Holding utilities accountable for injuries or fatalities caused by their actions or failures.
• Insurance Disputes & Bad Faith Lawsuits: Pursuing legal action against insurers that unfairly deny or delay valid claims for covered losses. 
• Inverse-Condemnation Lawsuits: These claims allow property owners to recover fair compensation for property destroyed or damaged by a public use.
• Class Action and Mass Tort Lawsuits: Incidents which affect many individuals, property owners, or businesses may be aggregated, which provides efficient resolution. 

Holding Utilities Liable

Utility companies can be held liable for damages in cases involving negligence, regulatory violations, and failure to maintain safe infrastructure. However, these cases present significant legal challenges due to:

• Powerful Corporate Defenses: Utilities have vast legal teams and financial resources to fight claims.
• Government-Owned Utilities: Some utilities are considered public entities, which can complicate liability claims.
• Insurance & Compensation Barriers: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, delaying or denying valid claims.
• Complex Investigations: Establishing the cause of disasters and linking them to utility negligence requires extensive investigation and expert testimony.

There may also be other potentially liable parties, such as government agencies, property owners, or third-party contractors. Our firm conducts independent investigations to identify all responsible entities and maximize our clients' recoveries.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds for a lawsuit if you suffered losses due to:

• Personal Injury: Severe burns, electrocution, respiratory injuries, or other harm from a utility-related incident.
• Wrongful Death: Loss of a loved one due to a wildfire, explosion, or infrastructure failure.
• Property Damage: Homes, businesses, and other assets destroyed or damaged by utility-related disasters.
• Economic Losses: Lost wages, business revenue, rental income, evacuation costs, and financial hardships stemming from a utility’s negligence may be recoverable if the business or its owners or employees have suffered damage or personal injury.

Utility Liability FAQ

Can I Sue a Utility for Personal Injury?

Yes. If you were injured due to a utility company’s negligence—such as electric shock, fire-related injuries, or explosion burns—you may have a valid personal injury claim. Utility companies have a duty to maintain safe infrastructure and prevent foreseeable risks to the public. When they fail, victims can seek legal action to recover damages for medical treatment, long-term disability, loss of earning capacity, and other losses. If a utility’s failure resulted in a serious injury, it is crucial to seek legal counsel to understand your rights.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Victims of utility negligence may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of homes, businesses, vehicles, and other assets destroyed or damaged by utility-related disasters.
• Business Interruption & Economic Losses: Lost income, relocation expenses, increased insurance premiums, and the inability to operate a business due to utility-related incidents.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or recklessness, courts may award additional damages to punish the utility company and deter future misconduct.

What Are My Rights If a Utility Company Denies Responsibility?

Utility companies often deny liability or attempt to shift blame for disasters. However, you have the right to seek an independent investigation and legal action to hold them accountable. Our firm works with engineers, fire investigators, and industry experts to analyze evidence, determine the cause of the incident, and build a compelling case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Against a Utility Company?

The statute of limitations for filing a claim varies depending on the type of case and jurisdiction. In California, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years from the date of the injury, while property damage claims may have a three-year filing deadline. Claims against government-affiliated utilities such as the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) may have shorter deadlines, such as six months for a personal injury claim and one year for a real property damage claim, as well as other time-sensitive procedural requirements. It is essential to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Utility litigation is complex and requires extensive resources to stand up against large corporations. Our firm:

• Conducts independent investigations to prove liability
• Engages expert witnesses to strengthen claims
• Negotiates aggressively with defendants and insurance companies
• Takes cases to trial when necessary to secure maximum compensation

Call For a Free Consultation: (916) 520-6639

Claims against utilities make for challenging cases that pit victims against powerful companies and insurance carriers. At a time when you might still be reeling from injury or loss, having the support of an experienced legal team can make all the difference. 

At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we’ve made it our mission to help victims and families fight back for the justice they deserve. With a reputation for handling high-stakes litigation and a proven record of success, we’re prepared to help after any utility-related disaster. 

Call (916) 520-6639 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation. Our California utility accident lawyers serve clients statewide.