How to File a Small Claims Lawsuit Against PG&E
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is a publicly-traded American company that serves millions of households.
Unfortunately, negligence and mistakes by the company can result in grave consequences. For example, in 2017 and 2018, a wildfire ignited by the company’s electrical grid killed more than 100 people and destroyed 250,000 homes. The victims took legal action against PG&E and reached a $13.5 billion settlement.
Lawsuits like this one remind consumers that it is possible to hold large corporations accountable. If your claim is $25,000 or less, consider suing PG&E in small claims court.
This article will explain valid reasons to sue PG&E, the procedure of taking PG&E to small claims court without an attorney, and how you can do it easily with .
Can You Sue PG&E?
The table below outlines valid legal grounds for suing PG&E:
| Legal Ground | Explanation |
| Violation of Repairing Practices | If PG&E’s electric and gas service resulted in damages, you can sue. |
| Loss of Use and Enjoyment of Your Property | If PG&E’s negligence such as a gas leak undermined your use and enjoyment of your property, you can sue. |
| Depreciation in the Value of Your Land | If PG&E’s negligence resulted in your property losing its original value, you can sue PG&E to recover the difference between the original and current value of your property. |
| Damage to Trees, Timber, and Underwood | If PG&E’s negligence and mistake damaged the nature of your property such as trees, crops, and timber, and you lost money because of it, you can sue PG&E to recover the damages. |
| Lost Wages | If you have to stop working due to injuries caused by PG&E’s negligence, you can sue for lost wages. |
| Personal Injury | If PG&E caused you emotional distress or personal injuries, you can sue them for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. |
Suing PG&E in Small Claims Court
If you want to sue PG&E in small claims court by yourself, these are the steps you should take:
- Make Sure Your Claim Qualifies for Small Claims Court
Small claims court is a special division of the judicial system, which grants you small amounts of money that range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the state. So, make sure that the monetary compensation you are looking for does not exceed your state’s maximum limit.
- Write a Demand Letter
Most states require you to send a demand letter to the company you are suing before filing a claim so that the company can have a chance to recover your damages outside of court. Your demand letter should include:
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- Your personal details: phone number, address, account information, etc.
- A detailed description of your grievances
- Proposed solution and compensation
- Intention to sue should the PG&E fail to resolve the situation
- Fill Out Small Claims Court Forms
Different states have different requirements for court forms, which you can find on your state court’s website. Make sure that you have the right forms and number of copies in hand.
- Serve Your Forms to PG&E
Send copies of the documents and court forms to PG&E to let them know that you are suing them. States have different instructions on how to serve the defendant, so make sure that you follow those instructions carefully.
- Show Up on the Court Date
On your court date, be ready to defend yourself persuasively, and don’t forget to bring copies of all documents with you.
How to Sue PG&E With DoNotPay?
We know how frustrating it can be to deal with legal procedures, while also dealing with the damages you’ve incurred because of PG&E. Let DoNotPay handle the work for you! Just follow these simple steps:
- Go to on your web browser and click on Sue Now
- Estimate your damages in monetary terms
- Choose whether you want a demand letter, small claims court forms, or a script to defend yourself in court
- Describe your claim and upload any applicable evidence
That’s it! Now it is time for DoNotPay to write you a demand letter, fill out your court forms and prepare a customized script for you to defend yourself in court!
DoNotPay–The AI Lawyer You Can Rely On
The robot lawyer has been helping thousands of users file successful small claims lawsuits against large corporations such as: