Victims of the Mill Fire in Siskiyou County are still recovering from the destruction that took place in September of this year. A lawsuit was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 23, against the companies responsible for causing the fire.
The lawsuit plans to represent almost 50 clients that have been impacted by the Mill Fire in hopes to provide them with the necessary means to move forward.
This 11-day fire broke out in Siskiyou County in and around the town of Weed. According to CAL FIRE, this fire burned nearly 4,000 acres and finally was 100% contained on Sept. 13. after it destroyed nearly 118 structures including a historical neighborhood and killed four people.
The lawsuit alleges “these companies prioritized profits over safety, resulting in serious damage to property and countless injuries and deaths.”
Attorney partnered with Parkinson Benson and Potter, Bret Cook, tells KRCR, “In order to help them recover it's important to have every resource be brought to bear.” Adding that he believes these victims are entitled to certain compensations from property and emotional damages to even evacuation costs.
I've been through this myself and so, as an attorney, it's not just a privilege to represent them, but it's a feel-good-case where you can come in and get people some information and be the calm in the storm so to speak.” Cook added, “I get them, not just some hope, but give some background information and help the understand how they can move forward and recover their lives.
The companies being sued are Roseburg, Hornsby, and Lee. It's important to note that Roseburg has helped individuals receive payments and created a community relief fund for survivors to submit claims for financial assistance or receive immediate needs like temporary housing, transportation, food and clothing since the Mill Fire.
Cook tells KRCR that, at this time, it is hard to pinpoint how long this process will take as every case is different. The announcement of the lawsuit was released Wed., Nov. 23.
Check back for updates.
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