SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A Northern California judge says a jury can decide if Pacific Gas & Electric Co. should pay victims of the deadly San Bruno pipeline blast punitive damages in civil court.
Mike Danko, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, says San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Steven Dylina issued his final decision Tuesday.
More than 350 people have filed civil suits against PG&E over the 2010 blast, which killed eight and destroyed 38 homes. Relatives who lost family members and property are seeking punitive damages as well as millions of dollars in compensation.
The trial is set to begin in January, and the jury will be able to determine the amount of punitive damages.
PG&E wants to avoid paying survivors extra damages, and has claimed in court filings that the explosion was an accident, not due to mismanagement.
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