SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Pacific Gas & Electric has agreed to extend by two months the deadline to file claims against the company for damages suffered from a series of wildfires in California.
Lawyers for the victims asked to extend the original Oct. 21 deadline, arguing that tens of thousands of people eligible to receive payments from PG&E have not sought compensation.
They said many wildfire survivors -- still traumatized and struggling to get back on their feet -- weren't aware of their right to file a claim.
PG&E attorney Tim Cameron said Monday the deadline will be extended to Dec. 31 to increase participation. The new date must still be approved by a judge.
The utility has set aside $8.4 billion to pay wildfire victims as part of its bankruptcy plan.
