Trial Court Has Subject Matter Jurisdiction.

Plaintiffs are the heirs of a man who was electrocuted while trimming trees. Defendants are a tree inspection company and a utility. The trial court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss “because this court lacks subject matter jurisdiction under Public Utilities Code section 1759.” The appellate court reversed, stating:  “We hold only that the superior court has jurisdiction over the matter, and that plaintiffs’ claim for damages based on the allegation that PG&E breached its duty to maintain adequate clearance beyond the prescribed minimum does not rest on an issue within the exclusive jurisdiction of the PUC.” (Mata v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company  (Cal. App. First Dist., Div. 3; February 28, 2014) (As mod. March 26, 2014) 224 Cal.App.4th 309, [168 Cal.Rptr.3d 568].)