On Saturday, July 7th, a couple in Newfield, NJ was killed following a natural gas explosion in their home. The victims of this tragic accident had installed a stove the day before the explosion, but there is no evidence as of yet to tie that installation to the explosion. In fact, according to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, there were neither warning signs nor any known gas leaks prior to the blast that killed this couple. The investigation is ongoing.
Our attorneys have seen similar cases before and have represented both survivors of explosions and family members who have lost a loved one in a blast. Attorney Tom Kline recently achieved a significant confidential settlement in a case involving a gas pipe leak that resulted in death. The leak, caused by a hole accidentally drilled into a gas line by subcontractors of a major utility, damaged several structures in addition to taking one life.
In another notable case, Kline & Specter attorneys Shanin Specter and Dominic Guerrini were able to secure a multi-million dollar settlement for an older couple injured following a gas explosion at their home in Cape May, NJ. In that case, James McCarty and his wife, Evelyn, were both seriously injured following a propane tank explosion. Mr. McCarty sustained third-degree burns over a quarter of his body. Mrs. McCarty suffered two severely broken ankles.
In both of these cases, as well as other explosion injury cases we have handled, steps could have been taken by utilities to prevent harm. When gas and power companies fail to protect their customers, they must be held accountable for their negligence. This can help provide victims with fair and full compensation while also forcing policy change and safety measures, both of which can help protect others from a similar fate.
Explosion injuries may be the result of direct contact with flame. They may also be a result of flying debris or a person being forcefully thrown by a blast. It is not uncommon for such events to cause severe burns, broken bones, disfigurement, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and death. Victims of these events are often entitled to compensation above the initial offerings of insurance companies.
If you have been the victim of an explosion injury, we’re here to help. Call 800-243-1100 to schedule a free consultation and learn more. We maintain two offices in Pennsylvania along with one each in New Jersey, New York and Delaware. For cases outside those states, we work with local attorneys in each state as applicable.