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PROPANE GAS EXPLOSIONS
Nelson v. Southeast Propane (North Dakota) (2015)
Fact: This case was very recently concluded. A propane gas explosion occurred in the home of Hal Nelson who lived in North Dakota at the time of the explosion. Southeast Propane was a propane provider to Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson sustained very serious burns when propane gas leaked from a corroded gas line located in his basement. Liability was predicated based on the fact that Southeast was required to conduct mandatory testing and inspection of the propane gas system at Mr. Nelson’s home and should have done so on numerous occasions. Mr. Nelson’s propane gas system contained an out of date regulator which was required to be removed and replaced with a new one. Southeast knew of this and had promised Mr. Nelson that it would be changed but failed to do so. Part of changing the regulator would have required mandatory testing and inspection of the entire propane gas system. Had this been done, Southeast would have discovered a corroded and leaking gas line in the basement. The gas line was corroded and leaking because, contrary to NFPA 54, it was not properly placed in the basement and was allowed to come into contact with the concrete block in the basement. Concrete block is known to be corrosive on gas lines and such contact is prohibited.Settlement: A trial of this case was scheduled for April 2015, and settlement was reached shortly before that to compensate Mr. Nelson for his injuries.
Knox v. Southern States Coop., Housewarmings, Trane, Monessen and Everburn (Kentucky) (2014)
Fact: On September 22, 2011 in Powell County Kentucky, a propane explosion occurred resulting in the death of the homeowner and 2 adult children. Southern States, the national propane supplier, was the propane provider to the home. The other defendants manufactured propane appliances that were in the home. The cause of action against the propane appliance manufacturers was based upon failure to warn. Early in the litigation, plaintiffs were able to reach substantial settlements against the appliance manufacturers and the case proceeded against Southern States. Several years prior, Beattie Law Firm had just completed a case in Virginia - Gentry v. Southern States. In the Gentry case, Beattie Law Firm was able to obtain all of the corporate records relating to training, policy practices, and procedures. Beattie Law Firm also took the sworn testimony of all the corporate officials of Southern States. The information gained in the Gentry case proved invaluable in prosecuting the Knox case in Kentucky. In Knox, Beattie Law Firm established that Southern States virtually had no training program whatsoever and any training was inadequate. This was exemplified by the fact that approximately 2 weeks before the explosion, a propane gas deliveryman from Southern States was at the home delivering propane. During the delivery, Karen Knox, at the request of her father, informed the driver that her father believed there was a leak in the propane gas system and to check it out. During the depositions, the Southern States driver admitted that he did not do so because Karen Knox’s father was “an old man.” Of course, there were many other violations of Kentucky law, NFPA Standards, and industry custom. Because of the refusal and violation of the standards, propane gas leaked into the home, resulting in the explosion and the 3 deaths. Because of this very unusual circumstance in refusing to conduct an investigation to determine whether the gas system was in fact leaking, the conduct of Southern States rose from negligence to a punitive damage case. Because of this and the venue, we had valued the case at approximately $18 million. Many depositions were taken before the parties agreed to engage in mediation in May 2014. No settlement was reached and approximately one month later Southern States and its insurer met with plaintiffs, resulting in a very substantial confidential settlement.
Settlement: Plaintiffs had damages of 18 million.
Veldesma-California (2014)
Fact: Mr. Veldesma was a worker at a resort in the Northern California woods. The resort needed work on the septic tank lines and the workers struck a propane gas line, igniting an explosion. Mr. Veldesma filed suit against the workers in the propane company which failed to adequately protect the lines and to respond to complaints from resort workers of the smell of gas.
Settlement: Mr. Veldesma had damages of approximately $1 million.
Amos v. Pelgas-Iowa (2012)
Fact: Mr. Amos and 3 other individuals were badly burned in a propane fire. Mr. Amos and another individual were filling propane in a small cylinder from 1000-pound tank at a “filling site.” When filling, the hose ruptured and allowed sufficient propane to escape, the victims were engulfed. The propane ignited, creating a fireball with the victims in it. Beattie Law Firm conducted an investigation into the filling station and found major violations which directly caused the propane gas leak and fire.
- Among the numerous violations were: No emergency shut off switch in violation of NFPA 58 6.22.3.11.
- Violation of NFPA 58 10.2.2, lack of ventilation and a violation of NFPA 58 20.6.3 for lack of proper flex connectors.
- Violation of NFPA 58 .2 2.3.5 for lack of in excess-flow check valve or differential back pressure valve.
- Violation of NFPA 58 .7 .7 .1 for failure to ensure the container is equipped with an actuated liquid withdrawal excess-flow valve.
Settlement: Worker’s compensation lien for past and future medical and disability benefits approached $2 million and available insurance coverage from the insurance company for Pelgas was approximately $4 million.
Anderson v. Gas Co. et al. (2012)
Fact: A father and daughter were severely burned in Minnesota in the propane gas explosion that occurred in a resort cabin. An exterior propane gas line corroded in leaked gas into the building. Beattie Law Firm established that the retailer was negligent in failing to warn about the dangers of propane and to discover and change the leaking propane gas line.
Settlement: A settlement was reached with the various parties in the amount of $3 million.
Gentry vs Southern et. al. (2012)
Fact: Two gentlemen were badly burned in a propane gas explosion caused by leaking propane gas. The propane retailer failed to adequately inspect and maintain the gas lines and failed to warn about the dangers of propane gas.
Settlement: A settlement of approximately $3 million was reached.
Campfield vs Gottula Propane Service, Inc., et al. (Nebraska 2010)
Facts: A propane explosion occurred at the home of our client, resulting in rendering our client disabled and completely unemployable as a result of his injuries. In the explosion, he suffered severe burns, full and partial thickness to the head, face and upper body – covering 35-45% of his total body surface area. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a substantial settlement for the client prior to trial.
Hart vs. Gas Co. (2010)
Fact: Leaking propane gas exploded near Ottumwa, injuring a young boy and his grandfather. The propane gas retailer failed to adequately inspect and test its client’s gas system when it knew or should have known of the need to do so. This failure directly led to the gas leak.
Settlement: This case settled for a substantial confidential amount.
Firgard vs New Century FS, Inc., et al. (Iowa December. 2011)
Facts: A propane explosion occurred at the home of the Firgards, resulting in 33% body surface catastrophic burn injuries to our client. The case against the retailer was brought based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Trial: After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict in the amount of $1,750,000.
Williams vs. Gas Co. (2008)
Fact: A 14-year-old boy was seriously burned in a propane explosion. The retailer failed to adequately warn about the dangers of propane gas and the need to utilize gas detectors.
Settlement: After a week trial in Iowa, the insurance company for the propane retailer paid a very substantial settlement to the boy.
Client v. Gappa Oil, et. al. (Minnesota 2008)
Facts: A Minnesota resident received substantial burn injuries in a propane gas explosion at her house. An uncapped line leaked propane gas into the home. The home did not have propane gas detectors to warn the homeowner of the fugitive gas. The case is still pending in Minnesota against other liable parties upon theories of negligent failure to adequately warn, negligent testing, negligent inspection, and gas detectors.
Settlement: A $1,000,000.00 settlement was reached against an electrical company that contributed to the cause of the explosion. Suit is pending against others involved in the explosion.
Client v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Florida 2008)
Facts: A married couple returned to their winter home in Florida. A propane leak resulted in an explosion, killing the couple. The case against the propane retailer and appliance manufacturers was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our clients’ homes, and negligent testing and inspection.
Settlement: $800,000 reached prior to the start of trial.
Pavlovec v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)
Facts: Mr. Pavlovec received substantial burns following a propane explosion. There were substantial liability issues because of Mr. Pavlovec’s admission of smelling gas before lighting an appliance.
Settlement: Settlement was reached on behalf of Mr. Pavlovec.
Myers v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)
Facts: Mr. Myers was severely burned in a propane gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need for gas detectors, and negligent failure to inspect the gas system. A defective gas valve in an appliance leaked gas. Since the appliance was in a basement, the warning odor dissipated, rendering the gas unauthorized. Beattie Law Firm was successful in reinstating our client’s claim against an appliance manufacturer in an appeal to the Iowa Court of Appeals following dismissal by the Iowa District Court.
Settlement: $1,500,000+ were reached against liable parties.
Graham v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)
Facts: Mr. Graham sustained burns in a propane gas explosion. The case was brought against the propane retailer, appliance manufacturers, and appliance retailer. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need for gas detectors. Liability was also predicated on the fact that the propane and propane industry advertise that consumers can purchase and safely install their own propane appliances.
Settlement: Substantial confidential settlements were reached against liable parties.
Svacina v. Propane Retailer (Iowa 2008)
Facts: Mr. Svacina suffered burns in a propane gas explosion due to inadequate odorization. The customer propane tank was inadequately prepared for usage which resulted in oxidation.
Settlement: Settlement was reached prior to filing a lawsuit for approximately $150,000 on behalf of the Svacinas.
Blasel v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Wisconsin 2007)
Facts: Mr. Blasel suffered burns in a propane gas explosion. A brass fitting corroded, and propane gas leaked into the home. Soil is known to scrub or take out the odorant, and the leaked gas contained no warning agent. The claim was resolved prior to filing a lawsuit.
Settlement: $1,000,000.00
Client v. Propane Retailer (Iowa 2006)
Facts: Our client was killed in a propane explosion in Harrison County. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the failure to warn about gas detectors.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential six-figure settlement for the client.
Vega v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Mississippi 2006)
Facts: Three young children were badly burned when a cat with a litter somehow caused a fuel shutoff valve to open. This was improperly placed in a wall and when it was opened, it allowed gas to leak into the home. The children came home from school and the oldest started to cook an afternoon snack. When she lit the stove, the leaked gas exploded. The case was defended by the retailer on the basis that it was not a propane gas explosion.
Settlement: The case was settled resulting in a $6,000,000+ settlement.
Goehring v. Flying J, et. al. (Idaho Federal Court 2005 Trial)
Facts: Client purchased a 100-pound propane cylinder to provide heat to his house following a storm that knocked the power out to his residence. He took the cylinder home, placed it on the floor, and left for two hours. When he returned, he smelled gas and attempted to carry the cylinder out of the house. When he picked up the cylinder, the home exploded.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained confidential settlements on behalf of its client.
Booker v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Michigan 2005 Arbitration)
Facts: Mr. Booker sustained serious burns in a propane gas explosion caused by leaking propane gas. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the failure to warn about gas detectors. The case was defended by the retailer by blaming the client for the leak.
Arbitration: The case was tried in state-ordered binding arbitration resulting in a $1,500,000 arbitration award.
Swanton v. Defendants (Kansas 2005)
Facts: Three children received serious burns in a propane gas explosion in Kansas. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, negligent testing of the property, and negligent inspection of the property.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a substantial confidential settlement for the children. The settlement amount, however, was limited due to Kansas caps on lawsuits.
Krueger v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (Minnesota 2005)
Facts: Mr. Krueger received serious burns in a propane gas explosion in Minnesota. The case was based on negligent failure to warn, including the need for gas detectors and negligent inspections of the propane gas system.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a $1,800,000 settlement for Mr. Krueger.
Freeland v. Ferrellgas (Michigan 2003 Arbitration)
Facts: A retired couple was burned in a propane gas explosion in Michigan. The husband died as a result of the burns received in the explosion. The wife survived, but she sustained critical burns. The case was based on negligent failure to warn about the defects of odorized propane as well as the retailer’s failure to respond to numerous calls by the Freelands regarding gas leaks.
Arbitration: The case was tried in state-ordered binding arbitration resulting in a $8,300,000 arbitration award.
Countryman, et. al. v. Iowa Double Circle, et. al. (Iowa 2002 Trial)
Facts: Seven people were killed, and many others were seriously injured during a family gathering in Richland, Iowa. The home that was the gathering place for the family and friends exploded due to the accumulation of propane gas. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane and the reasonable measures to take to ameliorate those dangers.
Settlement: Settlement was reached against the propane retailer for the policy limits of $5,000,000 and with the homeowner for $1,300,000. The wholesalers and pipeline settled for a significant confidential amount prior to the start of trial. Trial began against Lennox, the appliance manufacturer, before the case was settled for a substantial confidential amount during voir dire. The press reported total settlements of approximately $17,000,000. In addition, the District Court dismissed during the case a wholesaler based upon the limited liability statute. This was appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court which resulted in a reversal finding that a managing partner to a limited liability corporation can be personally liable.
Olache v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2001)
Facts: Client was burned when he awoke in a camper and tried to light a cigar. A defective gas valve leaked gas into the camper. The warning odor in propane gas will not warn a person who has just awakened.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement of $800,000 plus on behalf of its client with main defendants before trial.
Bach v. Sapp Bros, et. al. (Iowa 2001 Trial)
Facts: Client purchased a 100-pound propane cylinder to provide heat to his house he was building. The cylinder leaked in the unfinished basement.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of its client with main defendants before trial.
Client v. Propane Retailer, et. al. (North Dakota 2001)
Facts: Client purchased a 100-pound propane cylinder to provide heat to his house following a storm that knocked the power out to his residence. He took the cylinder home, placed it on the floor and left for two hours. When he returned, he smelled gas and attempted to carry the cylinder out of the house. When he picked up the cylinder, the home exploded.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential settlement on behalf of its client.
Wickenkamp v. Gas Company (2000)
Fact: A gas explosion occurred near Oskaloosa when the father of a minor boy was attempting to transfer propane from a larger cylinder to a smaller cylinder. Suit was filed based upon failure of the propane gas retailer to adequately warn regarding the dangers of transferring propane from one cylinder to another.
Settlement: After a week’s trial in Polk County District Court, a substantial confidential settlement was reached.
Nehrig v. Thermogas et al. (Iowa 2000)
Facts: Two volunteer fire fighters were killed and seven other people were injured when a blazing 18,000 gallon propane tank exploded in Albert City, Iowa. The propane tank lacked adequate collision protection, and the entire propane system design was flawed.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained confidential settlements on behalf of their clients.
Robbins v. Ferrellgas (Iowa 1999)
Facts: Mr. Robbins was a construction worker who suffered burns to his hands in a propane gas explosion. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane and the reasonable measure to take to ameliorate those dangers. In addition, the leaked gas was in a concrete pit. The concrete walls of the pit scrubbed the warning odor out of the gas.
Settlement: Total settlement for Mr. Robbins was in excess of $800,000.
Lawson v. Coop, et. al. (Minn 1998)
Facts: Mrs. Lawson was killed in her sleep from a propane gas explosion. The case against the retailer was brought based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane. The warning odor will not warn a sleeping person.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a significant confidential settlement for Mr. Lawson.
Snell v. Pellet (Iowa 1998)
Facts: Snell was burned in a propane gas explosion. Unfortunately for Mr. Snell, he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the explosion. Therefore, there was little by way of damages.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained $400,000 for Mr. Snell.
Mahr v. Coop, et. al. (Minn 1997)
Facts: Mr. Mahr was critically burned in a propane gas explosion in a winter cabin in Wisconsin. The case against the retailer was brought based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a significant confidential settlement for Mr. Mahr.
Amberson v. Red Lake Coop, et. al. (Minnesota 1997)
Facts: Mr and Mrs. Amberson, both Native Americans, received burns in a propane gas explosion in Minnesota. The case was brought against based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane. There were no lost wages, and there was little by wage of medical treatment. There were also significant issues of comparative fault.
Settlement: Settlement was reached for approximately $600,000.
Stansbeary v. Allied, et. al. (Iowa 1997 Trial)
Facts: Mr. Stansbeary was critically burned in a propane gas explosion near Albia, Iowa. The case against the retailer was brought in Polk County, Iowa based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Verdict: The case was tried to a Monroe County jury. The jury awarded Mr. Stansbeary $940,000+ for the clients of Beattie Law Firm.
Gustin v. Retailer (Iowa 1997)
Facts: Mr. Gustin was critically burned in a propane gas fire at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. He was using a propane torch when the torch broke and set him on fire. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane and defective maintenance.
Settlement: For a substantial confidential amount.
Jarnigan v. Central Iowa FS, et. al. (Iowa 1996)
Facts: Mr. Jarnigan, a Native American, received moderate burn damages as the result of a propane gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane. Mr. Jarnigan had no lost wages, and there were serious issues of comparative fault.
Settlement: The total settlement exceeded $800,000.
Chacon v. Cortez (1995)
Fact: Near Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, a corroded propane gas line leaked propane gas into the Chacon home and exploded, killing plaintiff’s decedent. Beattie Law Firm instituted action against the propane retailer for failing to discover the leaking propane gas line and to repair it, as well as failing to warn concerning the dangers of propane.
Settlement: this case settled for a substantial confidential settlement.
Sneller v. Thermogas (Iowa 1995 Trial)
Facts: Two plumbers were burned in a propane gas explosion in Jasper County. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Verdict: The jury awarded the two men in excess of $950,000.
Tuttle v. Beaman Corp. (Iowa 1995)
Facts: Two men received moderate burns in a propane explosion in Iowa. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained settlement in excess of $1,500,000.
Fahrbach v. Petrolane (New Mexico 1994 Trial)
Facts: A propane explosion in Taos, New Mexico resulted in severe burn injuries. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Settlement: The case against Heritage settled for $900,000.
Winiger v. Phillips Petroleum (Michigan 1993 Trial)
Facts: A propane explosion in Michigan resulted in burn injuries. The case was based on negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of odorized propane.
Settlement: Settlement was reached in a substantial confidential amount for the clients of Beattie Law Firm.
Walter v. Phillips Petroleum (Colorado Federal Court 1992 Trial)
Facts: Two minor children received serious burn injuries in a propane explosion in Colorado. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn about the defects of odorized propane.
Verdict: A Colorado Federal Court jury returned a verdict in favor of the clients of Beattie Law Firm in the amount of $6,200,000.
Timmens v. Kaneb Pipeline (Nebraska 1991 Trial)
Facts: Mr. Timmens received severe burns as a result of a propane gas explosion in Nebraska. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn about the defects of odorized propane.
Verdict: A Nebraska jury awarded a then-record $1,600,000 verdict to Mr. Timmens.
DeJong, et. al. v. Phillips Petroleum, et. al. (Iowa 1990 Trial)
Facts: Two men were critically burned in a propane explosion in Marion County. The lawsuit was brought against the propane retailer Phillips Petroleum and the propane appliance manufacturers based upon negligent failure to warn about the dangers of propane gas.
Verdict: The two men settled against all defendants except for Rheem Manufacturing. A Marion County jury verdict in the amount of $4,100,000+ was awarded. This groundbreaking verdict is believed to be the first time that a jury in the United States found against a propane appliance manufacturer for negligent failure to warn about the dangers of propane.
Myers v. I.T.T. General Controls (Iowa Federal Court 1989 Trial)
Facts: A minor child was burned on the left side of his torso in a propane explosion. The lawsuit was brought against a defectively designed and leaking gas valve. The jury was presented with no medical damages because the minor victim received free medical care.
Verdict: The jury awarded in excess of $600,000 for the minor child.
NATURAL GAS EXPLOSIONS
Client v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa Federal Court 2008)
Facts: A 72-year-old retired principal died in a natural gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our client’s home. The gas company defended the case on the basis that this was not a natural gas explosion.
Settlement: $900,000.00 was reached five days before the beginning of trial.
Stubbert v. Gas Company (2005)
Fact: Natural gas utility failed to warn about the dangers of flex connectors, inspecting and replacing defective flex connectors. A known defective flex connector was a part of the natural gas piping system that the power company failed to warn about and to inspect and replace.
Settlement: $2 million settlement was reached.
City of Hubbard, et. al. v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa 2003)
Facts: The downtown area of the City of Hubbard, Iowa exploded on December 7, 2000, nearly destroying it. The explosion was caused by leaking natural gas from an Alliant natural gas line. The City of Hubbard and 33 other parties including insurance companies joined together and filed suit against Alliant.
Settlement: The case was settled for an amount in excess of $2,400,000 shortly before the start of trial.
Client v. Natural Gas Retailer (Iowa Court 2004)
Facts: An elderly retired space engineer died in a natural gas explosion. The case was based on a negligent failure to warn, including the need to have gas detectors installed inside our client’s home. The gas company defended the case on the basis that this was not a natural gas explosion.
Settlement: A substantial confidential settlement was reached before the beginning of trial.
OTHER GAS EXPLOSIONS & FIRES
Client v. Defendant (D. Neb. 2017)
Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented a client following an industrial setting fire that resulted in substantial property damage to the facility. Suit was brought against the defendant, who designed, manufactured, and sold the commercial dryer to the client. The theory of liability asserted was that the defendant failed to meet established industry standards concerning necessary fire safety equipment.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a confidential seven-figure settlement after a week-long trial in federal court. Settlement was reached prior to closing arguments.
AcetoneClient v. Defendants (Iowa 2014)
Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented three workers who were employed by a company specializing in the application of a special paint and dye to concrete. The active ingredient in the paint was acetone. Acetone is a highly flammable and very dangerous chemical. The victims were applying the substance in a basement when the acetone fumes ignited, severally injuring the three young men.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement in excess of $5 million for the victims prior to trial.
Hexane GasEstate v. Co-Employees & Other Defendants (Iowa 2009)
Facts: Beattie Law Firm represented the estate of a young worker and two individuals who were burned while working at a major soybean processing facility in Northwest Iowa. The facility was shut down at the time of the incident, and the gentlemen were assigned to do cleaning without the storage areas. However, the system was designed to allow dangerous hexane gas to become present in the storage area while the gas detectors were off due to the system shutdown.
Settlement: The case proceeded to trial against one of the co-employee defendants under a theory of gross negligence. The case settled during the second week of trial. Combining all settlements during and before trial, Beattie Law Firm obtained roughly $6 million for the victims and their families.
HYDRAULIC FLUID
Wyndham v. _____
Facts: A railroad shock absorber exploded, spewing flaming gases over the client, resulting in severe burn injuries. Beattie Law Firm pursued the case on the theory of product defect, claiming the shock absorber had a defective design. The case was defended on the grounds that they blamed the victim for his own fault in causing the incident.
Settlement: A $1.5 million settlement was reached after a two-week trial in federal court in Omaha.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Gossage v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2008)
Facts: Mr. Gossage was an employee of a hog lot in Iowa. A propane-operated gas washer was installed inside of a break room without adequate ventilation. A buildup of carbon monoxide killed Mr. Gossage. The lawsuit was filed against the appliance manufacturer and the gas retailer for negligent inspection and negligent failure to warn.
Settlement: Settlements in total in excess of $800,000 were obtained for the client of Beattie Law Firm shortly before the start of trial.
Bennett v. Propane Retailer (Minnesota 2008)
Facts: Mr. Bennett suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after an animal was found in the propane system at his residence. The animal acted like a cork in the propane system, blocking the escape of harmful carbon monoxide fumes to the chimney.
Settlement: A confidential six-figure settlement was reached on behalf of Mr. Bennett.
Devore v. Retailer, et. al. (Iowa 2004)
Facts: A 17-year-old youth died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning while camping. A propane heater was defective, resulting in the release of excessive amounts of carbon monoxide. Defendants failed to warn users of its product the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in the camping setting.
Settlement: Settlements in excess of $400,000 were obtained for the client of Beattie Law Firm.
ELECTROCUTION
Hicks vs DC Masonry, Inc., et al. (Nebraska 2010)
Facts: Wrongful death action stemming from an on the job electrocution. The case was based on the negligence of varies parties.
Settlement: This case was settled in excess of $1 million paid among the various parties.
Conard vs Ameren Services Company (Illinois 2009)
Facts: A 5-year-old boy contacted a high-powered downed electrical line resulting in traumatic amputation of his right arm. The power company had been notified 3 days prior to the electrocution that the line was down and neglected to deenergize the line.
Settlement: This case was settled in excess of $5 million.
Trenton v. Defendant (Iowa 2004)
Facts: A young boy had been burned by an electrical shock in approximately 1995. The claim was predicated on the fact that the power company in making installation of the power line stretched and pulled the electrical lines at the house, causing a short, which in turn caused an electrical fire in the garage.
Settlement: Beattie Law Firm obtained a settlement for the boy of $1,500,000.
Bingham, et. al. v. Defendants (Iowa 2000)
Facts: Our client, a Channel 5 newscaster, raised an antenna on a TV van into a power line, resulting in severe electrical burns to him and a co-worker. The claim was filed against the maker of the van for failing to have a proximity warning device on the antenna to warn of the power lines, as well as failure to insulate the van to prevent electrocution.
Settlement: This case was settled in excess of $2 million paid among the various parties.
Jahner v. Defendants (Iowa 1994)
Facts: Mr. Jahner, who was a lineman, received serious burns when he made contact with a live powerline. The electric cooperative that hired Mr. Jahner’s employer to perform line work refused to de-energize lines and forced a deadline upon Mr. Jahner to have the work completed.
Settlement: During opening statements at trial, the case settled for over $500,000.