Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
A contractor responsible for causing a natural gas explosion that injured three Columbus, Ohio, firefighters in 2008, has settled with the firefighters and their families ending several years of litigation.
George J. Igel & Co. has agreed to settle with firefighters Patrick Malone, Barbara Capuana, Dan Whiteside and their spouses for the injuries they sustained on October 31, 2008 when a building exploded shortly after their arrival on scene. In September, 2012 a jury found that Ingel’s workers were responsible for damaging a natural gas line that led to the explosion. A separate trial limited to damages was schedule for last fall but was postponed as the parties worked on a settlement.
Each of the firefighters suffered multiple injuries including burns, injuries to the back, neck, arm, knee and leg, and kidney. All reportedly were able to return to work within a year of the blast, but continue to receive treatment. Capuana retired earlier this year because of her injuries.
The firefighters originally sued a number of defendants, including the city of Columbus (for whom Igel was working at the time), Ditch Witch Ohio, and Columbia Gas Ohio, Inc. In the end, Igel was found by a jury to be responsible. Here is a copy of the judgment: Judgment
Here is a copy of the court’s explanation of the parties and facts to the jury: Explanation
You will note that the firefighter’s case was consolidated with suits brought by tenants of the building that exploded. No word on whether Igel has reached a settlement with them. The terms of the firefighters' settlement are confidential.
