On Thursday, California utility regulators assigned their largest safety fine ever – $38 million – against PG&E Corporation for a pipeline explosion in 2008 that killed a Rancho Cordova man. This hefty fine implies that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will be even harsher on a much bigger accident that occurred in 2010, leveling a neighborhood in San Bruno, California and killing eight in the process.
After investigating the Rancho Cordova explosion, which also caused injury to five people, investigators found that the gas leak was caused by faulty PG&E repairs. A CPUC commissioner stated that the high fines are an attempt to emphasize the point that “safety must come before everything else” for utility companies.
Gas explosion accidents can be devastating. Those that survive are often left with serious, life-altering injuries. If a utility company’s negligence is found to have caused the accident, the victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue compensation.
If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in a gas explosion, please contact the experienced California personal injury lawyers at the Cochran Firm today for a free case evaluation.
