A San Antonio jury has found CPS Energy liable for a natural gas explosion that killed two dogs and left two residents with permanent injuries. The jury awarded $109 million in damages to the victims, citing decades of neglect in the home's gas system.
A San Antonio jury has held CPS Energy liable for a devastating natural gas explosion that occurred on May 1, 2021, awarding $109 million in damages to the victims. The explosion, which originated from decades of neglect in the natural gas system of a Southeast Side home, resulted in the deaths of two family dogs and left two residents with permanent, life-altering injuries.
Robert Rymers, a resident of the property, suffered permanent disability, while his mother, Virginia Rymers, sustained severe burns, an air embolism, and ongoing physical and mental trauma. Attorneys representing the Rymers, Michael Lyons and Chris Simmons, argued that CPS Energy had a responsibility to address the known history of failures in the gas system. They pointed out that the meter had been replaced twice, in 2008 and 2015, due to resident reports of natural gas leaks and hissing sounds. Furthermore, they claimed that CPS Energy failed to adequately test the gas system despite conducting electrical testing in the neighborhood prior to the explosion. The jury's verdict also addressed allegations that CPS Energy arrived at the scene of the explosion and disposed of key evidence. The Rymers' attorneys accused the utility company of failing to take responsibility for the blast and covering up their potential negligence. While CPS Energy maintains they do not believe their gas was the cause of the accident, the jury's decision underscores the importance of preventative maintenance and addressing known safety concerns in aging gas systems. This case serves as a stark reminder for utility companies across Texas to prioritize safety and invest in thorough system inspections and maintenance to prevent similar tragedies
CPS Energy Natural Gas Explosion Damages Injuries Neglect Jury Verdict Safety
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