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Three victims of the Des Plaines condo explosion have filed a lawsuit against Nicor Gas and the building’s management company, alleging a reported gas leak was not properly addressed before the blast that left them critically injured.
New legal action has now been filed following the devastating condo explosion and fire in Des Plaines earlier this month. Three of the eight victims injured in the May 6 explosion are suing Nicor Gas and the building’s management company, Tom Dase Management LLC.
The lawsuit alleges residents reported smelling natural gas before the blast and claims the response was not thorough enough to prevent the explosion. According to the law firm representing the victims, all three clients remain in critical condition with severe burn injuries. Attorney Bradley Cosgrove with Clifford Law Offices says families are still dealing with overwhelming trauma after losing their homes, belongings and even pets.
"We have people dealing with horrific burns, terrible pain, emotional scarring… and on top of that, they’ve lost everything," Cosgrove said. "Some even lost their pets. It’s just an absolutely horrific scene.
"RELATED: Des Plaines condo explosion victims sue gas company, condo managementAttorneys claim Nicor Gas responded to the building after residents reported a possible leak but say people were later told it was safe to return inside. "Nicor showed up about an hour after the call," Cosgrove said. "An employee went in, came back out, and told residents there was no gas leak. So people believed it was safe.
"The explosion happened hours later near Harding Street and Graceland Avenue, sending eight people to the hospital. Witnesses said some residents were forced to jump from balconies to escape the flames. Nicor Gas released a statement saying, in part, "The safety of our customers, employees and the communities we serve is our highest priority," adding the company determined the event "was not caused by Nicor Gas facilities.
"But attorneys representing the victims argue that statement does not address whether the response to the reported gas smell was handled properly. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Fox Chicago reached out to Tom Dase Management LLC but has not heard back yet.
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