COURT HOUSE – The Villas couple, seriously injured when a gas explosion and fire destroyed their house Nov. 7, filed suit Dec. 18 against the propane gas company and a contractor it believes were responsible for the explosion.
James McCarty, who suffered severe burns to his legs and other injuries, and his wife Evelyn, whose injuries included two broken legs, escaped with their lives as their home was reduced to rubble.
Neighbors rushed into the burning home to save the couple.
According to a release from Shanin Specter of the Philadelphia-based law firm Kline & Specter who, along with attorney Dominic Guerrin, represent the McCartys, the problem began in April 2013 when the McCartys decided to convert their home from propane to natural gas.
South Jersey Fuel & Propane contracted with Shore Guys Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC, to disconnect the large propane tank located on the couple’s property. But, their lawsuit claims, Shore Guys cut the propane pipes underneath the home and turned off the tank but never locked or “tagged out” the tank and did not remove it from the property.
On Nov. 6, the McCartys, unable to turn on their gas fireplace, sought assistance from a neighbor, who noticed the propane tank valve was closed and opened the valve. That caused gas to flow into the severed pipes and collect beneath the home.
The explosion was ignited as James McCarty stepped into the shower and turned the spigot, which ignited the hot water tank and the gas beneath the home.
“This tragedy was avoidable. Today, the McCartys take the first steps toward righting the wrong,” stated Specter.
The suit was filed in Cape May County Superior Court.
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