According to the law firm Kline & Specter, their client gave permission for this information to be released.
COURT HOUSE – A settlement of $2 million has been reached in the case of a Villas couple seriously injured when a powerful gas explosion and fire destroyed their house in late 2013.
Injured in the incident were James McCarty, 67, who suffered severe burns to his legs, and his wife Evelyn, also 67, who sustained two broken legs, as their house in Villas was leveled in a blast that could be felt several miles away. The incident occurred after the McCartys had switched from propane to natural gas.
According to a release from the Philadelphia-based law firm Kline & Specter, the lion’s share of the settlement, $1.625 million, will be paid by the contractor, Shore Guys Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC, which disconnected the propane by cutting pipes underneath the home and turning off the tank but failed to lock the tank or to remove it from the property. South Jersey Fuel & Propane agreed to pay $275,000 as part of the settlement.
The incident occurred Nov. 7, 2013 after the McCartys, unable to turn on their gas fireplace, sought the assistance of a neighbor. The neighbor noticed the propane tank valve was closed and opened the valve, causing gas to flow into the severed pipes and collect beneath the house. The explosion was ignited as James McCarty stepped into the shower and turned the spigot, igniting the hot water tank and the gas beneath the home.
The litigation was handled by Shanin Specter and Dominic Guerrini of Kline & Specter, P.C. The suit was filed in Cape May County Superior Court.
For previous coverage, go to:
– Couple Brings Suit in Home Explosion: http://goo.gl/nWYczn
– UPDATE: McCartys’ Lawyer Relates Their Conditions, Plans Investigation: http://goo.gl/Id0xP7
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