As many news outlets reported last month, an explosion caused by a gas leak ripped through East Harlem on March 13 around 9:25am, killing 8 people and injuring dozens. The devastation was massive, leveling two buildings located at 1644 and 1646 Park Avenue in ruins, and the explosion caused tremors that could be felt for miles away. With the severity of this explosion as well as the suddenness of its arrival, it was only a matter of time until the victims of this horrible tragedy started seeking compensation for their personal injuries.
MyFoxNY has reported that Michelle Nelson, a 46-year-old Harlem woman, has filed a lawsuit against Con Edison as well as the owner of 1646 Park Avenue, stating that she sustained “severe and permanent injuries” from the explosion when it caused her to fall in her apartment that was located more than a block away from the blast area. The suit also states that there was neglect in Con Ed’s “duty to keep… the premises in a safe, proper and secure manner.”
It appears that more lawsuits are on the way as well; Jose Vargas, a 20-year-old high school student, has filed paperwork that he might sue the city for $10 million after being thrown off the seat of his passing bus, resulting in torn ligaments and burst blood vessels.
As more and more time passes from this tragedy and people have time to recover and reflect on their injuries, it is certain that more will come forward who need compensation for their damages from this horrible catastrophe.
From all of us at Harmon, Smith & Vourvoulias, LLC, our hearts go out to those killed or injured in the East Harlem gas explosion. We know that for some, no amount of money can ever compensate for the damages they’ve experienced.
If you’ve been injured in New Orleans in any size accident that was a result of another’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance today.
This article’s photo comes courtesy of Flickr contributor, Randy Lemoine