A recent premises liability case that we had involved a 23-year-old mother who sustained severe burn injuries in an outdoor gas grill explosion at her apartment complex. The outdoor grill was furnished for tenant use in the poolside common area. The explosion was caused by a corroded hardline natural gas pipe that was leaking natural gas into the brick grill enclosure. When the plaintiff went to light the grill, the pulled natural gas exploded and flames surrounded the plaintiff’s body. The plaintiff was transported to a level one trauma center. When she arrived at the hospital, she had burns to 12% of her body. The area of injury kept expanding after the initial contact with the flames as is common in burn injuries. And by the time the explosion stopped, the plaintiff had burns on 36% of her body. The plaintiff remained hospitalized for 19 days and underwent four surgeries, including an autograft. The plaintiff will have visible scarring, discoloration, and compromised skin on large parts of her body for the rest of her life. She incurred over $262,000 in past medical bills. Our experts included a pain management doctor who treated her ongoing physical pain from the burns, a clinical psychologist who treated her post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health concerns, and an OB/GYN who advised the plaintiff on her future pregnancy risks. The defense hired a plastic surgeon who conceded that the plaintiff would require multiple future scar revision surgeries and procedures and that she would never return to her pre-explosion condition. Liability and damages were disputed. 40 discovery depositions and four de bene esse depositions were taken throughout the course of the case. A mediation was held 4 months prior to trial, but it failed and settlement discussions did not occur again until the week before trial. Our attorneys, through the mediator, were able to negotiate a settlement the day before jury instructions were due. The case resolved for $7 million. The settlement came four months before the statute of limitations. All other terms of the settlement are confidential. No need to worry. No need to worry. Call Cooper Hurley. The car crash experts. 333-3333.
