Jury awards $19.8 million to a man injured when his home exploded.
Pengxuan Diao was asleep when a SoCalGas employee arrived to service the gas system on the San Gabriel property where he and others lived. While working, the employee somehow opened a valve on a gas line that lead to the back house that Diao occupied. Then, in violation of company policy, the employee left without verifying that the entire property was free of gas leaks.
By the time Diao woke up about two hours later, the small room where he had slept had filled with a dangerous amount of natural gas. When Diao tried to light himself a cigarette, the gas ignited and the whole room and everything in it—including Diao—caught fire. Diao suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 20 percent of his body as well as a traumatic brain injury.
Diao brought a suit against SoCalGas, seeking compensation for his severe, life-altering injuries. Diao alleged that the SoCalGas employee was negligent in opening the valve and then failing to ensure the property was safe before leaving. Experts testifying for both sides agreed that the amount of gas that was allowed to flow into Diao’s room was so large that even the smallest trigger, like turning on a light or even opening a door, would have caused an explosion.
SoCalGas admitted partial fault for the incident, but also tried to pin a portion of the blame on Diao’s landlord. The company also questioned Diao’s injuries, claiming that he deserved only $1.4 million in damages.
The jury sided with Diao, awarding $17 million for pain and suffering, as well as $2.1 million for medical bills and $657,000 for lost earnings. This award reflects the seriousness of brain and burn injuries.
Burn injuries are extremely painful and often result in lifelong scarring. In Diao’s case, his burns resulted in the need for 2 weeks of hospitalization immediately after the accident plus multiple surgeries, including skin grafts.
Brain injuries can also cause significant medical bills, along with changes in quality of life that are much harder to quantify. Changes in mood, personality, coordination, and cognitive ability are all possible following a brain injury. In Diao’s case, his traumatic brain injury resulted in cognitive defects that will affect the rest of his life.
This jury award should serve as an encouragement to anyone who supports the rights of individuals to be compensated for injury and harm at the hands of big business.
