A settlement has been reached between the family of a Blackstone, Massachusetts, electrician who died as the result of a propane tank explosion and the two companies who have been found responsible for causing the accident to occur. According to CBS Boston News, the family will receive $7.5 million for their loss.
The construction site accident happened in July 2010 when a 1,000-gallon underground propane tank suddenly exploded. The 46-year-old victim suffered third-degree burns over 80 percent of his body and died several hours after being pulled from the rubble.
An investigation determined that the cause of the explosion was due to a combination of a valve not properly being tightened, which allowed the leak to happen, and the tank not properly being filled with an additive that alerts workers to a gas leak by its smell.
While the decision may not bring their loved one back, the family says that the settlement does bring some retribution for the loss. The victim’s brother stated, “It’s been getting better as time goes by, but sometimes I’ll hear a song on the radio and say `I’ll never see him perform that song again.'” He added that his brother would be happy to know that several safety changes were made because of the accident.
The Boston Construction Accident Lawyers with Jason Stone Injury Lawyers hope that the decision will continue to bring closure to the family of the victim.