$18.5 GLOBAL MILLION SETTLEMENT: In June 2018, our client was working in an underground vault at a Bucks County gas station when a catastrophic explosion occurred, tragically claiming his life. The incident, caused by a volatile mixture of gasses in the confined space, led to a complex legal battle that Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway pursued diligently for six years.
Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway, led by attorneys Joseph Stampone, Kevin O’Brien, and Tyler Stampone, took on this complex wrongful death lawsuit, dedicating themselves to uncovering the truth and holding the responsible parties accountable. “Our investigation started about 24 hours after the accident had occurred, allowing Joe and Kevin to be on-site during evidence collection and debris removal,” Tyler Stampone explains.
The case’s complexity was compounded by the involvement of numerous defendants, from equipment manufacturers to fuel delivery services. Tyler Stampone notes, “We faced a network of potentially liable parties. Our strategy involved a thorough investigation of each defendant’s role in the chain of events that led to this tragedy.”
The team’s investigation revealed the critical factors that contributed to the explosion. Kevin O’Brien, senior partner, explains: “Our forensic analysis uncovered critical issues, including that the fuel delivery over time had created hazardous conditions within the underground vault.” The fuel delivery company had been overfilling the tanks, violating the 90% capacity industry standard. This practice significantly contributed to creating a volatile atmosphere within the underground vault where our client was working when the explosion occurred.
After six years of relentless work, including multiple on-site inspections, expert consultations, and strategic negotiations, our team secured an $18.5 global million settlement on behalf of our client and his co-employee whose lawyers our firm collaborated with in the investigation, prosecution, and resolution of this case. The proceeds of that settlement were determined to be allocated by a neutral mediator after the global settlement was reached.
For Joseph Stampone, the implications of this case extend beyond the individual tragedy: “This case could happen anywhere, and our work underscored the critical importance of rigorously following safety protocols in high-risk environments like a gas station. We hope this outcome will encourage adherence to safety practices across the industry, preventing future tragedies.”
Most importantly, this decision brought a measure of justice to our client’s family. “While no settlement can truly compensate for the loss of life, we strived to honor our client’s memory by holding all responsible parties accountable,” Joseph Stampone reflects. “This settlement not only provides financial security for the family but also honors the memory of our client and the suffering his family has endured because of his wrongful death.”
Kevin O’Brien adds, “This case showcases the power of persistence and thorough investigation, but it also shows our firm’s resilience and unwavering dedication to our clients. We made ourselves available around the clock for our clients. We treat them like family. And as for the investigation, from our immediate response to the scene to the final negotiations, every member of our team played a crucial role in achieving this outcome for our clients.”
Have you or a loved one been affected by an accident that led to a wrongful death? We’re here to fight for your rights. Contact our team at Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway today for a free consultation.