Louisiana Supreme Court Confirms $23 Million Verdict Against Centerpoint Energy in 2003 Burn Case
The Louisiana Supreme Court has affirmed a $23 million jury award to a St. Landry Parish family severely injured in a 2003 house fire and explosion. The ruling holds Centerpoint Energy responsible for $11.5 million of the judgment due to negligence in securing a gas meter at a rental property.
The case stems from an incident in June 2003 where six family members were horrifically burned after an unauthorized individual reactivated a gas meter that Centerpoint Energy had disconnected for non-payment. According to Randy Piedrahita, lead trial attorney from the Baton Rouge personal injury law firm of Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege, Centerpoint Energy violated both federal regulations and its own internal safety protocols. These protocols required either a locking device on the meter or a ”blind plate” installation to prevent gas flow even if the meter was tampered with.
Centerpoint Energy’s failure to properly secure the meter allowed an unauthorized person to restore gas service to the home, where a gas line had been inadvertently left open. Fugitive gas accumulated inside the house for several hours while the family slept before being ignited by an unknown source, resulting in catastrophic injuries. The Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision upholds the jury’s finding that Centerpoint Energy’s negligence directly contributed to the family’s suffering.
Individuals suffering from burn injuries can contact the Baton Rouge burn injury lawyers at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege for a free consultation.
