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Verdicts & Settlements: Negligence

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Failure to inspect LP gas cylinder

March 28, 2019

U P Propane delivered several 100-pound LP gas cylinders to Derek Parker’s marijuana growing facility. One of the cylinders was 78 years old and had holes on its underside. Parker placed the cylinders in a storage room. When he returned after the weekend, he noticed the smell of gas inside the facility. He moved one of the cylinders outside and turned on a fan to air out the facility. A large explosion occurred, causing Parker, 35, severe burns to 45 percent of his body. He was airlifted to a burn center, where he spent more than a month receiving treatment that included skin grafts with cadaver skin and painful debridements. He continues to suffer pain and has limited use of his hands, which prevents him from fishing professionally as he once did. Additionally, he has required follow-up surgeries to loosen his skin. His medical expenses were $512,000, and his past lost income totaled $20,000.

Parker sued U P Propane, LLC, alleging it negligently failed to inspect its propane tanks for corrosion.

The jury awarded $2.5 million.

Citation: Parker v. U P Propane, LLC, No. 16-55099-NO (Mich. Cir. Ct. Marquette Cnty. Sept. 12, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Karl P. Numinen and Phillip Toutant, both of Marquette, Mich.