Have you been affected by the Merrimack Gas Fire Crisis?

On the afternoon of September 13, 2018, a catastrophic blazing fire raged through a property on East Water Street in North Andover. The homeowner noticed that the pilot light in his stove was acting abnormally. He immediately shut off the stove’s gas and proceeded into the basement to check on the home’s gas powered heating system. As he headed down the stairs into the basement, the homeowner observed a veritable flame-thrower spewing out of the heating system.

This scenario was playing out all over the area as more than 70 homes erupted in flames. It was discovered that the cause of these fires was pressured gas lines serviced by Columbia Gas. Thanks to a heroic effort by first responders, the homeowner's house did not burn to the ground. However, the house sustained significant smoke and fire damage as did all of their belongings. The homeowner has suffered and will continue to suffer property damage, loss of use of their residence, mental anguish and undue stress which manifests as physical conditions as a result of this tragedy. Columbia Gas must be held accountable.

These homeowners are not alone. Many local businesses are feeling the struggle as a result of this negligent activity by Columbia Gas. As a result of the gas line malfunction, many area businesses are not safe for occupation, and the owners are losing revenue every day these businesses remain closed. This loss of business is not the fault of the business owner and the responsible party needs to be brought to justice for their actions.

Columbia Gas, and their parent company, NiSource have the duty to monitor and safeguard the gas lines that they have running through Lawrence, Andover, North Andover, and the other communities they serve in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The lack of safety procedures and testing has allowed this dangerious situation to occur.According to CBS Boston, here is what we know right now about the direct impacts of the explosions.

• One confirmed dead
• 25 injured
• 60-80 fires and 3 explosions
• Gov. Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover

Media exposure

Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions

In September 2018, the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts, a series of explosions and fires destroyed and damaged homes and businesses due to excessive pressure in natural gas lines owned by Columbia Gas company and its parent company NiSource. On this edition of Ringler Radio, host Larry Cohen and co-host, Joan Pagnano discuss pending litigation and next steps for the victims of this disaster with guest Patrick Haines.

A team of qualified attorneys is ready to assist

This type of negligence by any corporation cannot stand. The innocent people of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover have had their lives disrupted by this tragedy. The law offices of Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, The Raimondo Law Firm, and local counsel Brian Cunha & Associates have partnered together to hold Columbia Gas accountable for their negligence and bring justice and compensation to the residents and business owners of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover.

Taking back the town

The law offices of Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, in partnership with The Raimondo Law Firm and local counsel Brian Cunha & Associates, have been communicating with local

 business owners and residents about the most up-to-date information on the case. Several town hall and community meetings have been held for an open forum to discuss the issue and how it has affected the community.

To learn more about these events, please contact us!

Pharmaceutical Settlement

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