Explosion

Harris County Jury Awards $37.9 Million in 2020 Watson Grinding Explosion Case, Highlighting Critical Safety Failures

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HOUSTON, Texas — A Harris County jury awarded $37.9 million to five victims of the 2020 explosion at the Watson Grinding warehouse in Spring Branch. The decision, announced on Tuesday, represents a significant legal outcome following the tragic incident that left many affected. In the aftermath of the explosion, Watson Grinding filed for bankruptcy. However, attorneys noted that insurance companies later settled claims for a total of $52 million. The recent judgment centers on the roles of 3M and Teledyne-Detcon, two companies involved in the installation and maintenance of the warehouse’s gas detection system. An … Read more

"California Man Awarded $77 Million After Life-Altering Refrigerant Explosion at Kroger"

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OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — A man from Michigan suffered life-altering injuries when a refrigerant explosion occurred at a Kroger supermarket in Bloomfield Township in 2022. A jury recently awarded him nearly $77 million in damages, a decision welcomed by the man’s family, yet they acknowledge that no amount of money can restore what was lost. Jon Marko, the attorney representing Brian Mierendorf, expressed the mixed emotions surrounding the jury’s verdict. “It’s bittersweet,” he said. “While we’re pleased with the ruling, it doesn’t bring back Brian’s hands.” Mierendorf, a 37-year-old pipefitter and HVAC technician, sustained severe … Read more

"Michigan Man Awarded $77 Million After Life-Altering Refrigerant Explosion at Kroger"

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OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — A Michigan man lost most of his hands due to a refrigerant explosion at a Kroger supermarket in 2022, leading to a jury’s landmark decision this week to award him nearly $77 million in damages. Brian Mierendorf, a 37-year-old pipefitter and HVAC technician, has spent the last three years navigating the traumatic aftermath of the incident, which his attorney described as “bittersweet.” Jon Marko, representing Mierendorf, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, emphasizing that no amount of money can restore what has been lost. He stated, “We’re happy with the verdict, … Read more

Historic $15.5 Million Verdict Honors Victim of Watson Grinding Explosion, Thanks to Simon Perdue’s Legal Triumph

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San Antonio, Texas — A jury has awarded $15.5 million to a victim of the devastating Watson Grinding explosion that occurred in 2020, marking a significant legal victory for Simon Perdue, the attorney representing the plaintiff. This landmark ruling comes after a trial that revealed the severe impact of the explosion on the victim’s life and serves as a poignant reminder of the incident’s tragic consequences. The explosion, which took place on January 24, 2020, claimed the lives of three individuals and caused extensive damage to several surrounding buildings, including homes and businesses in the … Read more