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This settlement is closed!
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Residents of certain Massachusetts counties may be able to take part in a $143 million settlement resolving a Columbia Gas explosion class action lawsuit.
Class Members include those who were residents and business owners of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover communities during a gas explosion that took place on Sept. 13, 2018.
A series of class action lawsuits were filed after the Massachusetts Columbia Gas explosion damaged hundreds of buildings, injured and even killed one person. The mayor of one town affected by the explosions reportedly called for the gas company’s license to be pulled as a result.
According to the Massachusetts Columbia Gas explosion class action lawsuit, the incident occurred because of over-pressurized gas lines. The plaintiffs alleged that Columbia Gas failed to properly maintain its gas pipes.
According to a local Boston CBS News affiliate, the National Transportation Safety Board investigation concluded that Columbia Gas made errors when it came to replacement pipework. These errors resulted in over-pressured lines, causing the explosion that took the life of an 18-year-old man.
Columbia Gas continues to deny any wrongdoing, but has agreed to pay $143 million to settle the class action lawsuit allegations. Under the terms of the settlement, Class Members can claim between $50 and $15,000, depending on the degree of disruption experienced by the Class Member.
Class Members who experienced a nominal disruption in gas service can receive $50, while those who experienced a major disruption can receive up to $15,000. The degree of disruption will be determined by a court-approved formula that takes into account geographic location, household size, length of displacement and/or service disruption and the nature of property damage.
To make a claim in the Massachusetts Columbia Gas explosion class action settlement, Class Members must either have their claim ID provided on the notice or provide proof of ownership of a residential or business property in the affected location during the explosion. Those who wish to submit claims for damaged property must provide documentation of the damage and/or repair work. Claims must be submitted by Jan. 9, 2020.
Notably, claims for physical injury or wrongful death as a result of the Massachusetts Columbia Gas explosion are not included in the settlement. A separate settlement has reportedly been reached with the municipalities as well.
The deadline for Class Members to object to or opt out of the class action settlement is Dec. 10, 2019.
Who’s Eligible
“All persons who resided, owned property, or owned a business in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover (‘the Class Area’) as of September 13, 2018.”
Potential Award
Up to $15,000.
- Class Members who experienced a nominal disruption in service can claim $50
- Class Members who experienced additional disruption can receive additional award money depending on the extent of the disruption and a number of factors, including geographic location, household size, length of displacement and/or service disruption and the nature of property damage
Proof of Purchase
Class Members who do not have a claim ID will need to submit proof of residency or business ownership at the time of the gas explosion. Those claiming additional disruption will need to submit documentation of damages and/or repairs.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
3/27/2020 UPDATED
Case Name
In re: Columbia Gas Cases, Civil Action No. 1877CV01343G, in the the Essex County Superior Court of Massachusetts
Final Hearing
2/27/2020
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Columbia Gas Settlement
c/o Heffler Claims Group
PO Box 58729
Philadelphia, PA 19102-8729
1-833-927-0819
info@ColumbiaGasExplosionSettlement.com.
Class Counsel
John Roddy
BAILEY & GLASSER LLP
Frank Petosa
MORGAN & MORGAN PA
Elizabeth Graham
GRANT & EISENHOFER PA
Defense Counsel
John F. Rooney III
Robert Treat
MELICK & PORTER LLP
J. Brian Jackson
Diane Flannery
MCGUIREWOODS LLP
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2 thoughts onMassachusetts Columbia Gas Explosion Class Action Settlement
hi i dont why i cannot speak with someone of columbia gas about what happened in south lawrence
add me