Cleveland Amos (Full Name: Cleveland Lee Amos) Died In Gas Explosion Accident In Downton Bakersfield At Park 20th Apartments Near 20th Street and V Street
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (August 20, 2022) – A man identified as Cleveland Amos, 66, died in a Bakersfield gas explosion accident at the Park 20th Apartments.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place back in June. Cleveland Lee Amos was operating a piece of heavy equipment when there was a sudden explosion.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help all of the victims. One person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Despite life-saving measures, Cleveland Amos died due to the severity of his injuries. While no official cause of the explosion has been listed, investigators believe that it may have been caused by a gas leak.
PG&E officials arrived at the scene and shut off the natural gas for the area. About 450 PG&E customers lost power as a result of the accident.
A full investigation into the Bakersfield gas explosion accident that killed Cleveland Amos remains ongoing.
Liability In Bakersfield Gas Explosion Accidents
Natural gas explosions may seem like freak occurrences, but they are actually quite common. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “In the U.S., local fire departments respond to an average of 340 natural gas or LP-Gas leaks per day with no ignition. Although gas leaks are much more common than gas ignitions, they can be precursors to devastating events.” There are a number of steps that should be taken in order to prevent natural gas explosions.
- Gas pipelines should be identified before any construction work is done.
- Gas pipelines should be turned off when work is being done nearby.
- The gas company should be notified whenever any gas leak is suspected.
- Workers should be properly trained to use heavy equipment.
When a worker is killed on the job, their family may have legal recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation in California is based off of a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate negligence. Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may also have legal recourse through a third party liability claim.
A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. For example, a gas company such as PG&E could face civil liability if a worker is killed on the job. A utility company may have failed to alert a construction company about the presence of gas lines on a strip of land. They may have also failed to turn off gas lines when they were given an order to do so. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a gas explosion accident.
- All work orders to the gas company involved in the accident should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any worker that is killed in a gas explosion may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, gas companies will often fight extremely hard to deny responsibility for any accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bakersfield Gas Explosion Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cleveland Amos. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield gas explosion accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
