Court Sets Date For Civil Trial In Deadly San Bruno Blast
SAN MATEO (CBS SF) - Civil litigation related to the 2010 pipeline disaster that leveled a San Bruno neighborhood and killed 8 people is moving forward, with San Mateo County Superior Court setting a July 23, 2012 trial date.
PG&E has already reached a $70 million settlement with the city of San Bruno, though individual victims won't receive any portion of those funds. Instead, 8 individuals have banded together - they are representative of people who lost loved ones, suffered their own physical injuries or lost property in the blast.
"We try these cases, they're more or less test cases and we see what a jury thinks is an appropriate amount of compensation for victims in these different categories," explained attorney Mike Danko, who is representing three of the 8 plaintiffs.
These test cases could provide the basis for settlements with more than 100 other families affected by the disaster. Compensation sought includes money for lost wages, health care, rebuilding homes and emotional damage.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
"PG&E has continued to stand by the community of San Bruno and we will bear the cost to make things right for the city and its people," said Brian Swanson, a spokesman for the utility.
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