PA Law Blogs » Allentown, PA

Natural Gas Explosion in Allentown Destroys Neighborhood: At Least Three Dead, Two Missing

Michael Monheit — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:18:46 +0000

A natural gas explosion in Allentown, Pennsylvania has reportedly left three dead and two missing. The massive explosion destroyed a complete row of homes, set six others on fire, and caused hundreds of residents to evacuate the eastern Pennsylvania neighborhood.

According to an MSNBC article, the blast occurred around 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday night. UGI Corp. stated early Thursday that one of its natural gas pipelines possibly exploded. Those reported dead include a 4-month-old child as well as an elderly couple, who lived in the two-story row house that exploded.

It was difficult for firefighters to put out the fire because they had to get through packed layers of snow and ice that blocked access to the ruptured underground gas line. The fire was eventually put out early Thursday morning after gas lines were turned off and residents were permitted to return home.

One witness to the Pennsylvania gas explosion said it sounded like a military rocket and that his front door was blown open. Another witness said he saw that an entire house had been leveled and that a fireball was raging where it used to be.

While it is too soon to know the exact cause of this natural gas line explosion, similar accidents have been linked to eroded gas pipelines or a gas company neglecting to properly maintain, install, or substitute gas lines. Gas line rupture is very dangerous and can put the lives of residents, business owners, utility workers, firefighters, and many others, at risk of serious injury or death.

Gas explosions have the potential to cause tremendous devastation, leaving families without their homes and causing major life changes. Individuals injured and family members of those killed in gas explosions may be able to obtain compensation from negligent parties if it is determined that carelessness or oversight caused the accident. An Allentown accident lawyer will work hard to ensure that the rights of those afflicted by another’s negligence are protected.

Allentown Trench Collapse Kills One Worker, Injures Another

Michael Monheit — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:58:09 +0000

A trench collapse in Allentown, PA that took place on January 4 has left one worker dead and another seriously injured. The workers were reportedly on the Linden Street Bridge when the trench in which they were performing their job duties collapsed, causing gravel and concrete to strike them with great force.

According to Fox43, the workers were employees of J.D. Eckman Inc., a road and bridge construction company based in Chester County. The injured worker who survived the accident was removed from the trench over an hour after the collapse occurred and the other worker was pronounced dead at the scene. While the extent of the worker’s injuries is unclear at this time, common trench collapse injuries include broken bones, lacerations, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and other serious injuries.

As this story demonstrates, trench work and excavation hazards can cause workers to suffer serious injury or death in the event of a collapse. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that 271 workers were killed in trenching or excavation cave-ins from 2000 through 2006.

It is indeed unfortunate that trench collapse and excavation accidents continue to take place despite safety regulations and standards being in place regarding engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices. If it is determined that certain precautions were not taken during trench or excavation work, those responsible for maintaining the worksite or other accountable parties may be held liable for any injuries or fatalities that occur due to an accident. A Pennsylvania construction accident lawyer can help an individual who has been injured or family members of a person wrongfully killed in a construction accident obtain compensation from negligent parties.

Allentown Builder Settles with Injured Workers

Michael Monheit — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:20 +0000

Personal injury laws are in place to protect the legal rights of injured victims in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the country. Victims are not only able to seek justice, but the civil justice system also enables them to seek monetary compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, surgery and even long-term healthcare and dependent care costs in case of catastrophic injuries.

Two Dallas Cowboys employees settled with Summit Structures LLC over injuries they suffered in a collapsed structure, according to a recent Associated Press news report. One of the employees was paralyzed and another was left with broken vertebrae when the team’s practice facility collapsed in a windstorm. The victims’ lawsuit alleged gross negligence on the part of the company because of improper design and construction.

A report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology provided further basis by noting that the Cowboys’ facility collapsed in 55 mph winds, well under specified engineering standards. Builders and manufacturers sometimes cut corners by their choice of poor quality material or products for a construction project. The outcome of such acts is borne by the injured victims, who pay a price for the defective design or part. It is important for victims of such incidents to seek assistance, pursue the at-fault parties and recover fair compensation.

Allentown Deadly Home Invasion Case Goes to Trial

Michael Monheit — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:54:16 +0000

Amidst Allentown crime prevention measures, it is an unfortunate reality that incidents of violent crime still take place from time to time. While government officials and law enforcement continue to create new laws and campaigns to help curb crime, it is important for victims of violent crimes to understand their legal rights. It is also critical for individuals in Allentown to be familiar with crime reports within the area and to keep informed on the latest ways to stay safe.

While home invasions in Allentown do not occur on a daily basis, these are very serious crimes that may result in serious injury, significant financial loss, and even death. A story from Pennsylvania AP News reports that an Eastern PA man may face the death penalty for a deadly home invasion that took place almost five years ago. The man faces charges for homicide, burglary, robbery and conspiracy in the murder. He was reportedly connected to the crime through DNA evidence. Capital punishment cases are not handled lightly and often involve several complex legal issues.

Victims of violent crime and property crime in Allentown experience many challenges and encounter serious consequences that no one should ever have to endure. Although Pennsylvania is a relatively safe state, 750 murders and 56,000 burglaries took place in 2005. Fortunately, victims of criminal offenses, as well as family members of victims of deadly crimes, are protected under the law.

The Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) was created in 1995 to support the rights of victims of crimes at parole and probation hearings. In serving victims of crimes, OVA also keeps victims informed through various forms of assistance, intervention, and by providing notifications, referrals, and information. Pennsylvania crime victims deserve to have their rights protected after enduring their challenging ordeal. If you have been a victim of a violent crime, remember that you are not alone and that help is available to assist you during this tough time.

Allentown After-School Program Loses Funding

Deborah Forrister — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:17:45 +0000

After-school programs serve a number of purposes not only for at-risk youth who are growing up impoverished or more exposed to crime and drug-use, but for children from all backgrounds who need varying social interaction and resources to develop healthy and safe ways of living. Parents cannot be present in a child’s life all hours of the day. Many parents get home late from work, or aren’t involved in their child’s activities, which makes after-school programs all the more important and beneficial.

A Lebanon Daily News article recently reported that a popular and free Allentown after-school program, The Caring Place, has been cancelled after losing a state issued grant. The female founder and director of the program claims that a flaw in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s computer system made it so that she could not reapply for the grant in time to meet the deadline. The after-school program was mainly funded by a three-year, $275 grant. In response to being denied an extension to reapply for funding, the director met with Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski who has asked his administration to cooperate with her efforts in restoring the school and also pledged $15,000.

Several parents and advocates in the community are hoping that children will be able to return to The Caring Place, which devotes most of its efforts to academic-related activities. The program has also provided hundreds of kids from broken homes and tough neighborhoods with a chance to improve their life skills through learning how to resolve conflicts in a nonviolent way, what it takes to run a business, and how to use proper etiquette.

The distribution of grants is often very competitive among programs similar to The Caring Place as well as various other educational programs in Allentown and throughout Pennsylvania. Programs will sometimes rely on more than one entity to supply funding in order to make sure that a youth service can continue to thrive and grow.