Some cases are stark reminders of how critical corporate responsibility is. As a firm that houses highly experienced trial attorneys working in business law and personal injury, we will point to the Ruckman v. Big N Deep verdict. This case began in Kern County, just north of LA, and impacted how we view negligence and corporate accountability nationally. Though the verdict was massive, this is not just important in terms of monetary terms. It is a testament to the immeasurable pain and suffering that negligence can cause.
The Depths of Corporate Negligence
When you peel back the layers of the case, it reveals the enormity of a negligent act. Everything we are about to discuss regarding this case lands is descriptive instead of exploitative. In this case, the victims suffered unprecedented trauma, and protecting innocent victims is one of the reasons Foldenauer Law Group practices personal injury law. With that said, the defendants, in this case, had a lapse of judgment, with operating excavation equipment extending far beyond the scope of an unfortunate accident. This occurred on agricultural land near Houghton and Wible Roads in Kern County.
The result was an inferno that was caused when Big N Deep Ag Development Co (BND) struck an underground gas line relatively close to the surface. An employee of BND was operating equipment on the section above of land when they came into contact with this underground, high-pressure, natural gas line, referred to as Pipeline 300A. The victims were not part of Big N Deep. They lived on a piece of property nearby that caught fire due to the excavation.
The consequences were devastating. One victim had burns over 80% of her body and faced multiple surgeries. There was also an infant involved, which is beyond horrendous, who was left with severe burns. A third victim suffered from burns to her arms and legs.
The Broader Implications
BND was a subcontractor Ag-Wise Enterprises, Inc hired. As part of the claim, it was alleged that Ag-Wise hired BND even though BND had hit a gas line on a previous job. Not only was the gas line only a few feet below the surface, but the permit that BND had obtained from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) had allegedly expired. These people had a duty of care to the ultimate victims in this case, and a series of catastrophic errors in judgment changed the lives of innocent victims.
The jury awarded $73.6 million to the injured parties, and it was a call to action for prioritization of safety and corporate accountability. It’s welfare over profit. For those who have been on the receiving end of such negligence, this verdict is a powerful reminder that large organizations can be held accountable. People should see this and recognize that they have inherent rights and that there are appropriate avenues to seek justice.
More Than a Firm
We are advocates for those who have been injured. The legal process in a personal injury case can seem overwhelming, but justice can be found when you align with the right people. If you have been wronged due to someone’s negligence or oversight, remember that you have people willing to fight for you. Share your story with us, and we can explore your best option. It’s not about transactions; it’s about understanding and empathy. Reach out and schedule a free case evaluation with Foldenauer Law Group.