Harris County Jury Awards $61.5 Million Against 3M for Families Devastated by Watson Grinding Explosion
Kwok Daniel law firm wins third major bellwether trial, holding 3M accountable for West Houston neighborhood disaster
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A Harris County jury handed down a verdict of $61.5 million against 3M Co. for Houston homeowners devastated by the Jan. 24, 2020, Watson Grinding & Manufacturing explosion which killed three people and destroyed or damaged more than 450 surrounding homes and businesses.
This marks the third successful bellwether trial in the multi-district litigation holding 3M responsible for the explosion. Two previous verdicts totaled over $156 million.
The plaintiffs included 24 local community members whose homes were destroyed in the explosion. Trial testimony showed 3M’s failure to properly service the facility’s gas detection and alarm systems transformed a preventable gas leak into a historic disaster.
“This verdict is a profound victory for the families who have carried the trauma of that terrifying morning for years,” said Kwok Daniel founding partner and lead plaintiffs counsel, Robert Kwok. “3M’s failure included actual knowledge that the Watson gas detection system was defective for years leading up to this explosion. This verdict finally gives these families the true accountability and justice they deserve.”
Kwok Daniel attorneys Rob Kwok, Ryan Loya, Ranny S. Sawaf and Marcos H. Cardenas tried the case with William Moye of Moye Law Firm, Adam Lewis of Arnold & Itkin, and Adam Anthony of The Anthony Law Firm.
“After years of carrying the pain of destroyed homes and lives, these families had the courage to testify in court and the jury responded in the best possible way,” said Mr. Loya. “This landmark win is about healing and providing a meaningful financial recovery that will allow this devastated community to truly rebuild.”
More than 2,000 additional plaintiffs in the multi-district litigation are still awaiting trial dates
About Kwok Daniel LLP
Founded in 1994, Houston-based Kwok Daniel, Ltd., LLP is a personal injury and trial firm boasting over 100 years of combined experience and a multi-lingual team of litigators. Led by Texas Board Certified personal injury trial specialist Robert Kwok, the firm handles high-stakes, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. For more information, visit Kwok Daniel.
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