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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Discovery request acknowledged in exploding house case

Defendant Gilbert Adolph Kasper, who was sued by nine of his Port Arthur neighbors after his home exploded, recently filed a certificate of written discovery.

As previously reported, Terrell Clark Sr., Sabrina Clark, Terrell Clark Jr., Jesus Diaz, Juan Diaz, Juana Ayala Diaz, Phyllis Fontenette, Russell Fontenette and Kyrin Shaw filed suit July 7, 2009, against Texas Gas Company and Kasper.

Court records show that on May 11, 2008, a natural gas leak in Kasper's attic caught fire, spread and severely damaged the plaintiffs' properties.

On Dec. 16, Kasper filed a certificate of written discovery, notifying the plaintiffs that several documents, including interrogatories and admissions, were severed.

In their suit, the plaintiffs allege Texas Gas and Kasper failed to maintain the subject lines, failed to properly inspect the lines, failed to properly train their employees, failed to ensure that employees are properly qualified and failed to warn its customers of a leak.

The plaintiffs claim that because of the fire they have incurred repair costs, lost the use of their residences, incurred medical expenses and endured pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and lost wages, the complaint says.

James E. Payne and Jennifer Job Seale of Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represent them.

Kasper is represented by Beaumont attorney Clint Lewis.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the litigation.

Case No. A184-458

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