SIOUX CITY, Iowa – A worker who was injured in a methane gas explosion at the Citizen’s Convenience Center in 2018 has recently settled a lawsuit for $805,000 with the city and three companies involved in the incident.
Douglas Mallette, along with another worker, sustained injuries when the gas ignited and caused an explosion at the convenience center on December 27, 2018. Mallette, along with his wife Sandra, filed a lawsuit in November 2020, claiming negligence on the part of the city and the companies for failing to properly monitor the gas buildup inside the facility.
The parties named in the lawsuit included Aerionics Inc., doing business as Macurco Gas Detection, Metro Electric Inc., and Barker Lemar and Associates. These companies were responsible for manufacturing and installing gas detectors at the site, as well as monitoring methane levels and inspecting gas monitors periodically.
The Convenience Center, managed by Gill Hauling, is located at the city’s former landfill and accepts various items like grass clippings, tires, furniture, and appliances. It also serves as a collection point for household hazardous materials.
As part of the settlement agreement, the Mallettes will receive payments from the companies involved, with the city’s portion covered by Gill Hauling as per the terms of their contract. The settlement does not imply any admission of liability on the part of the defendants.
According to Mallette’s attorney, Scott Hindman, his client still experiences lasting effects from the injuries sustained in the explosion. Hindman filed for the dismissal of the lawsuit earlier this week. The settlement amount and terms were approved by the Sioux City Council on March 25.