SETTLEMENT WON FOR RICHLAND EXPLOSION VICTIMS (Countryman, et. al. v. Iowa Double Circle, et. al.)

Seven people were killed, and many others were seriously injured during a family gathering in Richland, Iowa when a home exploded due to the accumulation of propane gas. The case was based on the negligent failure to warn concerning the dangers of propane. Settlement was reached against the propane retailer for policy limits of $5,000,000 and with the homeowner for policy limits $1,300,000. Other defendants settled prior to trial, and the final defendant settled for a substantial confidential amount during trial. The press reported total settlements of $20,000,000.