In a dramatic turn of events, a resident of California has filed a lawsuit against a major utility company, alleging negligence and seeking compensation for severe injuries and damages caused by an explosion. On February 19, 2025, John Wesley Digby lodged a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), accusing them of failing to maintain gas lines properly, which led to a catastrophic incident.
The complaint narrates the harrowing experience that unfolded on December 25, 2024. According to the filing by Arns Davis Law on behalf of Digby, an explosion occurred at his residence at 103 Lawn Way in Capitola due to an ignited gas leak from PG&E's poorly maintained gas lines. The impact was so severe that it flung Digby against his ceiling, resulting in significant injuries including a traumatic brain injury with memory loss and cognitive deficits. The explosion not only inflicted physical harm but also caused extensive structural damage to his apartment and personal property losses. "The explosion resulted in extensive structural damage...including a hole in his roof," states the complaint, highlighting the dire aftermath.
Digby's legal team argues that PG&E owed him and other residents a duty of care to ensure the safety and security of their gas lines. They claim PG&E breached this duty by neglecting necessary inspections and repairs, thus violating Civil Code § 1714 which mandates reasonable conduct towards others. The plaintiff accuses PG&E of negligence, strict liability for engaging in ultrahazardous activities without adequate safety measures, and premises liability for failing to maintain safe conditions on their property.
Seeking justice for the ordeal he endured, Digby is pursuing compensatory damages for his injuries and losses as determined at trial. He demands repayment for special damages such as past and future wage loss, medical expenses, property damage, general damages according to proof, prejudgment interest as allowed by law, attorneys' fees, costs incurred during litigation, and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Digby are attorneys Robert S. Arns from Arns Davis Law. The case is being heard under Case ID CGC-25-622569 at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County.