Lawsuit Seeks $6.15M in Explosion at Training Center
Jan. 04--A man who was injured in 2010 in an accidental explosion at the National Emergency Training Center has filed a lawsuit against an industrial gas company he alleges improperly filled a pressurized nitrogen tank.
The lawsuit, filed by James G. Munger, who lives in Alabama and is a well-known instructor, was moved to federal court this week.
Munger is suing Roberts Oxygen Co. for $6.15 million to cover medical costs and for punitive damages, according to online court records.
Munger alleges that the company improperly installed a valve assembly, which caused a "sudden and unexpected total discharge" of the tank as he was preparing for a training session at the Emmitsburg center on Nov. 17, 2010.
According to news reports at the time, Munger was thrown into a wall of a simulation lab at the campus and suffered what were described as puncture wounds to his right elbow and upper arm.
Munger's complaint lists unspecified "severe and permanent physical injuries to his body, as well as severe shock to his nervous system."
In a written response, attorneys for Roberts Oxygen denied liability and said the company did not commit the wrongs alleged.
Munger's injuries were not the result of any actions taken by Roberts, the response said.
Additionally, the company said it is protected from the lawsuit because of issues relating to the statute of limitations, and laws related to assumption of risk, contributory negligence and fraud, among other things.
The nitrogen tank is part of a technology used in water mist sprinkler system applications.
The ceiling of the lab sustained some damage in the explosion, fire officials said at the time.
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Copyright 2014 - The Frederick News-Post, Md.
