Case Results

Man Hurt in Blast Awarded $2.85 Million

The Milwaukee Sentinel staff
October 1, 1994

A jury awarded a Milwaukee man $2.85 million Friday for injuries he suffered in a gas explosion Sept. 14, 1992.

David J. Machajewski, of 3942 S. 1st St., was working in a trench at 9185 S. Meyer Lane, Oak Creek, when the explosion occurred.

Machajewski suffered second- and third-degree burns, along with severe and permanent disfigurement, to most of his body, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit was filed against Wisconsin Electric Power Co. of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Natural Gas Co. of Racine.

Jurors found the gas company 62% at fault; the electric company, 38%. They determined that Machajewski was not at fault.

The jury awarded Machajewski $257,345.76 for past and future medical and hospital expenses; $29,154.24 for past loss of earnings; $821,500 for future loss of earnings; and $1,750,000 for past and future pain, suffering, disability and disfigurement.

Copyright 1994, The Milwaukee Sentinel. All rights reserved.