$1.37 Million Settlement for Fatal Blast Suit

A Union County lawsuit over an electrical system blast that killed one worker and injured another settled recently for $1.37 million. The blast at Sidmak Laboratories in East Hanover, New Jersey occurred when a steel rod was left in a circuit breaker closet. When the power was turned on by two workers, an explosion occurred, causing one man to suffer third degree burns over half of his body. He subsequently died six weeks later. The other man suffered second and third degree burns on his head and arms, requiring debridements and skin grafts. The installer of the circuit breaker system contributed significantly to the settlement. An inspection company who had approved the system as installed, and, the system’s manufacturer also contributed. David Fried, a partner of the firm, handled the matter on behalf of the two workers.