LOS ANGELES, Dec. 02, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney R. Rex Parris' law firm filed an 85 page class action lawsuit on behalf of five individuals’ plaintiffs and Save Porter Ranch who represent a class of individuals harmed by Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) massive gas leak in Aliso Canyon.  The unprecedented leak has unleashed an uninterrupted flow of gases and fluids, including methane, methyl mercaptan, and aromatic hydrocarbons that has sickened hundreds of the 30,000 residents who live in Porter Ranch.

“We’ve turned to the courts for fairness because Porter Ranch began experiencing toxic impacts from the air contamination shortly after the massive failure of the gas injection well on October 23, 2015,” said R. Rex Parris who filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court.

As alleged in the filed class action complaint that names Sempra Energy (SRE) and its California utility Southern California Gas Company, “this case involves the massive leak that was discovered on or about October 23, 2015 next to the residential community of Porter Ranch. This gas is not from the region, but instead the gas is injected underground by Defendant Southern California Gas Company into illegally permitted wells. In September of 2015, SoCalGas injected 5.7 billion cubic feet of gas underground near the residents of Porter Ranch. SoCalGas was injecting what is believed to be similar amounts of gas in October when one of the injection wells suffered a massive well failure and blowout, leading to the leak. The gas from this SoCalGas injection has now leaked into the air and into the water table.” 

“There is no indication at this time that the contamination in the water is impacting the people of Porter Ranch. We don’t know who will be impacted by the pollution to the water at this time,” added Parris, who represents Save Porter Ranch and members of the Porter Ranch community. 

“No one has yet quantified the impact of this gas leak on the community with respect to the transfer of this gas through the underground water. SoCalGas has likewise not explained who is assisting to prevent contamination to the water impacted by this massive well failure for the agencies and individuals who may use this water. The families of Porter Ranch suffered and continue to suffer both physical and financial injuries including exposure to dangerous levels of noxious odors, hazardous gases, chemicals, pollutants, and contaminants released into the air and water by SoCalGas,” concluded Parris.

Editor’s Note:

Representatives from the law firm will attend the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council meeting tonight which will start at 6:00 PM tonight at the Christ Community Church 19514 Rinaldi Street, Northridge.

For a copy of the complaint, click here. For a copy of the letter sent to state officials, click here 

About The R. Rex Parris Law Firm

For over 30 years, R. Rex Parris has devoted his practice to protecting the rights of injured people and aggrieved workers.  Rex and his dedicated team provide thorough, high-quality representation with integrity and compassion.  From motor vehicle crashes to class actions and defective products, these lawyers fight aggressively against corporate defense attorneys and insurance companies to ensure their clients get the compensation they deserve. For more information, visit rrexparris.com