FORT WORTH, Texas – A man is filing a lawsuit against Atmos Energy and the companies that own or manage the Sandman Signature hotel following the explosion that occurred at the hotel on Monday. Christopher Medearis, who was working nearby at the time of the explosion, is being represented by Houston-based law firm Kherkher Garcia.
The lawsuit names Atmos Energy Corp., Sandman Management, and Northland Properties Corp. as defendants. Northland Properties, operated by Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi, opened the downtown hotel in March 2023 and is Canada’s largest privately owned hospitality company. The suit alleges that both Sandman Management and Northland Properties failed to ensure the hotel’s safety and that Atmos Energy failed to adequately detect and monitor natural gas leaks in the vicinity.
At least 21 people were injured in the explosion, with one in critical condition. The lawsuit seeks at least $1 million in damages for Medearis, who experienced mental anguish and physical injuries as a result of the blast.
This isn’t the first time Atmos Energy has come under fire for gas leak incidents in North Texas. In 2018, a fatal explosion in a Dallas neighborhood resulted in a $1.6 million penalty for the company. Investigators believe the recent explosion may have also been caused by a gas leak, though they have not officially confirmed the cause.
The explosion occurred at the Sandman Signature hotel, which houses a restaurant in its basement. The 20-story Waggoner building, where the hotel is located, was built in the 1920s and was once one of the tallest buildings in the Southwest.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the victims are seeking justice and compensation for the harm they suffered. The lawsuit highlights concerns about safety and oversight in the management and operation of the hotel and surrounding properties. It also underscores the potential dangers of gas leaks in urban areas.