Case Resolved

Porter Ranch Gas Leak

The Aliso Canyon gas leak was the largest methane leak in U. S. history, affecting thousands of Porter Ranch residents.

Porter Ranch, California

This case has been resolved. If you were previously a claimant, please contact our office for information about your claim status.

Case Overview

What Happened

The Porter Ranch Gas Leak case involves serious harm caused by negligence or corporate wrongdoing. Our legal team is investigating claims on behalf of affected individuals.

Who Is Affected

Individuals, families, and businesses who suffered damages may be eligible to pursue compensation through this coordinated legal action.

Why It Matters Legally

Holding responsible parties accountable requires aggressive legal representation. Our attorneys are building cases to secure maximum compensation for victims.

Porter Ranch / Aliso Canyon Gas Leak Lawsuit Overview

The Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility blowout, which began on October 23, 2015, and was not fully sealed until February 18, 2016, released more than 100,000 metric tons of methane and other contaminants into the atmosphere above Porter Ranch and surrounding northern San Fernando Valley communities. It was the largest accidental release of methane in U.S. history, displacing more than 8,000 families and causing widespread acute and chronic health effects.

How the Disaster Occurred

Investigations by the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and independent experts concluded that Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) failed to maintain its aging well infrastructure, neglected to install a safety valve that had been removed decades earlier, and ignored warnings about corrosion. The blowout occurred in well SS-25 and could not be controlled for 112 days while millions of pounds of methane and trace contaminants — including benzene, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, and radon — vented into the air.

Health Effects on Residents

Residents reported headaches, nosebleeds, persistent nausea, vomiting, dizziness, eye and respiratory irritation, skin rashes, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms. Long-term concerns include cancer risk from benzene exposure, respiratory disease, and developmental effects on children. Many residents continue to report ongoing symptoms years after the well was sealed.

Settlement and Resolution

SoCalGas reached a $1.8 billion settlement in 2021 to resolve claims from approximately 35,000 residents, plus separate settlements with public agencies and class members. Eligible residents received compensation for medical expenses, displacement, property impacts, and personal injury. Limited additional claims and unresolved matters may still be pending depending on individual circumstances.

Who May Still Have Claims

While the principal mass settlements have closed, individuals who were missed in the original claims process, who developed new diagnoses with established connection to the leak, or who hold derivative claims (such as wrongful death) should consult counsel to determine whether any avenues for recovery remain open.

Why Choose Keosian Law

Our firm represented Porter Ranch residents throughout the litigation and continues to advise former residents and their families on residual issues, medical monitoring, and related claims. Consultations are free and confidential.

Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible for the Porter Ranch Gas Leak litigation if you meet any of the following criteria:

Resided in Porter Ranch during the gas leak Experienced health effects from the leak Were forced to evacuate your home Suffered property damage or loss

Damages You May Recover

Victims of the Porter Ranch Gas Leak may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including:

Property Damage

Structural damage, personal belongings, and rebuilding costs

Financial Loss

Out-of-pocket expenses, underpaid claims, and denied benefits

Emotional Distress

Anxiety, trauma, and diminished quality of life

Medical Costs

Treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care expenses

Loss of Income

Wages lost during recovery and business interruption

Displacement

Temporary housing, relocation, and living expense increases

Building a Strong Claim

What Strengthens Your Claim

  • Photos and videos of the damage
  • Insurance policy and correspondence
  • Medical records and bills
  • Repair estimates and contractor invoices
  • Financial records showing losses
  • Government reports or investigation findings

Common Insurer Tactics

  • Delaying claims processing to pressure settlements
  • Undervaluing property damage assessments
  • Denying coverage based on policy technicalities
  • Requiring excessive or redundant documentation
  • Offering lowball settlements before full damages are assessed
  • Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage limits

Case Timeline

Case Filed Invalid Date Investigation Litigation Trial / Claims Resolved Case Filed Invalid Date Investigation Litigation Trial / Claims Resolved CURRENT

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Your Legal Team

Harout G. Keosian Harout G. Keosian

Founding Partner

Melkon R. Melkonian Melkon R. Melkonian

Managing Attorney and Partner

Zareh Jack Keosian Zareh Jack Keosian

Partner

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