Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC has filed a lawsuit against JR Contracting, LLC, accusing the latter of negligence that resulted in damage to its underground natural gas facilities. The complaint was filed on May 6, 2024, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Peoples Natural Gas alleges that JR Contracting's excavation activities led to multiple incidents causing significant damage.
The plaintiff, Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC, is a regulated public utility providing natural gas services across Western Pennsylvania. According to the complaint, JR Contracting is accused of striking and damaging the plaintiff's underground facilities on three separate occasions: March 18, May 6, and June 5 of 2024. These incidents occurred at different locations where JR Contracting was performing excavation work. The plaintiff claims that these actions breached a duty of care owed by JR Contracting to avoid such damages.
Peoples Natural Gas asserts that JR Contracting operated heavy equipment negligently and failed to maintain necessary clearances from marked gas lines. Furthermore, they allege that JR Contracting did not adhere to prudent excavation techniques or contact Peoples Natural Gas for guidance on marking or relocating gas lines. As a result of these alleged failures, Peoples Natural Gas incurred costs totaling $3,076.72 for repairs and service restoration.
The complaint includes two counts: common law negligence and negligence per se under the Pennsylvania Underground Utility Protection Law (the "One Call Law"). This law mandates excavators to request markings for utility lines before starting work and exercise due care around them. Peoples Natural Gas contends that JR Contracting violated this law by failing to follow proper procedures and beginning excavation before permissible dates.
In seeking judgment against JR Contracting, Peoples Natural Gas requests compensation for damages amounting to $3,076.72 plus interest and court costs. They also seek any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Represented by attorneys Joseph W. Gramc, Richard A. Monti, and Jacob T. Leyland from GRB Law in Pittsburgh, Peoples Natural Gas aims to hold JR Contracting accountable for their alleged negligence resulting in damage to critical infrastructure. The case is filed under arbitration division guidelines with Case No CVPDD008S245F846.