Topeka, KS – The family of a Topekan killed last year in a natural gas explosion filed a lawsuit this week against Kansas Gas Service and Wetmore-based N-Line Lawn Service.
Shawnee County District Court records show attorney Thomas E. Ruzicka filed the suit Wednesday on behalf of the estate of Lucinia Tolliver, a retired composing room employee of The Topeka Capital-Journal.
Ruzicka is a partner with Olathe-based Hubbard, Ruzicka, Kreamer & Kincaid L.C. The suit was filed by Tolliver’s daughter and the executor of her will, Erin Thurston.
The suit seeks damages in excess of $75,000 on each of six counts, including three against each defendant. A copy of the 16-page lawsuit petition will be made available accompanying the online version of this article.
Tolliver, 81, died four days after suffering severe burns in a late-morning natural gas explosion on Jan. 30, 2012, at her home at 1905 S.W. Navajos Lane.
Ruzicka said last year that Tolliver’s family would seek more than $1 million in a suit it would file after investigators with the Kansas Corporation Commission forwarded a report regarding the blast to the KCC, the state’s utility-regulating body.
The KCC voted April 17 to fine N-Line $5,000 and to enter into an agreement with Kansas Gas Service requiring it to make changes to its procedures. The KCC didn’t fine Kansas Gas Service.