City of Lemoore Pays $11 Million to Settle Wrongful Death in Dangerous Condition of Public Property Case

Paulette Ray Jones v. City of Lemoore, et al (Kings County Super Ct. No. 22C-0041): On April 17, 2026 the City of Lemoore agreed to the terms of an $11 million settlement to resolve a wrongful death claim brought forward by the family of Dion Jones. Plaintiffs argued that the City of Lemoore negligently created a dangerous condition of public property associated with a 1.5-million-gallon water tank that was allegedly contaminated with dangerous methane gas. Decedent, a foreman for a construction foreman, was killed when the tank exploded after his crew performed work on the tank involving grinding and welding on the exterior surface. Prior to agreeing to the terms of the settlement, defendant denied all liability, alleging that decedent was responsible for the incident because his crew failed to take appropriate safety conditions while working on the tank. Plaintiff was represented by Krissman & Silver LLP. Defendant was represented by Litigation Engineered.