2008-06-17 04:21:33 -

- Quin Law William M. Quin II, 601-957-7811 wquin@quinlaw.com A lawsuit was filed today on behalf of two brothers who were seriously injured during an explosion at the International Paper facility in Redwood, MS on May 3, 2008.

Robert T. ("Terry") and Kenneth Townsend both suffered "severe, debilitating and permanent personal injuries in the explosion," according to the complaint

filed in the U.S. District Court for Southern Mississippi. They continue to be treated at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, GA.

"This action (the lawsuit) arises out of the tortious actions and inactions of International Paper Company and other currently unknown Defendants which led to the boiler explosion and caused the Townsend Brothers' horrific injuries," according to the complaint.

William M. Quin, the Jackson attorney representing the Townsends, said, "We are seeking justice for these victims of a tragic event that could have been prevented, but instead left two young men with horrific burns, permanent injury and lasting harm."

The Townsend brothers were industrial insulators employed by M-Co, Inc. and were working on the exterior of the boiler at the time of the explosion. The recovery boiler had been taken off-line for routine service, maintenance and repairs as the Townsends and others performed their work.

According to the legal complaint, the explosion was caused when the boiler was "negligently and recklessly ignited" while it contained combustible gas. The document also claims that the boiler and/or certain parts were defective and improperly maintained.

In addition to International Paper, defendants include twenty unknown "John Does" who were involved in the design, manufacture, testing, maintenance and repair of the boiler.

The lawsuit demands unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Media: The above refers to Case No. 5:08cv220, Assigned to District Judge Bramlette and Magistrate Roper.

Serious injuries keep workers at Georgia burn center