Virginia Rymers et al vs. Right Choice Heating and Air Company LLC et al

Case Background

On September 1, 2012, Plaintiff Robert Rymers and Virginia Rymers filed a premises liability lawsuit in the 166th District Court, Bexar County, Texas (Case number: 2021CI18484), following a gas explosion at their rental home. Judge Laura Salinas presided over the case

Cause

On May 1, 2021, just before 11 p.m., Robert Rymers was cooking a pork chop in the kitchen of his rental home in Colosseum Heights, southeast San Antonio, when the house exploded. His mother, Virginia Rymers, was in the living room watching TV at the time. The powerful blast ignited a fire that consumed the home, destroying everything inside.

Investigators later determined that the explosion resulted from issues with the home’s gas system, which had a history of failures. The property owner had replaced the gas meter in 2008 and 2015 before deciding to convert the home to an all-electric system in 2020. However, despite this decision, the gas system remained active. This failure to properly shut off the system became a key issue in the premises liability lawsuit.

Injuries

The explosion caused severe injuries to both Robert and Virginia Rymers. Robert suffered extensive burn injuries across his body, leaving him permanently disabled. Virginia sustained severe burns and developed an air embolism due to the force of the blast.

Beyond physical injuries, both experienced significant emotional and psychological trauma. The devastating nature of the gas explosion highlighted the dangers of failing to maintain gas lines in rental properties

Damages

The explosion and fire completely destroyed the Rymers’ home. They lost all their personal belongings and their two family dogs, who died in the blast. With no home, no possessions, and mounting medical expenses, the financial toll was overwhelming.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Robert Rymers | Virginia Rymers
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Lyons | Chris Simmons | Chris Carr | P. Wes Black | Michael Wozniak | Omar G. Alvarez
  • Defendant(s): CPS Energy | Franklin Energy Services LLC | Right Choice Heating and Air Company LLC
    • Counsel for Defendants: Stephen Calhoun | Evan F. Patterson

Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel

“CPS Energy refused to take responsibility despite the fact that both the San Antonio Police Department’s arson team and the San Antonio Fire Department determined the explosion was caused by natural gas,” said the Rymers’ attorney Michael Lyons of the Dallas-based trial firm of Lyons & Simmons.

“From the moment first responders arrived on the scene, the fuel source was believed to be natural gas, but the investigation ultimately confirmed it,” Chris Simmons said. “The verdict cannot undo this tragedy, but it serves as an example that our jury system remains the best way for citizens to receive justice.”

Claims

The Rymers filed a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner, alleging negligence in maintaining the gas system. They argued that, despite past failures and multiple meter replacements, the landlord failed to ensure the system’s safety. The lawsuit claimed that this negligence led directly to the gas explosion and its catastrophic consequences.

The plaintiffs contended that landlords have a responsibility to provide habitable and safe living conditions, especially when dealing with hazardous gas systems. They sought damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the total loss of their home.

Defense

The defense asserted that the property owner took reasonable steps to maintain the gas system and could not have foreseen the explosion. They pointed to the gas meter replacements in 2008 and 2015 as evidence of their commitment to upkeep.

Additionally, the defense highlighted the 2020 decision to convert the home to an all-electric system, arguing that this action demonstrated their intent to eliminate risks associated with gas lines. They claimed that Robert Rymers, who was cooking at the time, may have contributed to the explosion. The defense also argued that any lingering gas-related issues were either unknown to the property owner or beyond their control. Ultimately, they maintained that the explosion resulted from unforeseen circumstances, not negligence.

Jury Verdict

On February 10, 2025, the jury awarded Robert Rymers $103.5 million in damages for the catastrophic injuries he sustained in the gas explosion at his rental home. The breakdown included:

$1 million for past pain and suffering

$17.5 million for future pain and suffering

$4.5 million for past mental pain and anguish

$17.5 million for future pain and distress

$3.5 million for past disfigurement

$17.5 million for future disfigurement

$3.5 million for past physical impairment

$32.5 million for future physical impairment

Virginia Rymers received approximately $6 million for her injuries, which included severe burns, an air embolism, and emotional trauma. The total damages in the premises liability lawsuit reached $109.5 million, reflecting the jury’s recognition of the devastating impact the gas explosion had on the Rymers family.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com

Press Release:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/san-antonio-jury-renders-109-021000475.html