"An attorney for truth, justice, and freedom"

Houston Personal Injury Attorney

February 8, 2010

Five dead in Connecticut gas plant explosion

MIDDLETOWN, Conn - At least five people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday when a massive explosion rocked a gas power plant under construction in Connecticut, police said.

At least 12 people were injured in the explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems plant in Middletown, about 20 miles south of Hartford. Crews with dogs were searching the rubble as darkness fell over the plant.

It was not clear how many people, if any, remained buried. Deputy Fire Marshal Al Santostefano told the Associated Press that 50 to 60 people were in the area at the time of the explosion, but authorities said multiple contractors were working on the project, making it difficult to know how many people were missing.

"I think a majority of them did survive," Santostefano said. "Most of them did walk away." The explosion happened about 11:17 a.m., he said. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano called it a gas explosion but said the exact cause was not immediately clear. The search was focusing in part on who was at the plant during the blast. Giuliano said 100 to 200 workers would have been there on a typical weekday.

Ambulances from across the region and several helicopters rushed to the scene of the Kleen Energy Systems LLC plant on the banks of the Connecticut River.

Officer Kevin White of Middletown Police said there were "mass casualties" but could not be precise. Firefighter Cliff Seifert confirmed numerous casualties.

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Joe Stephens cares deeply for the injured, the unfortunate, and the oppressed who need someone to honestly and aggressively represent them. He represents people who have experienced a serious injury or the wrongful death of a family member. His twenty years of experience include extraordinary verdicts and settlements against trucking companies, admiralty and maritime defendants, insurance companies, negligent healthcare providers, and defective product manufacturers.

Joe B. Stephens Experienced Attorney

Joe Stephens has tried over 100 Houston jury trials protecting the rights of the poor, the injured, the forgotten, and the downtrodden. His specialty in trying cases to a jury has earned him recognition across the country. He has won many important personal injury trials, including wrongful death, and serious injury cases. "Joe Stephens has been chosen by a blue ribbon panel as a Texas Super Lawyer." Only the best lawyers in the country are considered for this
honor.

Joe Stephens is a high-profile Houston trial attorney who has won highly publicized cases like the Clara Harris domestic violence case, the Quarry Market Mall Murder case, and the Hodgson Murder case.

His twenty-two years of experience includes extraordinary Houston courtroom victories, and settlements in personal injury cases involving truck and car accidents, wrongful death, and product liability. His courtroom success also earns favorable personal injury settlements because his opponents know his reputation He is loved by his clients because he listens with his heart, treats them with respect, and cares about them as if they were his family.

Joe Stephens has two board certifications which prove his trial competence. One by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Advocate; the second by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law. Less than one percent of lawyers in America have one board certification. Only a handful have two certifications.He has also been named to the list of Texas Super Lawyers. Only 5 percent of the attorneys in the state are named to the list. The selection process includes peer nominations, a blue ribbon panel review and independent research of candidates.

Joe Stephens is also AV Rated by Martindale - Hubbell, the highest recognized rating a lawyer can attain in ethics and legal ability. This is a testament to the fact that his peers rate him at the upper echelons in his profession.

He represents the common man, the regular woman, the ordinary person. These are folks who usually do not have the money to advance towards a lawsuit. Therefore, if he does not win any money for his clients, he does not charge them anything.

Joe Stephens has received national recognition for his success and his integrity. In 1999, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America awarded him the F. Scott Baldwin Most Outstanding Young Trial Lawyer Award for exemplifying the highest ideals of a Trial Lawyer by demonstrated, excellence, compassion, honesty, and caring in his profession. . He was chosen by legendary lawyer Gerry Spence to serve in the Trial Lawyers College. He graduated in the Summer of 2006. Few lawyers in our Nation belong to this elite group.

Client Testimonials

Joe,

"Whoo hoo!!! Thank you for your hard work , skill and awesome negotiations in getting this settled! I really believe my father found the BEST personal injury lawyer we could have had under any circumstances and I feel very fortunate. I will have no hesitation in referring my family, friends and colleagues to you in the future."

Sincerely,
George W. Cobb D.D.S

"An independent rating organization, AVVO ranks Mr. Stephens in the upper echelon of its members."

Practice Areas

The Stephens Law Firm has an established reputation in handling any personal injury case, because of their courtroom and negotiation skills. They have achieved extraordinary results for Houston clients during 22 years of practice in all types of cases, including : Wrongful Death, Houston 18 wheeler, truck accident, Houston personal injury, and Houston Offshore injury.

Personal Injury Law Process

It may be that you have become the victim of an personal injury accident in the Houston area, or anywhere in Texas. Then it is important that you get council from an experienced legal litigation professional. You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered mental or physical injury that has root cause from the fault or negligence of another party. Joe Stephens, an experienced Houston personal injury attorney will be able to advise whether your case is valid, once you have provided the necessary details at your initial free meeting.

You may not have to worry about up front fees when you enlist the services of the best Houston personal injury lawyer attorney, as Joe Stephens works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only have to pay after you get your award. This compensation is your entitlement, based on your situation. He is a good, experienced Houston personal injury lawyer attorney that is the best choice, so you will have no problem getting him to support you with your claim.

Following a filed litigation claim for a personal injury you may also be able to get economic damage recovery for any medical expenses or earnings loss in addition to compensation for your pain and suffering. Joe Stephens will be able to put together a solid lawsuit in order to increase your chances of organizing a successful claim.

There are statutes of limitation to take into consideration when you are looking to enlist the services of a Houston personal injury lawyer attorney, as this means that it is important to act quickly. Do not miss the deadline for filing your compensation claim. You may find that you are no longer entitled to claim any compensation or damages to which you may have been eligible.

Joe Stephens Texas Super Lawyer

Selection Process of Super Lawyers

The General Survey
We mailed thousands of ballots to attorneys across Texas. We asked attorneys to vote for the best lawyers they have personally observed in action - whether as opposing counsel, as co-counsel, from first-person observation in the courtroom, etc. Our intent was to discourage lawyers from voting for others based purely on reputation.

Each ballot had the name of the addressee-attorney on it. Only ballots properly verified by that attorney (with signature and attorney registration number filled in) were counted. more...