Realty Towers resident asks for punitive damages in suit filed in connection with explosion

Yet another lawsuit has been filed in connection with the deadly gas explosion at the Realty Building in downtown Youngstown from May of 2024.

The latest suit was filed by Michael Albright, who was living in the Realty Towers apartments housed on the upper floors of the Realty Building, which exploded after a utility worker cut a gas line while working in the basement.

Like all suits before it, this suit names building owners YO Properties 47 LLC and LY Property Management LLC, as well as Greenheart Companies LLC, which was the company working in the basement and gas company Enbridge Gas Ohio.

Additionally, this suit names companies MS Consultants and A. Neider Architecture LLC, who were also involved in the work to remove utility lines from under the sidewalk according to the suit, as well as Medical Mutual of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Albright is asking for punitive damage against all defendants, with the suit stating that all defendants "grossly, wantonly, and willfully" failed to warn building occupants and the community of the "inherently dangerous" work being done in the basement.

"In these regards, each Defendant's conduct is egregious, despicable, malicious and fraudulent, and each Defendant is responsible for punitive and exemplary damages," the suit reads.

Albright is demanding punitive damages in excess of $25,000 and is also demanding that Medical Mutual and the Ohio Department of Medicaid to set forth their subrogation rights or be forever barred from the collection thereof.

The full suit can be read below.