On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Clifford Law Offices filed three lawsuits on behalf of people who were injured in a horrific gas explosion on May 6 at a west suburban Des Plaines condo near O’Hare Airport.
Bradley M. Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, filed the lawsuits in Cook County Circuit Court alleging negligence on the part of NICOR gas company and the building management company, Tom Dase Management LLC of Park Ridge, IL.
Residents in the area said they reported the smell of natural gas in the building and called NICOR for immediate relief. NICOR responded but left without identifying the source of the leak and failed to take remedial action, according to the complaints filed tonight.
Witnesses reported that people were jumping out of windows of the three-story, six-unit building at about 1 a.m. before the fire department and first responders were able to arrive in the 1200 block of Harding Avenue. It is reported that children are among those injured.
“Families are forever devastated by this explosion that appeared to rock the neighborhood,” Cosgrove said. “We are filing these lawsuits to ensure that all of the necessary evidence is preserved so that we can get to the bottom of what occurred here. These kinds of tragedies should never happen.”
It is reported that eight people remain hospitalized, some in critical condition, including four children. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
“We are conducting our own investigation for all of these innocent people to see what would cause such an explosion,” Cosgrove said. “Neighbors reported the scene was horrific with terrified residents crying for help from their balconies. That is not something anyone will ever forget.”
It is reported that NICOR was on the scene, and the American Red Cross is offering help to those who have suddenly been left homeless.
For further information or to speak to Bradley Cosgrove, call Clifford Law Offices Communications Partner Pamela Sakowicz Menaker at 847-721-0909 (cell).
pammenaker@cliffordlaw.com