Insight

Achieving Justice For Essential Workers

Patrick Regan of Regan Zambri Long describes how the recent resolution of a corporate negligence case brought closure to survivors of a fatal 2016 apartment building explosion.

Patrick Regan Best Lawyers 2021
JS

Justin Smulison

September 17, 2020 08:00 AM

Flower Branch Apartments, a garden-style apartment complex in Silver Spring, was home to hundreds of hardworking men, women, and families. Late on Aug. 10, 2016, after most residents had gone to bed, the still night air was shattered by a gas explosion. The blast and ensuing fire killed seven, injured more than 100, and left the survivors homeless and without any of their worldly possessions.

Following the catastrophe, many residents turned to Catholic Charities for shelter and moral support. Wanting to ensure that the victims received the best legal representation, the organization reached out to Regan Zambri Long, whose firm president and senior partner, Patrick M. Regan, had previously donated years of volunteer work for Catholic Charities.

“Upon interviewing the victims, we instantly knew it would be a privilege to represent them,” says Regan. “These survivors had lost relatives and all their property in an avoidable tragedy. We were inspired to fight for them, to uncover the truth, and right the wrongs.”

Regan assembled a legal team comprised of Senior Partner Victor Long and firm attorneys Christopher J. Regan and Emily Lagan. The firm was joined by others in the litigation against the landlord, gas company, and other corporate defendants. They felt confident in their argument, supported by the National Transportation Safety Board’s April 2019 conclusion, that the explosion had been caused by “an unconnected vent line that allowed natural gas into the meter room where it […] ignited.”

We were inspired to fight for them, to uncover the truth, and right the wrongs.

The trial for an initial “bellwether case” was scheduled for December 2019 in Montgomery County Circuit Court. In the months leading up to the trial, Regan Zambri Long had all hands on deck building the case. On the eve of trial, however, a confidential settlement was reached with the defendants. Ultimately, Regan said he believes the outcome was favorable for his clients, who needed not only justice but also closure.

“This marked the end of a three-year nightmare for an incredibly resilient group of people who perform essential jobs in our community,” says Regan, who in 2020 was named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs in Washington D.C. for the second time. “Knowing that our efforts helped put this tragedy behind them is extremely gratifying. This result was a highlight in our firm’s history, and we were honored to achieve justice for these hardworking people.”

Headline Image: Laurie DeWitt

Related Articles

Fighting for Justice


by Best Lawyers

How They Have Fought for Clients Every Step of the Way

Fighting for Justice

New SAFE Act Aims to Tackle Rising Crime in DC


by Gregory Sirico

As DC grapples with skyrocketing crime rates, the Secure Apartments for Everyone Regulation Amendment Act seeks to implement actionable change

Security cameras affixed to animated building

The Litigation Finance Mass Tort Gold Rush


by Justin Smulison

Third-party litigation funding is transforming mass torts, propelling the high-risk area into a multi-billion-dollar industry

Gold coins with data chart backdrop

IN PARTNERSHIP

Trial Lawyers Fight to Protect Individuals from Abuse


by Esquire Bank

With Esquire Bank's financial support, Elise Sanguinetti was able to challenge and end the Forced Arbitration Act. Her legislation continues to help other trial lawyers attain justice for abuse survivors.

Lawyer Elise Sanguinetti Fights to Protect People from Abuse

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

A Roadmap for Safety in D.C.


by Justin Smulison

Three-time “Lawyer of The Year” Patrick Regan explains how we can protect cyclists from injury and the city from more litigation.

Several lawyers sitting and standing in a group in office

Protecting Small Business Owners: Trial Experts Connick Law LLC Notoriously Successful with Fire Litigation


by Justin Smulison

When small business owners become the target of insurance companies in fire-related lawsuits, hiring a firm with a reputation for understanding the science of fire suppression trials can save their livelihoods.

Gold Indoor Sprinkler Heads on Red Background

Truck Safety Watchdogs


by Best Lawyers

Unqualified, Poorly Trained Truck Drivers and Unsafe Trucks Heighten Roadway Dangers

Truck Safety and Roadway Dangers

Aim High and Fly


by Khalil Abdullah

From a silent victim of hometown segregation to Air Force captain and lawyer of consummate skill, Karen Evans exemplifies leadership—and vows always to help those who seek to follow her path.

Karen Evans' Leadership in the Airforce

Will Recent Boeing Settlements Create Tailwinds In Corporate Law?


by Justin Smulison

Prominent litigation against Boeing is setting a precedent of accountability, professionalism and commitment among company boards as well as ushering ESG further into the courtroom to help monitor and prevent safety issues.

Recent Boeing Settlements and Corporate Law

Colorado's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our 2022 Colorado's Best Lawyers publication features top-ranked legal talent in Boulder, Denver and Western Colorado.

Colorado's Best Lawyers 2022

Newly Launched COVID-19 Litigation Project Offers Open Access To Pandemic-Related Court Judgments From Over 70 Countries


by Sara Collin

A worldwide database of COVID-19 cases is uniting more than 70 countries as judges, lawmakers and lawyers continue to navigate pandemic related litigation and the ways in which it’s evolving amid year three.

COVID-19 Worldwide Litigation Project

Look for the Zoom Label


by Anne R. Yuengert and Matthew C. Lonergan

Will the virtual platforms that got such a boost during the pandemic replace how you interact with your employees, unions, and lawyers?

Virtual Platforms Replacing Work Interactions

Discovery in the Time of COVID-19


by H. Barber Boone

The pandemic has affected the vital process of legal discovery in ways both good and bad. Which changes are likely to become widely accepted in the years ahead?

The Impact of COVID-19 on E-Discovery

Busting a Trust


by Joseph Marrs

The rules governing trusts and asset distribution are often much more flexible than many might assume. Here’s a primer.

Rules Governing Trusts and Asset Distribution

The Next Chapter


by Patrick M. Shelby

Among its uncountable other disruptions, the pandemic upended U.S. bankruptcy procedures. Congressional relief, legislative changes, amended legal provisions: What lies ahead for those looking to file?

COVID-19's Impacts on Bankruptcy Procedures

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Introduction to Demand Generation for Law Firms


by Jennifer Verta

Learn the essentials of demand gen for law firms and how these strategies can drive client acquisition, retention, and long-term success.

Illustration of a hand holding a magnet, attracting icons representing individuals towards a central