In a settlement reached Monday, the utility company agreed to pay Jerry Sickmeier, 33, and Lisa Jines, 26, $10 million in damages and $1.5 million for medical expenses, said the couple's attorney, C.E. Heiligenstein. Lisa Jines and Jerry Sickmeier were critically injured in a natural-gas explosion in their suburban Cahokia home the day . Both sustained burns on over 80 percent of their bodies and haven't worked since the explosion. They alleged Illinois Power was negligent in allowing a natural-gas pipe to deteriorate until it ruptured. Gas from the pipe traveled through sewer lines into the home's utility room and was ignited by the hot-water heater pilot light. The explosion occurred as police were awakening and evacuating area residents. Illinois Power agreed the day the trial was to begin to pay the couple $11.5 million .
Lisa Jines and Jerry Sickmeier were critically injured in a natural-gas explosion in their suburban Cahokia home the day . Both sustained burns on over 80 percent of their bodies and haven't worked since the explosion. They alleged Illinois Power was negligent in allowing a natural-gas pipe to deteriorate until it ruptured. Gas from the pipe traveled through sewer lines into the home's utility room and was ignited by the hot-water heater pilot light. The explosion occurred as police were awakening and evacuating area residents. Illinois Power agreed the day the trial was to begin to pay the couple $11.5 million .