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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Hayward, CA

Home Care Hayward, CA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Hayward Area Historical Society in Hayward, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Hayward, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Hayward, CA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Hayward, CA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Hayward, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Hayward, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Hayward, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Hayward, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Garin Regional Park in Hayward, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Hayward, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Neumanali or visit Meek Estate Carriage House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Hayward, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Hayward, CA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Hayward, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Hayward, CA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Hayward, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Hayward, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Hayward, CA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Hayward, CA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • MorningStar Senior Living of Hayward
  • Bellara Senior Living
  • Landmark Villa
  • God's Grace
  • Blossom Garden Senior Home
  • Carefield Castro Valley
Home Care Hayward, CA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Hayward, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Hayward, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Hayward, CA

Latest News in Hayward, CA

PG&E Refused Help From Fire Crews Shortly Before Gas Explosion Near Hayward: NTSB

HAYWARD, CA — PG&E told fire crews they "did not need assistance" with a gas leak nearly two hours before a massive explosion near Hayward that destroyed a home and left several people injured, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board.The explosion on the morning of Dec. 11, 2025, left at least six people injured and damaged two homes along the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard in an unincorporated area of Alameda County.Employees of Mayo Asphalt Milling, a roadway and sidewalk r...

HAYWARD, CA — PG&E told fire crews they "did not need assistance" with a gas leak nearly two hours before a massive explosion near Hayward that destroyed a home and left several people injured, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The explosion on the morning of Dec. 11, 2025, left at least six people injured and damaged two homes along the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard in an unincorporated area of Alameda County.

Employees of Mayo Asphalt Milling, a roadway and sidewalk repair company, were conducting road work in the area at around 7:25 a.m. when they damaged a service line leading to a nearby property, according to the report.

PG&E's maintenance crew arrived about 22 minutes later and found a gas leak in the service line leading to a property at 868 East Lewelling Blvd, according to the report.

The Alameda County Fire Department arrived just a few minutes later, but left soon after when a PG&E responder informed them that they did not need assistance," according to the report.

The maintenance crew squeezed off the service line that was damaged, but detected gas at the ground level near the impacted home. Workers from the utility company told NTSB investigators that they knocked on the impacted home and two neighboring ones to inform them of the situation, but nobody answered.

Crews soon began digging and shut off the gas main to stop the flow of gas into the service lines of the impacted home just before 9:30 a.m. Less than 10 minutes later, the impacted home exploded, prompting fire crews to return to the scene, according to the report.

"The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing," according to the NTSB report. "Future investigative activity will focus on the physical evidence secured at the accident site, safe excavation practices, and PG&E’s leak response and leak investigation procedures. "

An earlier assessment by the NTSB determined the line damaged by the workers was a natural gas pipeline installed in the 1940s.

PG&E detected gas before massive Hayward building explosion that injured 6 people: NTSB report

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- New details about the massive gas explosion that injured six people and set off a major fire in a Hayward neighborhood were released on Thursday as part of a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.The NTSB report states that PG&E "detected gas at the ground level near the accident home" after the original leak was supposedly capped, but despite that, crews began digging operations and less than an hour later the explosion occurred.ORIGINAL STORY: Shocking ...

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- New details about the massive gas explosion that injured six people and set off a major fire in a Hayward neighborhood were released on Thursday as part of a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NTSB report states that PG&E "detected gas at the ground level near the accident home" after the original leak was supposedly capped, but despite that, crews began digging operations and less than an hour later the explosion occurred.

ORIGINAL STORY: Shocking video shows massive Hayward building explosion after gas line rupture; 6 injured

"Nobody had enough time to respond to anything because we didn't know anything. We were just left in the dark," said Cathy Rodriguez, Hayward Resident.

The report gives a chronological breakdown of the event starting hours before the explosion.

"About 7:25 a.m., PG&E was notified that Mayo Asphalt Milling had damaged the service line..."

By 8:18 a.m., the report states that a PG&E maintenance crew had cut off gas to the damaged line, but "shortly after this, the PG&E crew detected gas at the ground level near the accident home."

The report then states that PG&E knocked on the doors of the accident home and the houses on either side, but no one responded.

"They didn't knock on doors because the neighbors were saying in the report that they went to the right and the left no doors were knocked on and we went to a board of supervisors' meetings, and they mentioned that. Nobody knocked," said Rodriguez.

PG&E then started digging up the main gas line and about an hour later the explosion occurred.

Below is a minute-by-minute timeline of the December 11, 2025 incident as stated in the NTSB report:

Last month ABC7 News interviewed one of the residents who lived in the home that exploded. His sister, brother and niece suffered serious burns and injuries.

"My brother was exactly where the gas line is. Above it and he just said, 'I don't know the earth split and the sun came out," said Jorge Duenas Ponce, Hayward resident.

In a statement on this report PG&E said in part:

"We remain committed to working together with the CPUC, NTSB and other state and federal entities..."

At least five residents are now filing a lawsuit against the county and responsible parties.

"Having an official report makes it clear who is responsible and how it happened. So yes, having those reports makes the case stronger," said WookSun Hong, attorney representing some of the residents.

The report also confirms that during the gas leak the Alameda County Fire Department arrived on the scene but left after a PG&E crew member informed them that they did not need assistance.

PG&E's full statement:

"The safety of the public, our customers and our coworkers is our highest responsibility. Our thoughts are with the residents and our PG&E coworkers who were injured during this incident.

We want to thank the first responders from the Alameda County Fire Department who worked to make the area safe and minimize damage to property. We remain committed to working together with the CPUC, NTSB and other state and federal entities on the safe and reliable delivery of energy to our customers we are privileged to serve.

The NTSB's investigation is ongoing."

Gas Explosion Rocks Hayward Neighborhood in California

A gas explosion devastated a Hayward community on Thursday morning, leveling at least one home and sparking a fierce fire that rattled nearby structures. At least six individuals have been hospitalized with injuries, according to ABC 7 News.Incident Timeline UnfoldsEmergency services were first called to the 800 block of East Lewelling Blvd. around 7:50 a.m. after reports of a natural gas leak. Fire crews were on the scene quickly, and were cleared by PG&E just five minutes later. However, chaos erupted just two hours lat...

A gas explosion devastated a Hayward community on Thursday morning, leveling at least one home and sparking a fierce fire that rattled nearby structures. At least six individuals have been hospitalized with injuries, according to ABC 7 News.

Incident Timeline Unfolds

Emergency services were first called to the 800 block of East Lewelling Blvd. around 7:50 a.m. after reports of a natural gas leak. Fire crews were on the scene quickly, and were cleared by PG&E just five minutes later. However, chaos erupted just two hours later when firefighters returned due to reports of an explosion and subsequent fire at 9:38 a.m.

Eyewitness Accounts as Explosion Destroys Home, Injuring Six

Dramatic footage from a doorbell camera captured the harrowing moments leading up to the explosion. An excavator was seen digging in front of the affected home, moments before a massive explosion erupted, sending debris and flames sky-high. Witnesses nearby expressed confusion and fear as they rushed to assist and search for victims.

Brittany Maldonado, a resident who shared the footage, described a scene akin to a war zone. Her experience illustrates the magnitude of the blast, as items shook off walls and panic set in.

Damages and Casualties

The explosion impacted two houses and damaged a workshop in the vicinity. Hospital reports indicate that three of the six injured individuals are in critical condition. The local neighborhood, which blends residential and business areas, is located just off Highway 238.

Investigations Launched

A multi-agency investigation is now underway, involving PG&E, Cal/OSHA, the NTSB, and others. Questions are emerging regarding the response protocol followed by fire crews. Despite being alerted to a gas leak earlier in the morning, safety measures—such as evacuation—were not implemented.

PG&E reported that a third party struck an underground gas line that morning, prompting immediate action to dispatch their crews. However, gas flow was only halted at 9:25 a.m., mere minutes before the devastating explosion occurred at 9:35 a.m.

Accountability Under Scrutiny

Officials are grappling with why first responders did not order an evacuation when they arrived on the scene prior to the explosion. PG&E maintains that it is the responsibility of first responders to evaluate the emergency, while fire officials retaliated by stating that they detected no immediate threat.

Fire and explosion specialist Richard Meier raised concerns over the response time, suggesting that better identification and accessibility of gas shut-off valves could mitigate risks in future crisis scenarios.

Understanding Legal Options for Victims of Gas Explosions

In the aftermath of the recent gas explosion in Hayward, questions abound regarding the rights of victims and the legal recourse available to them. To navigate the complexities of such tragedies, we spoke with experienced personal injury lawyer Jason Amala. He shares valuable information about the options for those injured or affected by these disastrous events, including how to gather evidence and the importance of acting swiftly.

Editor Darla Medina: After a tragic incident like the one we saw in Hayward, what legal options do victims have?

Attorney Jason Amala: Victims can pursue various avenues for compensation. They might file a personal injury claim against the responsible parties, which often include utility companies or contractors. Depending on the specifics, liability can shift based on negligence or safety violations.

Medina: What should victims focus on in the aftermath?

Amala: Gathering evidence is key. This includes witness statements, medical records, and any documentation related to the explosion. These pieces help in building a strong case.

Medina: How does the timeline impact these cases?

Amala: Timing is significant. Victims should act quickly to file claims. California has specific statutes of limitations, which can restrict their ability to seek damages over time.

Medina: And what about the emotional toll on victims and families?

Amala: Emotional distress can be included in claims. Victims and their families may also seek compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. It's vital to work with legal professionals who understand these nuances to ensure comprehensive support.

Victims of gas explosions and their families deserve comprehensive support as they navigate the aftermath of such traumatic events. Seeking justice and compensation can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. We encourage you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and ensure your rights are protected. Act now to empower your recovery journey and achieve the justice you deserve.

ABC 7 News

Hayward home explosion: 3 adult siblings and 2 children were victims inside

The five family members inside the home that exploded Thursday near Hayward have been identified by friends as Jorge Duenas Ponce, his adult brother and sister, and two young children, as investigators examine how a ruptured gas line ignited a blast that leveled the house and left several people critically injured.The explosion occurred around 9:35 a.m. on the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard in Ashland, an unincorporated community in Alameda County.The family lived at 867 E. Lewelling Blvd., a single-family home that was ...

The five family members inside the home that exploded Thursday near Hayward have been identified by friends as Jorge Duenas Ponce, his adult brother and sister, and two young children, as investigators examine how a ruptured gas line ignited a blast that leveled the house and left several people critically injured.

The explosion occurred around 9:35 a.m. on the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard in Ashland, an unincorporated community in Alameda County.

The family lived at 867 E. Lewelling Blvd., a single-family home that was reduced to rubble in seconds, scattering debris across the neighborhood.

Six people in total were injured in the blast and resulting fire.

According to the Alameda County Fire Department and a GoFundMe campaign for the family, two of the adult siblings and one child from the home were transported to hospitals with severe injuries, including burns and respiratory trauma. It was unclear which of the three adult siblings escaped severe injury.

Another child was not physically injured but lost all belongings in the fire.

PG&E has said that three of the six people injured in the incident were workers associated with the utility.

“The physical and emotional toll of this tragedy is unimaginable. Two of the adult family members, along with one of the children, are currently hospitalized with severe injuries and will have to fight through a long and difficult recovery process,” the GoFundMe reads.

Organizer Allie Fralick wrote that the children “have been uprooted from the only home they knew, losing their clothes, toys, and sense of security in the blast.”

“We have been friends with this amazing, hardworking family for almost 30 years and are reaching out to ask for your compassion and support,” she added. “This family has been left with nothing. No clothing, no food, no cars - everything exploded or was burned by the ensuing fire.”

The explosion came several hours after a third-party construction crew accidentally struck an underground gas line, prompting PG&E to respond to two reported gas releases. Gas flow was shut down at 8:18 a.m. and again at 9:25 a.m., the utility said.

Roughly 10 minutes later, video from a neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the moment the home exploded.

Federal and local agencies - including the National Transportation Safety Board, CAL/OSHA, PG&E and the Alameda County Fire Department - are investigating. The NTSB said two steel pipelines near the property, dating to the 1940s, were damaged during grading work for a county road improvement project.

The blast caused significant damage to two nearby homes and several vehicles, and some neighbors have questioned why they were not evacuated earlier despite the known gas leak. Officials have said evacuation decisions are made case by case, depending on the assessed risk.

Donations to the family are being directed toward medical expenses, temporary housing and other basic needs.

Hayward explosion: Family of 5 lost everything in blast

HAYWARD, Calif. - A family of five lost their home and everything they owned in a gas pipe explosion near Hayward last week, family friends said, while trying to raise money to help them.A GoFundMe organized by neighbor Allie Fralick identified the family as Jorge Duenas Ponce, his brother, sister and two young children as the people living at 867 E. Lewelling Boulevard, which was destroyed in a spectacle caught on video about 9:35 a.m. on Dec. 11.Six people were injured, and two properties were destroyed, acco...

HAYWARD, Calif. - A family of five lost their home and everything they owned in a gas pipe explosion near Hayward last week, family friends said, while trying to raise money to help them.

A GoFundMe organized by neighbor Allie Fralick identified the family as Jorge Duenas Ponce, his brother, sister and two young children as the people living at 867 E. Lewelling Boulevard, which was destroyed in a spectacle caught on video about 9:35 a.m. on Dec. 11.

Six people were injured, and two properties were destroyed, according to the Alameda County Fire Department. The other destroyed property belonged to the parents of Jessica Fox, she wrote, saying that her mom and one of her dogs got out safely, but her other dog and kitten did not survive. Her parents also lost everything, she said.

In terms of the Ponce family, Fralick wrote that "in a single moment, three adult siblings—two brothers and their sister—along with two young children, lost everything they owned." She said they were in the home when it blew up.

Two of the adults and one of the children are still in the hospital with severe injuries, she said.

Fralick said she has been friends with this "amazing, hardworking family for almost 30 years" and wanted to help, as they have been left with no food, cars, or clothing.

"Everything exploded or was burned by the ensuing fire," she said.

Efforts to speak to Fralick or the family were not immediately successful on Monday morning.

But neighbor Brittany Maldano, who provided the Nest camera video of the explosion, which has since been aired around the world including in Pakistan and England, told KTVU that she is aware of the fundraising effort.

She and her husband, Christian, are now living in the Holiday Inn Express in Castro Valley, because they still have no heat in their home, which she said, luckily, only sustained a cracked window.

Maldanado said she wants officials to officially clear her home for safety before she returns.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the blast, which occurred after a third-party construction crew struck an underground natural gas line on the 800 block of Lewelling Boulevard, according to PG&E. The utility said the line was hit around 7:35 a.m., nearly two hours before the blast.

PG&E said that three of their employees were also injured in the blast.

Residents identified the construction crew as Redgwick Construction, based in Oakland.

Both the company’s website and the Alameda County Public Works Department list the work as part of an active project to improve East Lewelling Boulevard.

According to Cal-OSHA enforcement records, Redgwick has had no citations or violations in the last decade.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED in helping the Ponce, click here. If you'd like to help the Fox family, click here.

Community members affected by the blast are encouraging each other to attend the Alameda County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday at 1 p.m. to voice concerns and hardships in the public comment section stemming from the gas pipe explosion.

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