Gas explosions are devastating events that can change lives in an instant. Whether at a job site or at home, these explosions can lead to catastrophic damage and cause severe, even life-threatening injuries, fatalities, and destruction that affect surrounding buildings and families. For survivors, the road to recovery can be long and difficult, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has been injured in a gas explosion, the path forward may feel uncertain. You don’t have to face it alone.
At Munley Law, our gas explosion lawyers understand the unique challenges of these cases. We are here to help victims and their families seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve. With decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases, we have the expertise to hold the responsible parties accountable and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Understanding Gas Explosions
When gas ignites, the resulting explosion can lead to fires, structural damage, and a range of life-threatening injuries. These explosions often happen suddenly, with little to no warning, leaving victims with limited time to react.
Natural gas explosions can occur at worksites, houses, and apartment complexes due to utility company faults, defective equipment, and safety violations. Human error or negligence is at the root of many explosions, making them preventable tragedies. The failure to follow safety regulations or adequately inspect and maintain equipment can lead to dangerous conditions that ignite gas leaks, ultimately resulting in explosions.
Gas explosions can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with propane tanks, pipelines, or gas appliances. In these cases, it’s critical to determine what went wrong and who is responsible for the accident. At Munley Law, we have a team of experienced attorneys and expert witnesses who can investigate the cause of the explosion and build a strong case for the injury victims.
Common Causes of Gas Explosions
Gas explosions are rarely random. They are usually the result of negligence or defective equipment. Some of the most common causes of gas explosions include:
- Defective or faulty control valves or connectors: A malfunctioning control valve can allow gas to leak, which may lead to an explosion if it comes into contact with a spark or flame. Faulty connectors can also fail to seal gas lines properly, leading to dangerous leaks.
- Household equipment and appliances: Common household equipment, such as water heaters, stoves, grills, and furnaces, can malfunction or be improperly installed, causing a residential gas explosion. Poor maintenance or improper repairs can create a risk of gas leaks in houses and apartment complexes.
- Propane tanks: Propane gas is commonly used for heating, cooking, and industrial purposes. However, propane tanks can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Chemical fires caused by propane gas can ignite if the delivery company fails to fill the tank correctly or treat a new propane tank properly. In such cases, the company responsible for the propane delivery may be liable for any injuries or damages caused by the explosion.
Establishing Liability for a Natural Gas Explosion
Determining liability for a gas explosion is a complex process requiring a thorough investigation. Several parties may be responsible for the conditions that led to the explosion. Anytime a company manufactures or sells a faulty or defective product, or a contractor improperly repairs or installs a device, it can lead to an explosion and serious injuries. Identifying the responsible parties is essential for holding them accountable and obtaining compensation for the victims.
Some of the parties that could be liable for a gas explosion include:
- Gas utility companies: If a gas utility company fails to maintain pipelines or neglects proper safety inspections, it may be liable for an explosion.
- Property owners: Landlords and property owners are responsible for ensuring that gas lines and appliances are properly maintained. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for explosions that occur on their premises.
- Contractors: Contractors who install or repair gas lines or appliances must do so by safety standards. Faulty installations or subpar repairs can lead to dangerous gas leaks and, ultimately, explosions.
- Manufacturers: If a defective product, such as a gas stove or water heater, caused the explosion, the manufacturer of the appliance may be held liable for the resulting damages.
A skilled gas explosion attorney must prove that the negligent party was responsible for your injuries. This requires collecting evidence, consulting with experts, and building a case that demonstrates the link between the negligence and the explosion.
Injuries and Damages Caused by Gas Explosions
Gas explosion injuries are often life-changing, even deadly. Exposure to natural gas and propane can put people at risk of serious injuries and death. Victims of gas explosions may suffer from the following:
Severe burns: Explosions often result in thermal burns that can cover large portions of the body. Burn injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and skin grafts, and they often leave permanent disfigurement and scars.- Broken bones: The force of a gas explosion can throw victims against hard surfaces or trap them under debris, resulting in broken bones and other serious injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The concussive force of an explosion can cause head injuries, which may lead to traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive function, memory, and quality of life.
Severe burns: Explosions often result in thermal burns that can cover large portions of the body. In addition to physical injuries, gas explosion victims may suffer from emotional trauma and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit Against a Gas Company
After a gas explosion, families may be unsure if they are eligible to bring a civil lawsuit for an explosion or burn injury caused by someone else’s negligent actions. However, if negligence played a role in the explosion, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
A gas explosion attorney can file a civil lawsuit or a case for compensation against liable parties to obtain a full and fair recovery for clients. These cases are often multi-million-dollar cases, and an experienced gas explosion attorney has the expertise to handle them. Because of the potential for significant damages, having an attorney with a proven track record in high-stakes litigation is essential.
Can I Sue a Public Utility For the Explosion?
If a public utility company is responsible for a gas explosion, it is possible to sue them for damages. However, because public utility companies are often considered government entities, filing a lawsuit against them can be difficult. Special rules and procedures must be followed when suing a public utility, and the process may be more complicated than a standard personal injury case.
That said, the short answer is yes—you can sue a public utility for a gas explosion, but it will require the expertise of an experienced attorney. A skilled lawyer can help guide you and ensure that your rights are protected.
Compensation for Gas Explosion Victims
Victims of gas explosions may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, and any ongoing medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income, both past and future.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and any reduction in your quality of life due to the explosion. To prove pain and suffering in a personal injury case, your attorney will gather evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and detailed accounts of physical and emotional impact to demonstrate the extent of the harm.
- Property damage: If your home, business, or personal belongings were damaged in the explosion, you could receive compensation to cover the costs of repairs or replacement.
- Mental healthcare and therapy: Explosions can cause significant psychological distress. Compensation for mental healthcare and treatment may be recoverable in a personal injury claim to help victims cope with the emotional fallout of the explosion.
- Wrongful death: A wrongful death lawsuit after a gas explosion is a legal action brought by the surviving family members of a victim who was tragically killed due to someone else’s negligence. In such cases, the family may seek compensation for a variety of damages. These may include funeral and burial or cremation expenses, loss of income and future earnings that the deceased would have provided, as well as loss of companionship and emotional support. Additionally, compensation may cover the deceased’s medical expenses incurred before death, pain and suffering, and the emotional anguish experienced by the surviving family. A wrongful death lawsuit can help families hold the negligent parties accountable and provide financial support during a deeply difficult time.
What to Expect During the Lawsuit Process
At Munley Law, we understand how overwhelming the legal process can seem after a traumatic event like a gas explosion. Our law firm will use accident reconstructionists to learn the cause, examine the evidence, and talk to witnesses. We will work with you to uncover all the facts and identify the responsible party.
Once our team has gathered the necessary evidence, we will file a lawsuit and begin negotiations with the liable party or their insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.
Munley Law is here to provide the information you need to make well-informed decisions. We start with our free case evaluation and will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance at a successful outcome.
Our Gas Explosion Lawyers Are Here to Help
If you or a family member was injured in a gas explosion, don’t wait. Contact a gas explosion lawyer for a free initial consultation about your legal options. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you pursue financial compensation for your damages and navigate the legal process.
At Munley Law, we have a long history of successfully representing clients in complex and high-value cases. If someone else’s negligence caused an explosion that impacted you, contact a gas explosion attorney today. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Schedule your free consultation today so you can start to focus on your recovery.
