Menu
01/02/25   |   By

The Long-Term Impact of a Gas Leak

5 stars

The Long-Term Impact of a Gas LeakDo you have any gas appliances in your home? If so, it’s important to understand how dangerous a gas leak can be. Although there are steps you can take to guard against the risk of natural gas leaks, a leak could develop because of issues you have no control over. For example, you may have a leak because a utility company failed to maintain a gas line properly.

Exposure to natural gas can leave you vulnerable to several potential health risks. If this has happened to you or a loved one, our team at Regan Zambri Long is prepared to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Dangers of Long-Term Gas Leak Exposure

Research into long-term exposure to gas leaks is still relatively new. However, research and anecdotal reports indicate that being exposed to a gas leak for a prolonged period may cause such effects as:

  • Respiratory issues
  • Depression and other mood problems
  • Neurological disorders
  • A general sense of feeling unwell in one’s own home

These health problems can affect other areas of life. For example, if someone develops respiratory problems because of a natural gas leak in their home, these issues could negatively affect their ability to work. At the very least, they may require medical care.

You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve struggled with the long-term health effects of natural gas leaks, contact our gas explosion lawyers team for a free consultation.

The Signs of a Gas Leak

Your home may already be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm, carbon monoxide detectors, and similar devices. Installing a gas leak detector is another way to stay safe.

It’s also important to monitor for signs of a gas leak, like:

  • A sulfur or “rotten eggs” smell
  • Strange sounds near gas appliances
  • Air bubbles or bubbling in standing water is sometimes a sign of a natural gas leak
  • Dying plants may indicate a gas leak

Leak detection also involves monitoring yourself for symptoms of a gas leak before experiencing more serious consequences. Symptoms to be on the lookout for include:

  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain

If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services. Contact our team to learn more about potential legal options.

The Legal Ramifications of Gas Leak Injuries

personal injury lawyersGas companies have a responsibility to guard against leaks. This involves maintaining gas lines and keeping them in proper working order.

You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve been harmed because a gas company was negligent. You could seek compensation for losses like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. If you’ve been injured in a gas leak accident, contact our legal team to discuss your case.

Protecting Yourself from Gas Leak Hazards

Along with adhering to basic leak detection practices, you can guard against a natural gas leak in your home by:

  • Scheduling regular inspections of your gas appliances
  • Scheduling repair services as soon as you detect a problem with a gas appliance
  • Reviewing safety information for your gas appliances and following the advice accordingly
  • Knowing where gas lines are on your property to guard against damaging them

That said, even if you take these steps, you may still be harmed if a gas leak occurs due to the gas company’s carelessness. Get in touch with our team to discuss filing a claim if this happens.

Gas Leak Safety Regulations and Utility Company Responsibility

Federal regulations pertaining to natural gas primarily focus on regulating interstate natural gas commerce. Individual states and local authorities may have their own regulations directly governing how natural gas companies deliver their products and services. For example, the District of Columbia has laws requiring natural gas companies to be properly licensed.

A utility company must abide by all applicable regulations. Gas companies may be considered negligent in personal injury cases if members of the public are harmed because they didn’t obey relevant laws. If you believe a utility company’s negligence caused a gas leak, contact our legal team for a free consultation.

Property Damage Caused by Gas Leaks

Natural gas leaks don’t just cause health issues. They can also cause property damage. Common forms of property damage resulting from natural gas leaks include:

  • Weakening a building’s structural integrity
  • Contaminating surfaces, clothes, and other belongings
  • Compromising electrical systems
  • Causing explosions that can result in even greater property damage

Compensation may also be available for these losses. Along with a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you may file a property damage claim accordingly. If your property has been damaged by a gas leak, contact our legal team to discuss your next steps.

Share This Article:
Regan Zambri Long
Posted In
Gas Explosion

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

  • Please do not send any confidential or sensitive information in this form. This form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Back to Top