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Gas explosions are heartbreaking events that shatter lives and communities across the United States each year. Families who have experienced these devastating incidents know firsthand the profound impact they have from severe injuries to the tragic loss of loved ones. While many might assume these are rare occurrences, gas explosions happen more frequently than most people realize in homes and businesses throughout America.
Behind each of these incidents lies a story of what went wrong, and often, these accidents stem from maintenance oversights or safety procedures that were overlooked. By understanding what causes these devastating events and the warning signs that precede them, communities can work together to prevent future tragedies and help keep everyone safe.
Gas leak explosions have many potential causes. Generally, an explosion involves the following:
Data indicate gas explosions may represent a fairly significant problem in the US. According to the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 616 “pipeline incidents” occurred in the country in 2023. Of these incidents, 17 resulted in fatalities, and 39 resulted in injuries.
Injured in a gas explosion? Contact our experienced gas explosion accident attorneys for a free consultation.
The following examples from just the past five years illustrate the nature of the problem in the US:
These are just a few examples. Some common factors that often play major roles in natural gas explosions and similar incidents include:
Of course, an ignition source must also be present for a gas explosion to occur. As we learn lessons from past natural gas explosions, lawmakers enact new regulations, and industries respond accordingly.
Don’t let your case go uninvestigated. Contact our experienced team today. We’ll investigate your accident and explain how you may have grounds to pursue financial compensation.
The most common causes of gas explosions in recent years include:
Depending on the cause of an explosion, victims may be eligible to receive compensation. They can seek compensation by filing insurance claims or lawsuits.
One way to prevent natural gas explosions and other such incidents is to monitor for common warning signs of gas leaks, gas line problems, etc. Warning signs to be aware of include:
You should also monitor yourself for physical symptoms of a gas leak, such as:
Installing gas detection equipment in your home is yet another way to stay safe. With new “smart” gas detectors, you can even receive alerts about potential leaks when you’re out of the home.
Suspect negligence led to your gas explosion? Schedule a free case evaluation today.
Federal laws regarding natural gas primarily focus on regulating interstate pipeline construction. Many safety regulations designed to prevent explosions involving gas systems are state and local laws. For example, a gas company operating in the District of Columbia must be properly licensed.
Individual industries may also have their own standards. For example, the safety standards of utility companies may not be the same as those of construction companies. Understanding how regulations, laws, and industry standards apply to your case could help you better understand the degree to which compensation may be available.
You don’t have to research this topic alone. Let us help you navigate complex regulations in your gas explosion case.
Certain special considerations may apply to a gas explosion case depending on the type of property where the explosion occurred. For example, in a commercial building or multi-unit building, there could be numerous potentially liable parties. Although utility companies are often to blame for gas explosions, again, these explosions can occur because gas appliances were not properly installed or because those responsible for maintaining gas appliances are negligent.
In a building with multiple tenants and multiple gas appliances, liability can extend to various potential parties. Determining liability may require a thorough investigation.
Determining liability is also important in industrial facility accidents. Victims in such accidents may initially seek compensation by filing workers’ compensation claims. However, recovering the full amount of compensation for which they’re eligible may require identifying a third party whose negligence caused an explosion. This also applies to construction site explosions.
Special considerations can even apply in cases involving residential gas explosions. House explosions may involve property damage for which homeowners can receive compensation. If a victim was injured on someone else’s property, they may strictly seek compensation for injury-related losses.
Every property type requires unique expertise. Contact our specialized attorneys to get help with your gas explosion case.
A gas explosion can level a property. Even if a property remains standing after an explosion, it’s likely to be significantly damaged.
Gas explosions can also cause serious injuries that may have long-term consequences, such as:
Immediately after an explosion, these injuries will require medical treatment. In the long run, they can prevent a victim from working, leave them in need of ongoing care, and interfere with their ability to care for themselves.
If you smell gas or notice other signs of a gas leak, evacuate the area and distance yourself from the property. Only turn off the gas if you’re certain you can do so safely. Once you’re a safe distance from the property, call both 911 and your gas company. Document any problems at the scene that either the gas company or emergency response teams identify.
Taking the above steps is also important if a gas explosion occurs. Just make sure you track down anyone who may have been injured (without putting yourself at risk) and request emergency medical services when calling 911. Regardless of whether you think you’ve been injured or whether a leak has even caused an explosion, see a doctor for a medical evaluation. Save copies of your medical bills and records.
Next, learn how our experienced attorneys can protect your rights after a gas explosion. Contact us for a free consultation.
A comprehensive home safety checklist designed to prevent gas explosions and promote safety when they occur should include:
Has a safety oversight led to your injury? Let us review your case.
Compensation may be available for medical bills, lost wages, and other financial consequences of a gas explosion resulting from another party’s negligence. If your injuries are severe, your compensation may include compensation for future losses, like the cost of ongoing medical care.
You may also receive compensation for non-economic losses after a gas explosion. For example, you may pursue compensation for the pain and suffering your injuries have caused.
Gas companies are often liable in these cases. That said, because other parties (like those responsible for gas appliance installation) could be liable, determining liability may require conducting an investigation.
A qualified legal team can investigate an accident on your behalf. Don’t wait to get started, as the statute of limitations requires you to file a lawsuit by a particular deadline, depending on your state.
Time is critical in gas explosion cases. Contact Regan Zambri Long now.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy if a gas explosion has damaged your home to such an extent that you can’t live in it until repairs are made. Along with covering the cost of repairs, your policy may include coverage for the cost of temporary housing.
Allowing lawyers to handle the insurance claims process gives you more time to focus on your physical recovery. Once you’ve received the immediate treatment you need, you might have to start making plans for physical therapy and other such forms of long-term care.
Get the support you need to rebuild. Schedule your consultation with our legal team.
The following are common legal questions about gas explosion cases:
Does insurance cover gas explosions?
Homeowner’s insurance will often cover repair costs and similar expenses after a gas explosion. To receive compensation for medical bills and injury-related losses, you may have to file a claim or lawsuit against a negligent party.
How long does a gas explosion case usually take to resolve?
Gas explosion cases can be complex. Although you may receive a settlement in a few months, you might have to wait over a year to resolve a case.
How much compensation can I expect?
The severity of your injuries, whether you have any lost wages, whether you struggle with pain and suffering, and whether your injuries are likely to cause long-term difficulties are all factors that can influence how much compensation you receive. Gas explosions tend to cause serious harm. It is not uncommon for gas explosion settlements to be relatively high.
Just remember that having the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Be sure to choose a legal team with experience handling cases like yours.
Our firm has extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic gas explosions in residential buildings. In one of our most significant cases, we represented numerous families affected by the 2016 Flower Branch Apartments explosion in Silver Spring, Maryland, which tragically claimed seven lives and injured over 100 residents. Working closely with the affected families, we secured a confidential settlement that helped them rebuild their lives after this devastating incident.
More recently, following the March 2022 Friendly Gardens Apartments explosion and the November 2022 Potomac Oaks condominium complex explosion in Gaithersburg, our team has continued to advocate for residents impacted by these dangerous incidents. Each case demonstrates our deep commitment to helping victims of gas explosions receive the compensation and support they need while working to improve residential safety standards across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
