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12/21/24   |   By

Who Can I Sue After a Ruptured Gas Line Causes an Explosion?

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Who Can I Sue After a Ruptured Gas Line Causes an ExplosionWhen an explosion occurs due to a broken gas line, it can be alarming, perilous, and quite overwhelming. Knowing how to respond and what your rights entail is important in the aftermath. You have legal rights to seek compensation for your injuries and damages from any number of potentially liable parties — including the gas company, property owner, contractors, and manufacturers of faulty equipment.

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Gas Explosion?

These entities may be responsible if negligence or defects caused the explosion. Time limits for filing a claim vary by state but typically fall within two to three years after the incident. It’s vital to act promptly, as failure to file within the statute of limitations can bar your claim. Federal and state regulations, such as safety standards enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and local building codes, are key in determining liability.
Contact our experienced gas explosion attorneys for a free case evaluation to understand your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.

Determining Liability in Gas Line Explosion Cases

To determine responsibility for a gas line explosion, investigators must identify the parties that played a role in the incident. The gas company may be liable if a leak or poor maintenance of the gas line caused the explosion. Property owners could be held accountable if they failed to maintain a safe environment or neglected necessary inspections. Contractors may be liable for negligence if they improperly installed or repaired the gas line or equipment.

Equipment manufacturers can also be held responsible if defective or faulty equipment contributed to the explosion. Each case is clearly unique — and determining liability requires a thorough investigation of the facts. It’s not wise to manage these complex liability issues alone. Let our experienced attorneys investigate your case and help you understand your options. Schedule a consultation today to get the guidance you need.

Multi-Party Explosion Lawsuits

In cases of gas explosions that involve multiple victims, multi-party lawsuits may be an option. Class actions allow many individuals with similar claims against the same defendant to come forward in one case. Mass tort litigation, on the other hand, involves separate lawsuits for each victim but a coordinated effort to streamline the legal process.

Aligning with other victims in cases can enhance accountability and facilitate more efficient litigation. Group litigation also often leads to shared resources, reducing individual legal costs and strengthening the case against powerful defendants.

If you’ve been affected by a gas explosion, it’s important to know if your case could qualify for a larger lawsuit. Contact our team today for guidance on your legal options and the best way forward.

What Kind of Compensation Is Available for Explosion Victims?

Victims of gas line explosions may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the extent of their injuries and damages. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and ongoing care, are often a primary concern. Victims may also recover compensation for property damage, including the destruction of homes or personal belongings.

Lost wages and reduced earning capacity due to injuries sustained in the explosion can be compensated to ease the financial burden caused by the explosion. Victims may also receive compensation for the pain and suffering that comes with the emotional and physical toll of the incident. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may file a claim for funeral costs, lost financial support, and related emotional distress.

Our attorneys have secured millions in compensation for explosion victims. Contact us today to learn what your case might be worth and how we can help you pursue justice.

Common Causes of Gas Line Explosions We Handle

Gas line explosions can be caused by several factors, often due to negligence or unsafe practices. Some of the most common causes we handle include the following:

  • Faulty Installation: Improper installation of gas lines or appliances by unqualified workers can lead to dangerous leaks or malfunctions.
  • Poor Maintenance: Lack of regular inspections or repairs by gas companies or property owners can result in undetected leaks or damaged pipes, increasing the risk of an explosion.
  • Construction Accidents: Accidental damage to gas lines during construction or renovation can lead to leaks and explosions if not addressed immediately.
  • Defective Equipment: Faulty gas valves, pipes, or other equipment can fail and cause dangerous explosions if they are poorly made or not properly tested.
  • Safety Regulation Violations: Failure to comply with safety regulations by contractors, property owners, or gas companies can directly contribute to accidents.

If you’ve been affected by any of these situations, contact us to discuss your case with our experienced legal team.

Workplace Gas Explosion Claims: Special Considerations

Fire Alarm InspectorWorkplace gas explosion claims have unique considerations, as they may involve both workers’ compensation and third-party liability. Workers injured in a gas explosion at work can receive workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, if a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, is responsible for the explosion, you may also have the option to file a third-party liability claim for additional compensation.

OSHA violations can also play a role in proving negligence. Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment and ensure worker safety, but failure to adhere to safety standards may lead to liability.

Types of Serious Injuries in Gas Explosions

Gas explosions can cause a wide range of serious injuries, including the following:

  • Burns (First through Fourth Degree): Explosions can cause burns ranging from minor surface damage (first degree) to deep tissue damage (fourth degree), often requiring long-term treatment and surgeries.
  • Blast Injuries and Trauma: The force of an explosion can cause blunt force trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and concussions.
  • Respiratory Damage: Inhalation of toxic fumes or smoke from an explosion can lead to chronic respiratory issues, lung damage, or long-term health complications.
  • Psychological Trauma/PTSD: The emotional and psychological toll of surviving an explosion can lead to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

These injuries can have lasting effects on your life. Our attorneys understand the long-term impact of explosion injuries and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.

How Regan Zambri Long Fights for Gas Explosion Victims

At Regan Zambri Long, we fight tirelessly for gas explosion victims by taking a thorough, multi-step approach to building your case.

  • Investigation Process: Our team conducts a detailed investigation to uncover the root cause of the explosion and identify responsible parties.
  • Evidence Gathering: We gather crucial evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and physical evidence, to support your claim.
  • Expert Testimony: Our attorneys work with industry experts — such as safety engineers, medical professionals, and fire investigators — to provide critical testimony that strengthens your case.
  • Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while protecting you from unfair settlement offers.

With our proven track record of success, you can trust us to fight for your rights. Put our experience to work for you, and schedule your free consultation now.

Insurance Issues in Gas Explosion Cases

In gas explosion cases, various types of insurance may apply, including homeowners, renters, commercial property, and liability insurance. However, dealing with multiple insurers can complicate the process because each may have different policies, exclusions, and coverage limits. Common coverage disputes arise when insurers deny claims, argue the cause of the explosion, or offer settlements that fall short of what you are owed.

Bad faith insurance practices are also common in these cases and can hinder your ability to recover proper compensation. These include delaying or unfairly denying claims. Handling these insurance issues can be challenging without experienced legal help. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Let our attorneys handle the negotiations — contact us today to discuss your case.

Steps to Take After a Gas Explosion

After a gas explosion, taking the right steps will go a long way in protecting your legal rights:

  • Step 1: Document Injuries: Seek medical attention immediately and document all injuries, treatments, and medical records.
  • Step 2: Preserve Evidence: Secure any physical evidence from the scene, such as photographs of damage, gas lines, or faulty equipment, and keep records of any statements made by witnesses.
  • Step 3: Dealing with Insurance Companies: Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters because they may attempt to minimize your claim. Let our attorneys handle negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
  • Step 4: Meet Legal Deadlines: Each state has a statute of limitations for filing claims. Acting quickly is essential to avoid missing these critical deadlines.

Time is critical in explosion cases. Contact our legal team immediately to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Get Help from Our Gas Explosion Attorneys

Chris ReganIf you’ve been affected by a gas explosion, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the complicated legal process. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and provide expert advice. With no fees unless we win, you can trust that we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve without any financial risk.

Our team is available 24/7 so that you get the support you need — whenever you need it. With decades of experience handling gas explosion cases, we have the skills and resources to investigate, build a strong case, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies and liable parties. Don’t face the aftermath of a gas explosion alone. Call now for your free case evaluation with our experienced attorneys, and let us fight for your rights.

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