A gas explosion is a serious event that can cause severe and, in many cases, fatal injuries. When an explosion occurs due to someone’s negligence, the victims have the right to file a claim for compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a gas explosion, it is important to understand your rights and what you could be entitled to. An experienced lawyer can help you get justice. Contact Rodriguez & Associates to schedule a free consultation.
Common Types of Explosions
Although there are many different types of explosions that can be the basis for a personal injury claim, some of the most common include the following:
Construction Explosions
Construction sites are some of the most likely places for explosions due to careless handling of flammable materials like fuel and natural gas. Some of the most common causes include:
- Poor maintenance or inspection of equipment or machinery
- Ignoring safety protocols when using hazardous materials
- Failing to properly store combustible or flammable materials
- Defective products such as faulty wiring or plumbing systems
Home Explosions
Explosions can also occur inside homes due to defective products such as water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and refrigerators. Improper installation or improper use are also possible causes of explosions within homes. Some other factors include:
- Leaking natural gas lines
- Faulty wiring
- Clogged exhaust vents
- Improper placement of flammable items near gas appliances
Gas Station Explosions
Special attention must be paid when refueling vehicles at a gas station as there is potential for an explosion due to mishandling gasoline cans or carelessness when pumping fuel into vehicles. Common causes include:
- Overfilling tanks
- Unsecured fuel caps
- Spilled gasoline
- Ignition sources such as cigarettes or sparks from car engines
Who is Responsible for a Gas Explosion Injury?
A gas explosion can be a traumatic and life-altering event. In order to receive the compensation you’re entitled to, it is important to understand what you could be entitled to and who may be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
Property Owners or Landlords
Property owners or landlords have a responsibility to maintain safe premises for their tenants and visitors. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable if someone is injured on their property as a result of their negligence.
For instance, landlords may be held liable for any resulting injuries if they fail to repair a gas leak or faulty wiring in an apartment building, which results in a gas explosion.
Manufacturers of Defective Products
Manufacturers have a duty to produce items that are safe for customers when used correctly. If the design or production process of the items has flaws that cause them to be dangerous, manufacturers can be held liable for any injuries caused by these products.
For example, if defective wiring results in a gas explosion due to electrical shorts in household appliances such as stoves or refrigerators, the manufacturer may be found negligent and thus liable for any resulting injury claims.
Gas Or Utility Companies
Gas and utility companies are often responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas lines and associated equipment utilized by customers such as furnaces and water heaters.
If these companies fail in these duties and someone is injured due to neglecting safety regulations or failing to identify potential risks associated with faulty equipment, then these companies may face claims from victims of the accident.
Contractors and Subcontractors
Contractors or subcontractors responsible for construction or renovation work are often held liable in gas explosion cases due to their failure to meet safety standards and regulations. This might include the negligence of a contractor in failing to properly inspect gas lines for leaks prior to starting work, or failure to properly install new equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
Government Agencies
Government agencies responsible for regulating safety standards and inspections can also be liable if they fail to properly enforce them. In certain cases, government agencies may also be liable if they fail to adequately investigate reports of hazardous conditions that could lead to an explosion accident.
Compensation for a Gas Explosion Claim
The amount of compensation awarded for cases involving gas explosions will differ depending on a variety of factors, such as the extent of injuries caused and how much property damage occurred.
Most personal injury claims include reimbursement for medical costs resulting from the treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, lost wages from taking time off work, compensation for physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and sometimes, punitive damages.
Why Hire Rodriguez & Associates For A Gas Explosion Claim?
Gas explosions are serious matters, often causing severe and permanent injuries. To win the compensation you deserve, it’s crucial that you have the right lawyer on your side. Here’s why you should work with us:
- We have more than 100 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients; our track record speaks for itself.
- We truly care about each and every client we have. We provide aggressive but compassionate representation.
- We will handle all the legal work and complete it on time so that you can focus on your recovery.
For help after a gas explosion injury, contact Rodriguez & Associates to schedule a free consultation.