Philadelphia Gas Explosion Lawyer
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This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
- Last Modified:
- September 28, 2024
- Several types of gas explosions cause injuries and death.
- Injuries from gas explosions include burns, fractured bones, brain injuries, and others.
- If a gas explosion has harmed you, you can seek compensation from those responsible for your injuries.
- Gas companies, property owners, contractors, manufacturers, and others may be responsible for your injuries.
- You need an experienced attorney to help you in these often complex cases.
Natural gas is one of the most common home heating sources in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Gas Works estimates that 85 percent of the city’s homes use natural gas, or methane, for heat. Meanwhile, propane is frequently used for numerous purposes in the Greater Philadelphia area, including cooking, electricity, and construction.
We depend on gas companies, utilities, contractors, workers, and consumers to follow applicable laws and standards for manufacturing, installing, maintaining, working around, and using gas and gas-powered equipment. When they are negligent and cause you harm, you have the legal right to file a claim and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Gas explosion cases are complex and can result in some destroyed evidence. A skilled gas explosion lawyer from Cordisco & Saile LLC can help make your case that someone else’s actions or inactions led to your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Cordisco & Saile
Cordisco & Saile LLC’s Philadephia personal injury lawyers have significant experience handling complex cases such as gas explosions. We have a Superb 10.0 Avvo rating and are recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Our track record of successful case results shows our commitment to our clients and attention to detail in applying Pennsylvania law. We have proudly helped our clients secure millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. We are proud of client testimonials describing our excellent communication, commitment to your case, and ability to secure positive outcomes.
We understand what you and your family face after the potentially life-changing effects of a gas explosion. Partner with one of our accomplished explosion accident attorneys so we can help relieve some of your burdens by fighting for fair compensation.
Types of Gas Explosions
Methane, also known as natural gas, and propane can lead to gas explosions. These explosions typically occur when flammable gas escapes from pipelines, tanks, appliances, or other equipment. Faulty regulating devices, corrosion, and other issues often lead to leaks. Once the gas builds up in an area and comes into contact with an ignition source, such as an open flame, spark, or electrical charge, it can cause an explosion.
Gas Explosions
The widespread use of natural gas in Philadelphia means there is always the potential for explosions due to problems such as:
- Gas main leaks
- Damaged lines or coupling equipment inside or outside the home
- Contractors hitting gas lines during excavations
- Defective gas stoves and furnaces
- Defective gas leak warning systems
Tracing back the origins of a gas explosion can be one of the more challenging aspects of your claim. The 2023 New Year’s Day gas explosion in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood is a case in point. That blast destroyed three homes, damaged dozens of others, and injured at least five people. As of early 2024, there were still no answers as to what caused the accident.
Immediately leave your home or business if you smell gas. It may resemble the smell of rotten eggs due to an additive used to make the odor distinctive. Report the smell to 911 or your gas company, and do not return until given the all-clear.
You must prove who was liable for the gas explosion that caused your damages. For example, contractors and others must use the Pennsylvania One Call System to identify gas lines before excavating. If a contractor did not do so and a subsequent gas explosion caused your injuries, your attorney can argue that the contractor was negligent in not getting clearance to dig.
Propane Tank Explosions
Propane tanks are prone to boiling-liquid-expanding-vapor explosions. These occur when propane exceeds its boiling point and then rapidly depressurizes. The liquid turns into vapor, releasing tremendous pressure. This process causes the tank to fail completely and explode, often with a large fireball.
Some explosions of smaller propane tanks result from user error, such as not closing the gas valve between uses. Others are due to manufacturing errors, such as defective overfilling protection device valves or faulty hoses and connectors. If your propane tanks were faulty or improperly maintained by the people who provided them, you can file for damages against the responsible party.
While we commonly think of propane as related to its uses for gas grills or in RVs, some homes and businesses rely on propane for heating. In 2019, a propane explosion in an office building killed a fire captain and injured six firefighters. The blast was so powerful that firefighters outside were thrown into the street.
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Types of Injuries Caused by Gas Explosions
The force of gas explosions in houses can cause severe injuries. Those outside the immediate vicinity of the blast are not free from danger, as they may still be thrown by the force of the explosion or hit by scattering debris traveling at a high speed. Some injuries in gas explosions include the following:
- Burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Hearing loss
- Severe mental distress
- Death
You may experience more than one injury in a gas explosion. If so, your evidence must include medical records and bills documenting all your injuries. Your gas and propane explosion attorney can help you gather and analyze your medical records to ensure you seek the full compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for a Gas Explosion?
Several things can cause gas explosions. They happen due to poorly marked gas lines, carelessness around them, improper maintenance, or mistakes in manufacturing. One or more parties might be liable for your gas explosion injuries, depending on the circumstances of your case. Some potential parties you could name in a lawsuit include the following:
- Contractors
- Gas companies
- Utility companies
- Property owners and other gas users
- Maintenance companies
- Manufacturers and installers
- Government entities
It can be difficult to secure evidence after a gas explosion, as the effects often destroy it. Our accomplished attorneys have significant experience handling complex legal claims, and we have established a network of experts we rely on to build our clients’ cases. We will fight for you regardless of the effort and time it takes to bring your case to a satisfying conclusion.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for Gas Explosion Injuries?
In a gas explosion case, you can ask for compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages make up for your financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate you for the other effects of your injuries. Our experienced gas explosion lawyers can pursue damages such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- The costs of updating your home or car to accommodate your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
If your loved one died in a gas explosion, our wrongful death attorneys can help you pursue additional compensation for damages. These can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of future financial and emotional support, and loss of companionship.
Contact Cordisco & Saile for a Free Consultation
Following a gas explosion, you and your family have much to deal with. You shouldn’t also worry about taking on deep-pocketed defendants and their insurance companies without your own experienced legal time by your side. Our attorneys tirelessly help people like you stand up against those who don’t want to pay for their mistakes.
Our award-winning team of personal injury lawyers at Cordicsco & Saile LLC fights for injured people in Bucks County, Montgomery County, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond. We are passionate about helping our clients. So, we don’t take our duty lightly when you hire us. Complete our online form to contact us today for a free consultation.
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