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Gas Electrical Fires and Gas Explosions

Gas/Electrical Fires and Gas Explosions

Gas and electrical fires and explosions are catastrophic events that can destroy homes, cause severe injuries, and forever change the lives of victims and their families. At SMT Legal, we know that most of these incidents could have been prevented with proper care and maintenance. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have helped numerous victims recover compensation after these life-altering events. If you or a loved one has been affected by a gas or electrical fire or explosion, contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

Common Causes of Gas and Electrical Fires and Explosions

Understanding the root causes of electrical fires and gas explosions can help prevent future tragedies. It can also help establish liability when accidents occur. Our investigation team frequently encounters the following issues:
  • Aging Infrastructure – Deteriorating gas lines and outdated electrical systems can create dangerous conditions, particularly in older buildings and neighborhoods. Over time, pipes can corrode, wiring can decay, and safety mechanisms can fail.
  • Faulty Installation – Improperly installed gas appliances, electrical systems, or components create serious safety risks. Even minor errors during installation can lead to gas leaks or electrical malfunctions. In some cases, the improper removal or relocation of gas meters outside a home or business can lead to leaks in a gas system that result in serious property damage and bodily injuries caused by fires and explosions.
  • Poor Maintenance – Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for both gas and electrical systems. When property owners or utility companies fail to perform necessary upkeep, dangerous conditions can develop.
  • Defective Equipment – Manufacturing defects in appliances, electrical components, or gas delivery systems, such as rusted propane or gas cylinders, can create fire and explosion hazards. These issues may affect individual units or entire product lines.
  • Construction Accidents – Construction and renovation work near gas lines or electrical systems requires extreme care. Errors during these projects can result in immediate catastrophes or create hazardous conditions that manifest later.
  • Propane Gas without Odorant – Propane gas is a natural byproduct of petroleum and, in its natural state, is odorless. Federal and state regulations require that an odorant, typically Ethyl Mercaptan, be added to the gas to create the distinctive smell associated with propane. Sometimes, companies negligently forget to add odorant to gas or deliver propane in a cylinder that has rust, which can cause the odorant to fade and become undetectable. In these circumstances, if odorless propane leaks into or around a home or building, the leak will go undetected, failing to warn people of the danger of ignition and explosion. Understanding the science behind these types of fires and explosions requires experience and knowledge that our attorneys possess.
Whether you believe your injuries resulted from one of these causes or something separate, the team at SMT Legal can conduct a thorough investigation and start working to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Types of Injuries

Gas and electrical fires and explosions often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. At SMT Legal, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take on victims and their families. We can help you recover compensation for losses relating to fire- and explosion-related injuries such as:

  • Burns – Fires and explosions frequently cause severe burns that may require intensive treatment and extensive rehabilitation. In addition to chronic pain, burns can lead to permanent scarring and loss of mobility.
  • Respiratory Damage – Smoke inhalation and exposure to toxic fumes can cause immediate breathing difficulties and create lasting respiratory problems. Many victims require ongoing medical treatment for lung damage.
  • Blast Trauma – The force of an explosion can cause broken bones, head injuries, internal organ damage, and other serious physical trauma. These injuries often require emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
  • Psychological Effects – Many victims experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological conditions following these traumatic events. The emotional impact can affect both victims and their family members.

Liability and Responsible Parties

Multiple parties may share responsibility for gas and electrical fires and explosions. Our legal team at SMT Legal has the knowledge, skills, and resources to identify all potentially liable parties, including:
  • Property Owners and Managers – The parties responsible for the property have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions, address potential hazards, and conduct regular system inspections. Failure to meet these obligations can result in liability for resulting accidents.
  • Utility Companies – Gas and electric providers must ensure the safe delivery of their services, maintain infrastructure, and respond promptly to reported issues. When they fail to meet these responsibilities, they may be held accountable for resulting accidents.
  • Equipment Manufacturers – Companies that design and produce gas appliances, electrical components, and safety equipment must make sure their products work safely. Defective products that contribute to fires or explosions can lead to manufacturer liability.
  • Maintenance Companies – Contractors responsible for installing, maintaining, or repairing gas and electrical systems must perform their work correctly. Poor workmanship or failure to identify hazards can create dangerous conditions.
  • Construction Companies – When construction work affects gas lines or electrical systems, contractors must follow proper safety protocols. Their failure to do so can result in immediate or future accidents.

How SMT Legal Can Help

When you choose the experienced Pennsylvania lawyers at SMT Legal to handle your gas or electrical fire case, you get a skilled and tenacious team dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Our seasoned attorneys understand the complex and traumatic nature of these cases. As such, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and provide the care and support you need during this challenging time.
Our lawyers can help you secure the maximum compensation available in your case through the following means:
  • Thorough Investigation – We work with skilled investigators and industry experts to determine exactly what caused the incident. This includes examining maintenance records, inspection reports, and safety protocols that should have been in place.
  • Evidence Collection – Our team works to gather crucial evidence, including physical materials, witness statements, expert testimony, maintenance records, and safety inspection documents.
  • Full Compensation Pursuit – We fight for compensation that covers all aspects of your losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life.
  • Insurance Company Negotiations – Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. We know their tactics and won’t let them minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement.

Steps to Take After an Incident

As surprising as it might be, your actions immediately following a gas or electrical fire or explosion can significantly affect your medical prognosis and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself and your claim:
  • Seek Medical Care – Your health comes first. Get immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but early diagnosis and treatment can give you the best chance of avoiding unnecessary complications.
  • Document Everything – If it’s safe to do so, photograph the scene. Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any communication with insurance companies or property owners.
  • Preserve Evidence – Don’t dispose of damaged items or attempt repairs without documenting the damage. These materials may provide crucial evidence for your case.
  • Contact SMT Legal – The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.

Call Us for a Free Consultation Today

The aftermath of a gas or electrical fire or explosion can feel overwhelming. It can cause you to feel anxious about every aspect of your future. Recovering the compensation you deserve should be a straightforward process, but the red tape can make attaining justice feel like an exercise in frustration. Working with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney with experience handling these types of cases can be the difference you need.

At SMT Legal, we bring decades of experience and unwavering dedication to every case we handle. Our team of skilled attorneys understands the devastating impact these incidents can have on victims and their families, and we work relentlessly to hold responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been affected by a gas or electrical fire or explosion, call our Pittsburgh-based legal team today at (412) 765-3345 for a free consultation.

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