Gas Explosion Caused By Faulty Hook-up From the Line to the Residence
Of all the types of accidents that can occur, gas explosions are some of the most catastrophic. Gas explosions often result in devastating losses, which may include property damage, physical injuries or death, and financial hardships.
Most often, gas explosions are the result of human error, meaning they could have been prevented. For instance, a common cause of gas explosions is faulty hook-ups from the gas line to the residence or property. In these situations, gas explosion attorney Hardin R. Ramey helps victims from the Dallas, TX, area hold liable parties accountable so that they receive the compensation they are due for their losses.
How Do Gas Explosions Occur?
A gas explosion occurs when natural gas is combined with an ignition source. An accidental explosion can happen when a gas leak introduces gas fumes into the air without a person realizing it. If gas is leaking into a property, an explosion can occur from something as simple as someone lighting a candle or trying to ignite the stove.
Signs of Faulty Gas Hook-ups
Faulty gas hook-ups are one error that can result in a gas leak, and can cause a potentially catastrophic explosion. Common signs of a bad hook-up to look out for include:
- Rotten Egg Smell - Natural gas will give off a foul odor that can make you feel nauseous and dizzy
- Wilted or Dying Plants - Plants around a faulty gas line may die or decline in health because of a gas leak
- Changes in Your Gas Bill - A spike or pronounced increase in your gas bill is generally a telltale sign that there may be a leak or poor hook-up
- Changes in Appliance Performance - If your pilot light snuffs out frequently or gas appliances make strange noises, it’s a good idea to consult an expert to check on a possible gas leak or poor hook-up
Injuries From Gas Explosions
People in the vicinity of a gas explosion can suffer from catastrophic or fatal injuries, which may include:
- Burns
- Contusions, fractures, or crush injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck or spinal cord injuries
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Lung damage or other harmful effects from inhaling toxic fumes
- Physical disfigurement
Other Gas Explosion Damages
Physical injuries are only one aspect of gas explosion damages. Victims of gas explosions may also suffer from psychological effects of their trauma. It is possible for individuals to struggle with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their experience.
Financial losses are also common following a gas explosion. Financial damages include medical expenses, the cost of ongoing therapy and/or rehabilitation, lost wages (or a loss of wage earning capacity), and the expense to repair property damage. If the gas explosion claims the life of a loved one, the financial losses would also involve funeral expenses and grief counseling.
Determining Liability
When a gas explosion occurs, it is important to determine liability, so that at-fault parties can be held accountable for resulting losses. Attorney Hardin R. Ramey conducts a thorough investigation to prove liability for his Houston clients. He focuses his investigation on finding evidence of neglect or defective products, because liability generally falls into one of these two categories.
In the case of faulty gas hook-ups, potentially liable parties include the utility company, the parts manufacturer, or the property landlord. In the case of landlords, liability may hinge on if they neglected to respond to reports of a suspected gas leak or failed to provide proper maintenance.
In some cases, liability may be shared by more than one party. Whatever our investigation finds, we work hard to collect our clients the full amount of financial compensation they are due.
Get in Touch with an Attorney You Can Trust
If you or a loved one has been injured in a gas explosion, attorney Hardin R. Ramey is prepared to fight to get you financial compensation for your losses. To discuss the details of your case, contact us online at your earliest convenience, or call our Houston law firm at (972) 437-5577.