Propane is a form of liquified natural gas. While propane has numerous uses, it is also volatile and highly flammable. If you have been injured in a propane explosion or fire, you could be entitled to substantial financial compensation if you can establish that someone else was to blame for the accident. Propane explosion claims can be very complex, so contact Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys to learn whether you may have a claim for compensation.
Why Propane Is So Volatile
Propane is stored under pressure in a tank to keep the temperature low. When stored, it takes on a liquified form and takes up less volume. Under normal circumstances, propane tanks should not explode.
Propane is heavier than air, so when released, it moves toward the ground. When propane gas leaks, it can collect and settle and, if exposed to an open flame or spark, could explode. Tanks can also rupture, which can lead to an explosion. People using propane for barbecues and outdoor cooking should be cautious, as serious, sometimes fatal injuries can occur.
Thankfully, propane gas does have an odor, which can help detect a leak.
Causes of Propane Explosions and Fires
When dealing with such a flammable and volatile material, attention is required. Common causes of propane tank explosion injuries include:
- Overfilling the tank beyond its capacity
- Gas leaking from the tank and being exposed to a flame or extreme heat
- Storing the propane tank in dangerous areas
- Storing propane in a defective tank, which can be dented or punctured
- The use of improper equipment associated with the propane tank, such as regulators and valves
- Human error in the use of propane
Before you file a lawsuit for propane explosion injuries, you need to identify the cause of the accident. A liable party may blame the accident on user error. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate and gather evidence that you may need to absolve you of responsibility for the accident.
Injuries in a Propane Tank Accident
Injuries from a propane tank accident can result from fire or the force of the explosion itself. Common propane tank accident injuries include:
- Burns: Propane in a tank is highly flammable and can ignite.
- Shrapnel Injuries: An explosion can cause pieces of the tank to strike you.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: The force of the explosion can cause injuries to your head.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Shrapnel or the force of the explosion can cause fractures and broken bones.
- Wrongful Death: A loved one could die from injuries suffered in a propane tank explosion.
Responsible Parties in a Propane Explosion Lawsuit
As soon as you hire Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, we will conduct a complete investigation of the accident to determine who you may be able to hold liable for your injuries.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Retailers
- Installers
Your case may center on a defective propane tank. In a situation like that, you could file a product liability lawsuit against anyone who was involved in the “stream of commerce.”
To win a product liability lawsuit, you would need to show that there was a defect in one of the following:
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Design
You could also win a lawsuit by showing that the defendant breached any one of several expressed or implied warranties that come with the product.
If someone carelessly installed a propane tank and caused it to leak, you could file a negligence-based personal injury lawsuit. If there was more than one responsible party, you could bring a suit against all of them.
Damages in a Propane Explosion Lawsuit
As your attorneys, Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys will work to maximize your damages in a propane explosion lawsuit. You are entitled to be paid for not only your actual financial losses but also any additional damages associated with the accident. Propane explosion lawsuit damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
If your loved one died in a propane tank explosion, your family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party to recover damages resulting from the sudden and tragic loss of a family member.
When there is a potential product liability lawsuit, you may qualify for punitive damages if you can show the jury that there was an extreme level of carelessness or recklessness.
Contact an Athens Propane Explosion Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a propane tank explosion, you could be entitled to substantial financial compensation if you can prove that someone else was responsible. Contact Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys today to learn about a potential legal case. We will gather the facts and provide advice about your legal options. To schedule a free initial consultation, send us a message through our website or call us today at 706.354.1000.
