While convenient and commonly used, propane and natural gas can be extremely dangerous when improperly installed, stored, or used. When propane gas and natural gas are installed in a home, gas installers are required to comply with clear rules to make sure everyone stays safe.
If proper design, installation, and use of propane gas and natural gas are not followed, serious consequences can arise, including fires, explosions, injuries, or death. Our natural gas explosion attorneys can help you figure out your options if you or a loved one were seriously injured in a propane or natural gas accident. Contact us today to learn more about our experience with claims involving outdoor gas grill explosions, gas tank explosions, and gas appliance leaks and explosions.
Common Everyday Uses for Propane
Propane has many common uses and can often be found in devices like:
- Water heaters
- Home heating with outdoor storage tanks
- Stoves, ovens, and other indoor cooking appliances
- Outdoor and Indoor gas grills
- Camping equipment and RVs
- Vehicle fuel and industrial machinery
The Dangers of Propane Gas
Propane leaks can cause accidents such as catastrophic explosions and flash fires. These incidents often lead to severe, life-changing burn injuries and, in some cases, wrongful death. If you smell gas, see unusual flames, or notice anything out of the ordinary, act quickly by leaving the area and calling local authorities. Fast action can save lives.
Propane-Related Errors That Lead to Explosions
Propane and natural gas installation is governed by the National Fuel Gas Code and most states’ building codes. Specifically, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) chapters 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58, and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z223.1 and Z21.58 are just some of the regulations that govern gas piping and installation to appliances. The Fuel Gas Code requires propane gas and natural gas installers to perform system safety checks, including piping, regulators, appliances, appliance connectors, and gas leak checks to ensure piping and appliances are properly and safely installed and connected.
Propane gas is also engineered to release a foul odor through mercaptan, a substance that smells like rotting cabbage or garlic, used to allow ordinary people to detect gas in the air. The inclusion of mercaptan in gas is an essential tool to alert individuals that gas may be present and prevent them from lighting candles, striking a match, or initiating any other spark that could ignite an explosion.
Many propane accidents occur because gas suppliers, contractors, or manufacturers fail to follow proper safety standards such as the National Fuel Gas Code and ANSI standards. Common causes of propane-related injuries include:
- Improper filling techniques
- Poorly designed gas ventilation
- Poorly fitted piping, regulators, and appliance connectors
- Failure to perform adequate system and gas leak checks
- Gas suppliers’ failure to warn customers or contractors of known design flaws
- Unsafe cooking or heating space layouts
- Trapped fugitive gas due to leaks
These errors are more common than most people understand. When companies cut corners, people’s lives are put in danger.
Your Legal Rights After a Propane Gas or Natural Gas Accident or Explosion
If you or a loved one has been injured in a propane gas explosion or natural gas-related fire, you may have a legal claim, potentially against a gas supplier, contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer. Claims involving propane gas, natural gas explosions, and flash fires are difficult to pursue on your own, as much of the evidence was likely destroyed in the fire. Experienced investigators, experts, and attorneys are needed to investigate these claims properly. Schwaba Law Firm works with the nation’s best fire cause and origin experts to determine:
- The true source of the propane gas and natural gas explosions
- Whether you can bring a legal claim or lawsuit
- Which propane gas or natural gas supplier should be held legally responsible
At Schwaba Law Firm, we are currently prosecuting and investigating additional claims against propane gas and natural gas companies that failed to follow safety protocols. We have successfully handled claims involving multiple outdoor gas grill explosions, gas tank explosions, gas appliance leaks and explosions, and other defects.
We understand the complex regulations surrounding propane and natural gas usage, and we fight aggressively to secure FULL compensation for our clients, including:
- Medical expenses and future care needs
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Property damage and loss of quality of life
Get Help From a Wisconsin Propane Explosion Attorney
Propane gas and natural gas accidents and explosions demand serious legal action. Don’t face them alone. Contact Schwaba Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Wisconsin propane accident lawyer. We are ready to investigate your claim, hold negligent companies accountable, and help you seek the compensation you deserve. SCHWABA LAW FIRM – RECOVER.
