Gas explosion cases are frequently deadly and destructive, resulting in loss of life, limb and property. They can occur almost anywhere, without warning and often involve multiple people, businesses and other entities, including governmental agencies. These events are complicated, including conducting the proper investigation, gathering evidence, identifying all liable defendants, and working with the right expert consultants. Should you or a loved one be the unfortunate victim of a gas explosion, it is absolutely necessary that capable and experienced legal counsel is retained.
Recently, our firm recovered over $9 million dollars on behalf of gas company employees and their families that were harmed. These employees suffered serious injuries as they responded to a gas leak. The leak was determined to be caused by a solar company that struck a gas line after failing to follow proper protocol, including calling Dig Alert as required.
To read more about our recent case result in the tragic Gas Line Explosion, [click here].
Gas Explosions Overall
California is full of natural gas pipelines, located throughout both residential and commercial neighborhoods. Gas pipelines have been poorly maintained, leading to ruptures. More commonly, damage to gas pipelines can cause uncontrolled and unidentified leakage, resulting in dangerous conditions with the potential for explosion.
Per California’s rules and regulations, any time an excavation is performed, anyone performing the excavation must call Dig Alert to have any underground utilities identified and marked. (Gov’t Code section 4216) An excavation includes any action where the ground is moved, removed or displaced, including by digging, ditching, trenching, tunneling, and pipe driving. (Id.) Although this is the law, in practice many people and/or companies that perform excavations do not follow this requirement, striking gas lines and causing a highly dangerous situation.
Based on the data available, in California from 2010 to 2022, there have been at least 495 total pipeline incidents, with 242 significant incidents, 89 total injuries and 20 total deaths. During these events, at least 6,410 people have been evacuated from the surrounding area due to the dangers presented.
Failures at Any Stage Throughout a Gas Leak Event Can Lead to Tragedy
Leaking natural gas can pose immediate danger. At the area of the leak, ignition can occur. Further, if a leak goes unidentified, it can continue uncontrolled and travel under adjacent buildings. If this occurs, gas can accumulate in enclosed spaces and reach explosive levels. Thereafter, if a potential ignition source comes in contact with the accumulated gas, an explosion can occur. Therefore, during these incidents, disasters are a huge risk until the gas is back under control and adjacent premises have been properly inspected and cleared.
Who Can Bring a Claim After a Gas Explosion
Sadly, due to the destructive capacity involved in gas explosions, these events frequently involve injuries to multiple people and properties. So, who may be able to bring a personal injury claim?
- People directly injured in the explosion
- Including members of the public on the scene
- Possibly including injured gas company employees
- Bystanders within the area that observed harm to a loved one
- Direct family bringing claims related to a loved one harmed or killed in a gas explosion
- Property owners with damaged real or personal property
- Other person(s) depending on unique circumstances of each situation
With this said, each gas explosion matter requires an analysis of the parties and facts in order to completely determine who is able to maintain an action.
When a Gas Leak is Reported, Specific Emergency Entities Respond
If all operates as it should, multiple entities work together to identify, respond, control and repair a gas leak promptly and safely. However, these situations can be volatile, particularly if corners are cut, and can result in harm and explosions.
In California, the primary gas distribution companies are generally divided by location. Pacific Gas & Electric operates gas pipelines in Northern California, with Southern California Gas and San Diego Gas & Electric operating in Southern California. These entities perform regular work on the pipelines, monitor the lines for issues, and respond to damages.
In addition to the entities that operate the gas distribution pipelines, when a gas leak is reported, local emergency services are regularly called to the scene. These emergency responders, usually fire departments, are trained in responding to gas leaks, controlling the scene and acting to protect the public when a leak is reported. It is important to know that as governmental agencies, particular time constraints can further shorten the time to bring a claim. It is imperative that in any matter that can concern the actions of a government entity, a knowledgeable and experienced attorney be consulted as soon as possible to ensure that no deadlines are missed.
Multiple investigative agencies may be involved following a gas explosion. Frequently this includes the investigating fire department, police department, the gas entity involved, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and potentially Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Safety and Transportation Board (NTSB) and the Attorney General’s Office. All of these agencies perform their own investigation, and it is critical that all relevant evidence be collected and provided so that accurate findings and a proper determination can be reached. Following the investigation, the findings must be completely explored and evaluated by competent counsel along with the proper consultant experts.
What to Do as a Victim of a Gas Explosion
Whenever someone has been harmed in a gas explosion, it is imperative that an attorney experienced in bringing gas explosion cases be promptly consulted. There are many complexities with these claims, possible immunities for involved entities, and evidence can quickly disappear. If you or a loved one have been affected by a gas explosion, contact us to speak directly to a qualified attorney at our firm who can guide you through this process.
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