Gas Main Explosion Lawyers

San Bruno California Gas Line Explosion

On September 9, 2010, a natural gas line exploded in the town of San Bruno, California, which killed at least four people, injured dozens of others, and destroyed or damaged almost 200 homes. The California Public Utilities Commission and federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently attempting to determine the cause of the explosion, which resulted in such devastation. While the explosion remains under investigation, family members of anyone who has been injured or killed in this tragic event should contact an experienced personal injury and wrong death attorney as soon as possible. Bailey & Partners can explain your legal rights and how you can seek compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Free Consultations for Gas Main Explosion Victims

We encourage you to get in touch with our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys to learn more about how we can help. Call us toll free at 1.800.973.2263 or send us an e-mail.

Causes of Gas Line Explosions

There are approximately 115,000 miles of natural gas and propane pipelines in California, with many miles of pipeline running through populated areas. Although explosions are rare events, the results can be catastrophic. While the exact cause of the San Bruno explosion currently remains unclear, there are several common causes of gas line explosions:

Ruptures: Pipelines can rupture for many reasons, including faulty welds, equipment malfunction, improper maintenance, and natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.
Leaks: Water inside the pipelines can accumulate in pockets, and slowly corrode and weaken the metal, causing leaks, as can faulty valves, connectors and other equipment.
Punctures: In many instances, pipelines are punctured by backhoes and other construction equipment by people who are unaware of the pipeline’s presence.

Who is Responsible for Injuries Caused by a Gas Line Explosion?

If an explosion is caused by a leak in a gas line due to improper inspection and maintenance, or results from a violation of a safety code, the utility company may be liable for its negligence. More than one party may be responsible for an explosion depending on the sequence of events that caused the explosion. For example, if the pipeline or one of its components was defective or defectively designed, the manufacturer of the product may be liable as well. In another example, if a construction company failed to determine the location of pipelines and punctured one at the work site, it would be liable for any resulting injuries in the event of an explosion.

Other Types of Gas Explosions

Many people are injured or killed each year in gas explosions at home or work from defective water heaters, stoves, generators, dryers or other appliances or systems than run on natural gas. These explosions can usually be traced to some kind of human error or mechanical defect that could have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable care for the safety of others. When the errors are human, an injured party may have recovery through a negligence action. If the explosion was caused by mechanical defect, such as defective parts, a products liability action may be appropriate. The causes of these explosions can include:

Defective equipment: caused by either a defect in the manufacturing process, defective design, or improper warnings / safety instructions, in which case the manufacturer and retailer of the product or part could be liable.
Damaged equipment: caused by someone’s lack of due care, such as the example of a pipeline being damaged by a backhoe during groundbreaking on a work site.
Improper use or maintenance of equipment: a person is negligent if they had the duty to maintain equipment and failed to do so, or if the user or installer of equipment disregarded proper procedure or safety instructions.

California Gas Line Explosion Attorneys

Natural gas is a very important fuel source, but it is also highly flammable and dangerous. Gas line explosions can result in catastrophic damage and cause traumatic and serious injuries. Victims caught in the path of a gas explosion can suffer severe burns, multiple injuries from the explosive forces, and death. Gas line explosion lawsuits are complex, and it is essential that you contact an attorney with experience in complex matters. Bailey & Partners has that experience and we will work hard to hold accountable those parties responsible for your injuries. We help gas explosion victims obtain the compensation necessary to begin rebuilding their lives. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death as a result of the San Bruno explosion or any other natural gas explosion, e-mail us or call our office today at 310-392-5000 for a free consultation.