Gas Explosion Lawyers in New Mexico
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CALL (800) 863-5312 to speak with A GAS EXPLOSION LAWYER for free
There are many types of explosive gases, including methane, propane, natural gas, and butane. These gases are used widely throughout the world for heating and electrical purposes. Unfortunately, this means that gas explosions are fairly commonplace. New Mexico gas explosions can cause serious injuries, trauma, and wrongful deaths. Knowing the causes of gas explosions and some prevention techniques can help you protect your family from being involved in an accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in a New Mexico gas explosion, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with a group of experienced New Mexico gas explosion lawyers. Our compassionate and helpful attorneys can help you learn what your legal options are, how to deal with gas exploded trauma, and whether you can pursue compensation from the person or company responsible.
New Mexico natural gas explosion safety tips
Natural gas actually has no odor on its own; that is why gas companies will usually add an odorant to it. Adding the smell will allow you to detect whether there is a gas leak in your home or business. Although this safety precaution has saved thousands of lives over the years, many individuals still do not know what to do if they suspect there is a gas leak in on their property.
For example, if you walk into your kitchen and smell that distinctive odor, the first thing you might think of is to turn on the lights. That decision may prove deadly, however, as the small electric charge that occurs when you turn on the lights may be enough to set off the gas, causing an explosion.
Below are a few relatively basic safety tips that may help you avoid a gas explosion in your home or business:
- When lighting a burner or oven with no pilot light, you should always light the match first and place it at the burner before turning the range knob.
- If the burner flame goes out, always shut off the range knob and wait for the gas to dissipate before relighting the burner.
- Read and understand the warning labels on all of your natural gas appliances.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and make sure it has not expired.
- Create an emergency plan to get out of your home or business safely if you smell gas.
- If you do smell gas, do not use your cell phone, turn on a light, or use anything electrical.
- Have all gas appliances, chimneys, furnaces, vents, and gas lines in your home or business inspected by a professional each year.
Unfortunately, even if you take all of the proper precautions, gas explosions may still occur. For those families who may be dealing with the trauma of a gas explosion, speaking with an experienced gas explosion lawyer may offer peace of mind by answering any of your legal questions. The experienced attorneys at Zinda Law Group can guide you through the often-complex legal system as we discuss your unique case with you.
WHAT CAUSES GAS EXPLOSIONS?
A gas explosion is an explosion resulting from mixing a toxic or flammable gas with air in the presence of an ignition source. Any type of fire, flame, or spark can set off accumulated pockets of gas; the explosion itself is caused when the rapidly expanding, burning gas is confined and, as a result, builds up pressure. Once the pressure finds an open spot in the surrounding atmosphere, the pressure suddenly releases, causing the bang of an explosion.
Gas explosions can range in severity; some gas explosions are minor, with the increase in pressure not generating enough force to damage much of anything, while other gas explosions cause injury, damage to property, and even death. Knowing the common causes of gas explosions can help you avoid volatile situations and prevent future explosions. Some common causes include:
- Improper use of gas furnaces, stoves, or other gas appliances
- Poorly or incorrectly installed appliances
- Damaged or weathered gas lines in residential or commercial areas
- Defective, gas-operated equipment
- Faulty manufacturing of gas tanks in cars or trucks
- Violations of codes or standards governing the safe handling of gas or propane
There are many different causes of gas explosions; fortunately, many gas explosions in New Mexico are preventable if you follow the appropriate safety guidelines and standards. If you were recently involved in a gas explosion and need help determining the cause of the incident, you should contact a group of New Mexico gas explosion lawyers who can help you pinpoint liability accordingly.
TYPES OF GAS EXPLOSIONS
Gas explosions can occur for a number of reasons, including faulty appliances or equipment, leaks, or improper usage. When chemical substances like gas are kept in an unstable environment or are exposed to an ignition source such as heat or fire, they have the potential to explode. During an explosion, harmful chemicals will be released into the air, and high temperatures and strong shockwaves can cause serious damage to nearby property and people.
In an attempt to prevent gas explosions, experts have identified the most common types of gas explosions. Knowing these different types may help you prevent an explosion or allocate liability after one occurs. These types include, but are not limited to, the following:
Propane Explosions
Propane is an extremely combustible gas that is most identifiable by its odor, which is added so that it can be detected should there be a leak. This gas is used in a variety of industries but is also commonly used in many household appliances such as gas stoves, outdoor grills, furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioners. Improper maintenance, manufacturing defects, misuse or mishandling, or improper disposure are the most common causes of propane explosions.
Industrial Explosions
Industrial explosions most commonly occur in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other facilities where chemical gases are readily present. Explosions in these industries can happen for a variety of reasons, such as accidents while transporting volatile or explosive material, fires, faulty electrical equipment, worker negligence, unsafe working conditions, and chemical spills.
Residential Explosions
Gas explosions caused by boilers or furnaces, appliances, or faulty wiring are the most common causes in residential explosions. Many Americans use natural gas or propane furnaces to heat their homes in the colder months. While modern boilers and furnaces are typically safe and run efficiently if they are installed correctly, there is still a risk of incident or explosion; incorrect installation, manufacturing defects, and design flaws can cause explosions if not promptly corrected.
Fuel Tanks Explosions
Fuel tanks are used in both residences and industrial businesses to store gases such as petroleum gasoline, propane, and other types of natural gases. Because these gases are highly flammable and combustible, storing them properly is imperative to preventing an incident. Improper installation, design flaws, open valves, unaddressed leaks, and mishandling are the most common causes of fuel tank explosions in commercial industries.
Automobile fuel tanks also have the potential to explode if they are not designed properly or are incorrectly installed or secured. Regular wear and tear, rollovers, or collision accidents can cause a tank to leak or even come loose and catch fire, which may increase the risk of the car exploding.
Victims involved in a gas explosion may be severely injured by flying debris, high impact, heat and smoke, or chemical inhalation. Often victims of explosions must undergo costly medical care to treat their injuries, which may lead to extensive medical bills as well as pain and suffering. Just learning how to deal with gas exploded trauma after a gas explosion incident can be time-consuming, expensive, and severely stressful for the victim as well as any witnesses.
If you were injured in a New Mexico gas explosion, you should contact a local attorney as soon as possible. If contacted, a gas explosion lawyer may be able to help you organize the records of your visits to medical facilities for your physical and emotional recovery; they will also work hard to determine the cause of the explosion and pinpoint the responsible party.
WHO MAY BE AT FAULT AFTER A GAS EXPLOSION?
Gas explosions can cause serious and debilitating injuries that can impact a victim’s life in more ways than one. Fortunately, if you were injured in a New Mexico gas explosion, you may be able to seek legal redress to compensate you for your injuries, damages, and suffering.
Depending on the specifics of the incident, you may be able to bring a claim against one or more of the following parties:
- Gas company
- Propane company
- Construction company
- Contractor or subcontractor
- Landlord
- Oil rig owner
- Component manufacturer
- Maintenance company
- Installation company
- City, county, or state
- Employer
Your ability to recover may depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, your mitigating efforts, the actions of the responsible party, and the extent of your damages. You may have several options when determining who to include in your lawsuit. If you were injured in a New Mexico gas explosion, you should contact a personal injury attorney; once hired, he or she will be able to help you file a claim, calculate your damages, and seek compensation accordingly.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN I SEEK?
Damages refers to the sum of money the law imposes for a breach of a duty or violation of some right. Plainly, damages are the monetary award that successful plaintiffs win from a civil lawsuit. When pursuing a claim, there are many different types of damages that an aggrieved party may request.
The damages received will vary depending on the specifics of your particular claim. Damages in a gas explosion lawsuit can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of care
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Lost income
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death
Some courts occasionally award punitive damages in an attempt to punish the responsible party even further and prevent future death or injury. Damages in gas explosion lawsuits may be awarded for a variety of reasons but they will always depend on the severity of the responsible party’s negligence and the reasons behind the ordeal itself.
If you are planning to file a lawsuit and want to seek the highest compensation possible, contacting an attorney may help. If contacted, a gas explosion attorney in New Mexico can help you calculate your damages and determine what you would be willing to accept from the liable party.
GET HELP FROM ZINDA LAW GROUP’S NEW MEXICO GAS EXPLOSION LAWYERS
Gas explosions can be devastating for witnesses and victims alike; involved individuals may suffer physically from injuries caused by debris, fire, or chemicals, and emotionally from the trauma of seeing other people suffer. Depending on the specifics of the explosion, you may be entitled to legal compensation from the responsible party.
Plaintiffs typically have many options when filing. If you were involved in a gas explosion, you should contact a New Mexico injury attorney to speak about potentially filing a claim. An experienced attorney will be able to help you assess liability, file a personal injury claim, and seek compensation accordingly.
At Zinda Law Group, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you pursue the highest compensation possible. Our compassionate Zinda Law Group attorneys provide quality personalized, confidential consultations. The sooner you contact our office, the better we may be able to serve you.
If you or your loved one was injured in a New Mexico gas explosion, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our gas explosion lawyers near you. You don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
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