Explosion & Gas Line Burn Injury Claims
Explosions and gas line accidents cause catastrophic burn injuries that can devastate entire families and communities. Natural gas leaks, propane tank failures, industrial explosions, and combustible dust events produce intense thermal burns, blast wave injuries, and shrapnel trauma. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) tracks hundreds of gas pipeline incidents annually across the United States, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage.
At Roden Law, our explosion injury attorneys represent victims of gas line accidents, industrial explosions, and propane tank failures throughout Georgia and South Carolina. These cases involve complex investigations to determine the source of the leak or ignition and identify all responsible parties.
Common Causes of Explosions & Gas Line Accidents
Explosion and gas line burn injuries frequently result from preventable failures:
- Natural gas leaks: Corroded or damaged gas distribution lines, faulty connections, and aging infrastructure
- Propane system failures: Defective regulators, damaged tanks, and improper installation
- Construction-related strikes: Construction workers hitting unmarked or improperly marked underground gas lines
- Defective gas appliances: Malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, and stoves causing gas accumulation
- Industrial combustible dust: Grain dust, metal powder, and chemical dust explosions in manufacturing and processing facilities
- Chemical reactions: Improper storage or mixing of incompatible chemicals
- Failure to odorize gas: Inadequate mercaptan levels making leaks undetectable
Gas Utility & Pipeline Operator Liability
Gas utility companies and pipeline operators are held to high standards of care because of the inherently dangerous nature of natural gas distribution. Both Georgia and South Carolina regulate gas utilities through their public service commissions and require compliance with federal pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR 192). Gas companies may be liable for failure to properly maintain gas lines and connections, failure to detect and repair leaks, inadequate odorization of natural gas, failure to respond promptly to leak reports, improper installation of gas meters and regulators, and failure to locate and mark underground lines before excavation.
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 25-15-1 et seq.), excavators must contact Georgia 811 before digging, and utility companies must accurately mark underground lines. South Carolina has similar “Call Before You Dig” laws (S.C. Code § 58-36-10 et seq.) requiring utility locating before excavation.
Injuries from Explosions
Explosion injuries are typically classified in four categories: primary blast injuries from pressure waves damaging lungs, ears, and organs; secondary injuries from shrapnel and flying debris; tertiary injuries from being thrown by the blast force; and quaternary injuries including burns, crush injuries, and inhalation of toxic fumes. Victims of explosions frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries, severe burns across large body surface areas, spinal cord injuries, amputations, hearing loss, and respiratory damage from smoke and chemical inhalation.
Pursuing an Explosion Injury Claim
Explosion and gas line cases require immediate investigation to preserve evidence before the scene is altered or repaired. Our attorneys work with fire investigators, gas engineers, and explosion experts to determine the cause, identify all responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation. Liable parties may include gas utility companies, pipeline operators, propane suppliers, appliance manufacturers, contractors, and property owners. Georgia allows recovery if less than 50% at fault (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). South Carolina allows recovery if less than 51% at fault. Contact Roden Law immediately if you have been injured in an explosion — evidence preservation is critical.