Burg Simpson Represents Victims of Gas Explosions

Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Serving Clients Nationwide

Gas explosions are devastating events. An explosion involving natural gas, propane, and other volatile substances can injure or kill multiple people, destroy a number of homes and businesses, and displace entire communities. Lawyers at Burg Simpson provide knowledgeable, experienced representation to people nationwide who have suffered losses due to gas explosions.

Our firm has achieved multi-million-dollar results in explosion litigation on behalf of clients in multiple cases:

• $5.3 million in a natural gas explosion case against Energy West, Inc. and Cody Gas
• $5 million verdict with $2.6 million in punitive damages awarded to the plaintiffs at trial against Greeley Gas Company
• $6.4 million—Gas Explosion
• $6 million—Gas Explosion

Burg Simpson has successfully handled cases involving gas explosions for over four decades. Our trial lawyers have a wealth of industry knowledge and the insight necessary to win these cases. Catastrophic personal injury cases involving gas explosions are often filed against large corporations and utility companies that have the resources to hire teams of defense lawyers.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a gas explosion, you need a law firm with years of experience, skilled trial attorneys, and the depth of resources required to bring your case to a successful conclusion. Call Burg Simpson Law Firm at 888-895-2080 today for a FREE and confidential case review.

Gas Explosions in the United States

The magnitude of a gas explosion depends on a host of different factors. Some of the most serious incidents involve dated, defective, or damaged natural gas pipelines. According to the website FracTracker, there were a total of 314 pipeline explosions in the United States between the years 2010 and 2021.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

Comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine fault for gas explosions. Negligence on the part of both the supplier (i.e., the gas utility) and the customer (i.e. a homeowner, business owner, etc.) may be a factor.

For example, the R.M. Palmer Company and utility company UGI are among the defendants named in a lawsuit brought in the wake of the March 24, 2023, candy factory explosion. Plaintiffs in the suit argue that the defendants were aware of a gas leak and failed to take action before the explosion occurred.

Burg Simpson is currently accepting cases on behalf of those impacted by the R.M. Palmer explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania.

Prior to taking legal action on behalf of our client(s), Burg Simpson begins each case by conducting a thorough forensic examination. We consult with mechanical engineers, regulatory specialists, and industrial gas experts. The purpose of the investigation is to determine if an entity and/or an individual inadvertently caused the explosion by breaching the applicable standard of care.

Determining the Origin Point

Where and how gas explosions originate has a significant effect on litigation. If the explosion originated from a gas leak inside of a structure, our lawyers would seek to establish negligence or failure to comply with industry standards by investigating the property owners, appliance manufacturers, and installation contractors.

If the explosion originated outside of a structure, the investigation would focus on the gas utility company that is responsible for the installation, care, and maintenance of the pipelines. If there was construction in the area, our attorneys will also conduct a thorough investigation into the construction company to determine if their negligent actions or failure to uphold their duty of care caused or contributed to the gas explosion.

Common Sources of Gas Explosions

Poor construction, insufficient testing, and improper installation can lead to gas explosions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Improper maintenance of public utilities
• Pipeline corrosion
• Gas pipe rupture during excavation
• Leaks in natural gas lines
• Improper installation of gas appliances
• Leaks in pipes or valves in gas appliances
• Failure of landlords to properly inspect or maintain gas appliances

Burg Simpson achieved a $143 million settlement on behalf of plaintiffs who suffered damages in the Merrimack Valley gas explosions. In the five years since those incidents, utility companies have been urged to employ safety practices, update outdated infrastructure, and promote ongoing efforts within the industry to prevent gas explosions from happening in the future.

Unfortunately, not all gas utilities have taken these necessary steps. If you experienced personal injury and/or property damage due to a gas explosion—or a member of your family was seriously injured or died in such an event—it is of the utmost importance to seek qualified legal counsel.

Why Hire a Gas Explosion Lawyer?

The victims of gas explosions may have multiple forms of legal recourse. Without the aid of an attorney, it is easy to overlook potential avenues for obtaining fair compensation.

Claims that may be brought after a gas explosion include:

• Personal injury: Explosions often result in severe burns and other serious injuries. You may be entitled to recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, and other personal injury damages.
• Property damage: A claim for property damage may be brought after a gas explosion if you suffered loss to a residential and/or commercial property. This may include compensation for loss of personal belongings, displacement, disruption of business operations, etc.
• Products liability: If it is determined that a defective product (such as a gas appliance) caused the explosion, compensation for personal injury and property damage may be brought through a product liability claim. Even when a product failure results in injury, products liability litigation is substantially different from a personal injury claim. It is important to be represented by an attorney experienced in these matters.
• Wrongful death: A fatality is the most tragic outcome of any explosion. Sadly, these incidents often result in multiple deaths. If your family is grieving the loss of a loved one killed in an explosion, you may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death.

Gas explosions usually affect multiple people. Their claims may be handled on an individual basis (as single cases or, if the actions originate from more than one district, via multi-district litigation (MDL)) or consolidated into a class action lawsuit.

To recover fair compensation after a gas explosion, you need a firm well-versed in the different types of litigation that may be involved. It is also important to entrust your case to attorneys who are thoroughly familiar with the applicable federal regulations and state and local laws, be conversant with engineering experts on the cause of the explosion, and have the resources necessary to bring a case like this to trial.

Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®
Why Choose Burg Simpson

At Burg Simpson, we fight relentlessly to obtain the outcomes our clients deserve. Our lawyers have experience navigating multiple legal processes and taking on powerful adversaries, including insurance companies, utility companies, product manufacturers, and more.

Serving the Victims of Gas Explosions Nationwide

When selecting the right legal representation for your case, it is essential to do your research. If you have been seriously injured in a gas explosion and your injuries and damages are the result of the recklessness of someone else, it is crucial to choose a reputable firm. You will need experienced lawyers who will protect you and advocate on your behalf.

Lawyers and law firms across the nation bring their gas explosion cases to Burg Simpson because they know we have the experience to take their cases to trial successfully. Other firms know that Burg Simpson can provide their clients with the aggressive representation their clients need to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Co-Counsel with Burg Simpson

Burg Simpson’s gas explosion attorneys are trial-ready. Our firm has obtained over 200 recoveries of $1 million or more. We will fight to protect you and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact Burg Simpson today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. Our lawyers handle litigation involving gas explosions throughout the country.