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Propane or natural gas equipment — outdoor gas grills, indoor or outdoor heaters, propane cylinders used on grills and heaters, and even larger backyard propane tanks and their piping — can all contain defects in design, the way they were made at the factory, and bad warnings or instructions. Despite substantial safety and design improvements over the years, defective propane equipment can lead to explosions which, in many cases, can cause serious injuries and extensive property loss.
Many propane cylinders, for example, are placed into the market with a defective face seal inside their service valve. This can cause the cylinder to leak flammable gas, even if the user thinks he or she has properly hand-tightened the connector to the cylinder. If a leak of flammable gas occurs, a gas explosion can result, especially if there is lack of venting close to the cylinder and around the grill it’s being used on. Defective face seals in propane tanks cause more grill explosions and horrific burns than you might imagine. It is a breach of legal duty (negligence) for a propane-tank distributor to not inspect their tanks for defective face seals before they are filled and sent to retail locations for exchange or purchase.
Once either a defective propane product or negligence is established, and an explosion occurs, a victim can recover compensation from the offending party for personal injury, the immense pain and suffering that goes with explosion-related burns, property losses, actual and future medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.
If you, one of your children, a loved one or friend has been injured or died as a result of a gas explosion due to leaking propane equipment — again, gas grills, heaters, or cylinders — promptly contact us immediately. Timing is critical. Evidence preservation and scene investigation is very important. So if you think you may have a claim, do not delay in contacting the gas-explosion lawyers at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP.
The Legal Process for Filing a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit in Texas involves several critical steps to hold parties accountable for negligence leading to damages. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: We are experienced in handling the legal system. We can help you traverse the obstacles people often encounter during the claims process so your family can get the compensation they deserve.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: We will conduct a thorough investigation, collecting medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and other pertinent documents to establish liability. This step is crucial for building a strong case.
- Filing the Lawsuit: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate Texas court. The lawsuit must be filed within the state’s statute of limitations.
- Discovery Process: Both parties exchange information through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. This phase allows each side to assess the other’s evidence and arguments.
- Settlement Negotiations or Trial: Many cases are resolved through settlements before reaching trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
Throughout this process, our team will advocate on your behalf, aiming to secure compensation for damages.
