Propane Tank Explosions
As summer approaches, more and more Florida residents find themselves outside enjoying the sunshine, relaxing pool-side, or having family barbecues in the backyard. While these are all relatively innocuous activities, propane explosions can quickly turn them into traumatic experiences. Although propane is used by millions of Americans to power their outdoor grills, when handled improperly it can cause deadly explosions. If you or a loved one were injured in a propane-related accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can represent your interests.
Common Causes
Because propane is colorless and odorless, many users do not recognize its inherent dangers, which can have devastating consequences. Victims of propane explosions are especially at risk of sustaining serious burns, which are both painful and extremely difficult to treat. However, even those who are careful to handle propane tanks appropriately can be injured. For instance, a poorly designed pressure valve can cause a tank to rupture and explode. Other common causes of propane tank explosions include:
- Faulty regulators and hoses;
- Improper installation;
- Improper reconnection after a tank was refilled;
- Lack of maintenance that causes a leak;
- A partial leak or break in the tank itself; and
- A leak in the lines leading to the tank.
Liable Parties
When these problems are the result of a defectively designed or manufactured part, the distributor, retail seller, or manufacturer could be held liable. An injured party could also hold these entities accountable by filing a product liability claim if the manufacturer failed to provide consumers with information about the proper use of the product or did not provide adequate warnings.
In some cases, propane explosions are not the fault of the manufacturer, but of another careless third party. For instance, propane tanks that are exposed to high heat may build up pressure over time, which could eventually result in an explosion. If a grill installer or other third party, such as a store owner or truck driver failed to take reasonable care when storing the tanks, he or she can be held responsible for resulting injuries. Specifically, injured parties who can establish that another person’s negligence contributed to or caused their accident can collect compensation for their losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future income;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Burial or funeral costs.
Collecting compensation is especially important for victims of propane explosions because resulting injuries usually require multiple surgeries, painful skin grafts, expensive medications, long hospital stays, and physical therapy. Even after these efforts, many burn victims are permanently scarred or disfigured, which can take an extreme emotional toll. Many injured parties also suffer substantial property damage as a result of the fires caused by a propane tank explosion. Collecting compensation can be crucial to making necessary repairs.
Contact an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a propane tank explosion in Fort Lauderdale, please contact Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain your legal options.
Resource:
miami.cbslocal.com/2017/03/02/fire-breaks-out-following-propane-tank-explosion-in-deerfield-beach/
