Natural Gas Explosion Causes Injuries

By Grant Law Office on December 21, 2012

More than 20 people were injured and 42 buildings were damaged in a natural gas explosion that was initially blamed on a utility worker. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the worker was following the correct procedures when he damaged the underground pipe. A flood of gas built up in a Springfield building and a spark set off the blast. In the explosion, 42 buildings housing 115 residential units were damaged and three of the buildings were condemned. Many of the injured victims were gas company workers, firefighters, and police officers.

According to the American Gas Association (AGA), the leading cause of natural gas explosions is damage caused by digging near existing pipelines. Accidents are particularly common when unapproved excavating occurs near pipelines. Excavation damages accounted for nearly 60 percent of all pipeline incidents between 1995 and 2004. In the year 2004, 95 of the 288 total incidents along the natural gas system involved excavation damage. Many of these accidents resulted in serious injuries and damaged homes.

When a natural gas explosion occurs, the results can be devastating. Injured workers can pursue financial compensation for their losses through workers’ compensation benefits, but how else can injured victims seek financial support? It may be possible to hold the at-fault party accountable for the explosion. Companies that are violating the law by excavating without a permit can be held accountable for their wrongdoing. Natural gas companies that fail to properly maintain their equipment and gear may be held accountable for their actions as well.

The experienced Georgia personal injury attorneys at Wayne Grant, P.C. know how to determine liability for natural gas explosions. We provide no-cost consultations to anyone who has suffered a loss in a Georgia natural gas explosion at (404) 995-3955. Let us review your case and help you get the support you need.