Causes of Gas Explosions
Oil and gas are everywhere in our daily lives, from our homes to our cars, to the factories that produce our goods and power our homes. A gas leak combined with any ignition source from hot work to an errant spark can have catastrophic consequences. Continue reading to learn about the causes of gas explosions in oilfields and other industrial locations as well as fires and explosions that occur in the home. If you have been injured in an oilfield accident or another gas explosion, call an experienced Beaumont oilfield accident attorney for help seeking compensation.
Industrial Gas Explosions
Industrial or work-place events amount to some of the most devastating gas explosions. Industrial gas explosions may occur in refineries, oilfields, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and when pipelines rupture or leak. These accidents can happen for any number of reasons, but they typically involve a gas pocket becoming exposed to a spark or other combustion event. Batteries may leak explosive gasses, oil valves and pipelines can rupture or corrode due to age or impact, pipelines and oil tankers can spill, or transport vehicles may cause explosion, fire or release while transporting hydrocarbons.
An electrical short circuit, a fire, interactions between other combustive materials or chemicals, or any other event that generates ignition can lead to a massive explosion. Spills, leaks, and sparks can be caused by workplace negligence, lack of training, lack of supervision, lack of safety equipment, faulty electrical equipment, or other unsafe working conditions.
Often, the true cause of an oil explosion will not be revealed until after a lengthy investigation. Energy companies, their contractors, or other actors, may try to hide the root cause(s) or true reasons behind an explosion or fire. An experienced fire and explosion attorney can investigate the circumstances behind a fire or explosion and identify the responsible parties in order to recover for injured victims.
Residential Gas Explosions
In addition to industrial accidents, gas explosions often occur in houses and apartment complexes. Gas explosions may be caused by faulty furnaces, boilers, appliances, or problematic wiring in a residential building. If a furnace or gas boiler is manufactured or installed improperly, homeowners and occupants are at risk for a catastrophic injury.
Residential oil and gas explosions can lead to severe burns, spine and brain injuries, lost limbs, and fatalities. Workplaces, homes and apartments should be regularly inspected by qualified personnel to eliminate or reduce the risk of a fire or explosion.
Get Effective Legal Help After a Texas Gas Explosion Injury
If you’ve been hurt in a Texas gas explosion or oilfield accident, contact the talented and trial-ready Beaumont personal injury lawyers at the Gilbert Adams Law Offices for a free consultation on your case at 409-835-3000.