Sixteen families were forced to move out of their East Point apartment complex after a gas-pipe explosion in December, according to local news reports. There was no immediate word on the cause of the disaster, but gas leaks are a common source of home fires and explosions.
A natural gas explosion occurs when a heat source ignites a mixture of gas and air that has reached a critical chemical balance. Natural gas expands rapidly, and once it builds up within the walls of a home or other structure, it can become highly explosive.
Deadly Problem
Most gas explosions, like the one in East Point, involve minor injuries and relatively limited property damage. But the most serious, which sometimes make national news, involve fatalities and entire homes demolished.
Defective materials and inadequate maintenance are the most common causes of gas-pipe explosions in buildings. Leaks in hoses, defective gas connectors and bad valves all can allow gas to build up in a structure. And almost any heat source, from a lit match to the spark of a pilot light, could light the gas.
Some natural gas explosions are no one’s fault. It’s possible, for example, for conditions beyond anyone’s control to cause a leak. But other explosions may result from acts of negligence on the part of those responsible for building and maintaining gas lines and equipment. In these cases, it’s important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your rights.
To learn more about this topic, read Ty’s article, What Is Premises Liability?
Ty Wilson is an Atlanta attorney who helps people who have been hurt at apartment complexes. He is dedicated to providing those who have been hurt or the families of the injured information regarding personal injury claims and their rights in such claims.
Visit TyWilsonLaw.com to read his many articles and blogs and watch his videos before speaking to the insurance company or hiring an attorney. Remember, knowledge is power – especially when dealing with insurance companies.
If you would like to speak to Ty directly, call him at 1-866-937-5454.
