San Antonio Injury Attorney Blog
Imagine that your child is severely burned when the fumes from an overturned gas can burst into flames. Why does this happen ? Could it be the flames of the nearby gas water heater ? Each year, this scenario plays out multiple times in San Antonio and throughout Texas and the United States. Believe it or not, these injuries are preventable and often enough, the water heater manufacturer, the gasoline can maker, and even the natural gas company may be held accountable for negligence. It is imperative to consult with a San Antonio and greater Texas personal injury attorney immediately in such cases.
Even more disturbing is the higher incidence of accidental explosions from gas leaks. Because natural gas is colorless and odorless, a chemical malodorant must be added so that a person can smell the gas. Equipment called “odorant pots” inject the malodorant into the distribution lines of the natural gas.
Generally, an investigation of accidents involving natural gas will turn up records that demonstrate improper maintenance of the odorant pots or no levels of malodorant in the pots. In addition, the odorant may not work properly due to oxidation in the lines, creating a potential case against the manufacturer of the odorant. Finally, a Texas natural gas supplier who regularly inspects an injured party’s appliances and piping may be negligent for failing to detect potential leaks.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a gasoline spill or natural gas explosion, you should contact a San Antonio and greater Texas personal injury lawyer immediately as these cases are complex and require rapid preservation of evidence.