Propane Explosion Lawyer

Heavy Snow and Ice can Increase the Chance of a Catastrophic Propane Explosion

[Posted on May 3]

Propane explosions cause deaths, catastrophic personal injury and massive property damage to homes and businesses each year requiring many individuals to seek out a qualified propane explosion lawyer. If you live in an area that experiences heavy snow fall and use propane for heating or appliances your loved ones and property is at risk.  For many years the propane industry has ignored a known risk of serious harm with respect to the installation, maintenance and inspection of exterior propane equipment in areas where heavy snow and ice accumulations can be anticipated. Exterior propane equipment and installations (regulators, risers and valves) are vulnerable to the forces of accumulating, falling and retreating snow and can easily cause regulators, pipes and valves to break. As snow accumulates it melts, refreezes and becomes compacted ice. As the snow and ice begin to melt during the spring thaw it exerts physical forces that can cause exterior propane equipment to fail and develop a dangerous and potentially deadly leak. If propane gas escapes from the system, it can migrate through the snow and into a business or residence causing a catastrophic explosion or fire. Propane is heavier than air and a small quantity with the right air mixture can cause a massive and forceful explosion that can blow a structure to pieces. 

For many years the National Propane Gas Association has warned propane suppliers in areas where heavy snow accumulates that heavy icicles or large accumulations of snow can fall from eaves and severely damage regulators, piping, tubing, relief valves and other propane equipment if it is not properly protected. Severe problems have been encountered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California and the Rocky Mountains (Colorado and Wyoming) when exceptionally heavy snowfall damaged exposed propane equipment causing the release and ignition of propane gas resulting in numerous deaths and severe personal injuries. It was determined that the occurrences resulted from the weight of snow breaking exposed piping, which permitted fugitive propane to migrate through the snow and enter buildings. Despite the fact these incidents were thoroughly investigated and reported, propane supply service technicians and delivery drivers are not properly trained to detect and correct these potentially life threatening conditions.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a propane explosion, the propane explosion lawyer at ChanlerLawOffices.com can be of assistance.

Local ordinances were enacted in California, Nevada and Idaho which require gas suppliers to take certain precautions in the installation of propane equipment above 4000’ elevations and/or those subject to 100 lb. (or greater) snow loads. Specifically, such ordinances require protective coverings for exposed propane equipment and gable end installations. Additionally, gas marketers are required to re-install existing propane that is dangerous or defective where there is an interruption of service such as an out-of-gas call. Despite well documented risk of bodily harm and property damage in the propane industry, many areas subject to heavy snow fall and accumulation do not have laws or regulations to impose a duty upon the propane industry to eliminate the risk of dangerous exterior propane installations. The propane industry has failed and refused to remediate these deadly conditions in areas where local ordinances are not in effect exposing your loved ones and property to a catastrophic and deadly fire or explosion.

The firm of Chandler, Mathis & Zivley has successfully pursued propane suppliers who have dangerous and defective propane installations that cause deaths, personal injury and property damage. If you live in an area that received heavy snow or at an elevation above at or above 5,000’ elevation and experience a propane fire or explosion you need to hire an experienced propane explosion lawyers. Following a catastrophic fire or explosion, the propane explosion attorneys at Chandler, Mathis & Zivley can mobilize a complete investigation to determine the cause of the leak and fire or explosion. The propane explosion lawyers at Chandler, Mathis & Zivley will dispatch a team of highly trained and well respected fire and explosion experts in a matter of days to collect and preserve critical evidence you will need to determine liability and fault. An experienced propane explosion lawyer can pursue the responsible parties to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the loss of life, injury or property damage.