It is summertime and everyone is out in the backyard grilling their family’s favorite foods. Nobody expects to get hurt, but what happens when an injury is caused by a backyard grills propane tank? Propane tanks and propane grills always run the risk of causing an explosion which can seriously injure or burn someone. Many times when this happens, the victims have no idea that they might be able to get compensation if they had a burn injury caused by a faulty grill.
Many propane and gas grill fires and tank explosions are the result of leaking propane. The NFPA reported that leaks and or breaks within a propane tank or grill were the main problems for gas grills. If the injuries sustained from a propane grill or tank were caused by a defective grill, propane canister, or gas lines, then you might have a possible burn injury lawsuit. There is also the case the injuries were due to someone else’s negligence regarding the tank or grill, a few situations where negligence may be a factor could be:
- if there were improper installations of propane equipment
- if the labeling of the tanks was missing or improper
- if there was a failure to odorize the propane
- when propane tanks or canisters were not correctly prepared or filled
- in cases where the equipment was not properly inspected
- a design defect interferes with the normal operation of the igniter
- if there was a failure to adhere to or enforce OSHA industry safety standards.
If the company that made the grill or propane tank is found guilty for causing an injury because of their negligence, they can be held liable.
The most common type of injury one would sustain from backyard propane tanks would be burns. These burns can range from mild to severe, either being categorized as first through fourth degree burns. They are categorized by what layer of the sin was burned, first second third layers or 4th which can involve muscle and bone.
But not only can a gas explosion or fire resulted from a faulty propane tank injure someone, it can also damage their house. If the grill is close enough to ones house when an event such as a propane tank explosion or propane grill fire happens it can cause severe damage to ones home. If it was caused by the manufacturers negligence you could be compensated to the damages to your home.
Preventing Propane Tank and Propane Grill Explosions.
The National Fire Protection Association has a list of grilling safety tips. These tips can help you prevent these explosions and fires and keep you and your loved ones safe. They are as follows:
- Check tanks and hoses for leaks before using for the first time each year by applying a light soap and water solution. Propane leaks will produce bubbles.
- If you smell gas or see bubbles and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and the grill.
- If the leak stops, do not use it until it has been professionally serviced.
- If the leak does not stop or you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill and call the fire department.
- If the flame goes out, turn off gas and grill and wait at least 5 minutes before relighting.
- Only use propane grills outdoors.
- Place the grill away from the home and overhanging branches.
- Make sure the lid is open before lighting.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area, and do not leave the grill unattended.
- Keep the grill clean by removing grease build-up.
How a Burn Injury Attorney Can Help You
A burn injury can have lasting effects on one’s health and finances. It can cause costly medical bills and lost wages due to the fact the injured victim can not work when recovering. A burn injury lawyer can help get the facts of the case and find out if indeed the manufacturer or company is liable due to their negligence. They can help you get the money you and your loved ones deserved when an unexpected gas grill propane tank explosion happens. Do not just jump to conclusions and think it is your fault a gas propane tank explosion occurred. Reach out to a burn injury lawyer to see if they can help.
