Austin Gas Explosion Lawyer

Before any legal action can be taken, the cause and origin of the explosion must be determined. A gas explosion accident lawyer in Austin will consult with relevant experts such as cause and origin experts, mechanical engineers, regulatory specialists, and industrial gas consultants to conduct a forensic examination. This investigation will reveal whether or not an entity or person inadvertently caused the explosion by breaching a standard of care, and if there’s a case for negligence.

If the origin of the leak is inside the house, the investigation can focus on appliance manufacturers and plumbing companies that may have installed something improperly, and your lawyer will look for negligence or failure to comply with industry standards.

If the leak originated outside of the house, the investigation will focus on the gas utility company or any third parties who may have failed to uphold their duty of care. While the gas utility company is responsible for installing and maintaining their pipelines, there may be other parties, such as contractors or construction crews, whose negligence could have caused or contributed to the gas explosion.

Common causes of gas leaks and exacerbating factors in Texas include:

• Old and poorly maintained pipelines. Utility companies often fail to replace decrepit, aging, or otherwise compromised pipelines. Some pipelines are decades old and prone to cracking and breaking. Company inspection processes are often insufficient in that they only account for detectable gas leaks and not for cracks or damage.
• Odor fade. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add odorants so that a dangerous gas leak can be easily detected. When natural gas leaks from an underground line, some of the odorant can fade, making it undetectable when it migrates into a home. Rust can contribute to odor fade, increasing the risk posed by old pipes.
• Digging or trenching. A third party such as a construction or digging crew may accidentally hit gas pipes and be unaware that there is any damage until it is too late.
• Improper marking. Before starting a new digging project, Texans can call the Texas Gas Service to mark underground gas pipelines. Unfortunately, the lines are sometimes improperly marked, which can cause the construction or digging crew to interfere with the pipes.

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