Explosion Injuries in Nevada: Understanding Your Rights

Explosions are sudden, violent events that leave devastating injuries in their wake. Because many Nevada homes have natural gas and propane heat sources and pipelines cross all over the state, the risk of explosions affecting individuals and families is real and significant. When gas explosions happen, they cause severe injuries, such as burns, traumatic brain injuries, lung damage, and even death. When such catastrophes occur, victims and their families are left grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

At Pritzker Hageman, we are committed to helping people who have been injured in explosions or lost loved ones due to these catastrophic events. Our nationally-recognized explosion and burn injury lawyers fight for the rights of victims across the United States, including those in Nevada, where we have offices and a strong local presence. With our proven track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements, we are the right choice for those seeking justice and compensation after an explosion.

Understanding Explosion Causes and Liability in Nevada

Explosions can occur in a variety of settings—from industrial sites to residential homes—and can result from a wide range of causes. Identifying the exact cause is critical to determining liability, and our legal team has decades of experience conducting thorough investigations to uncover the facts.

Common Causes of Explosions

1. Propane Gas Explosions: Propane is a highly combustible gas used in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. It is used for heating water, heating the air, and drying clothes. Even a small propane leak can lead to an explosion if a spark or open flame ignites the gas. One of the most dangerous aspects of propane explosions is “odor fade,” a phenomenon where the distinctive smell added to the gas fades, making it difficult to detect leaks.
2. Natural Gas Pipeline Explosions: Nevada’s growing infrastructure includes pipelines that carry natural gas to homes and businesses. A gas line explosion can occur due to faulty installation, improper maintenance, or defects in the pipeline itself. Older pipelines, in particular, pose significant risks, as they may be deteriorating and prone to rupture.
3. Boiler Explosions: Boilers are found in many industrial and commercial buildings, as well as residential homes. These systems can explode due to excessive pressure, inadequate water levels, or fuel-related issues. A boiler explosion can destroy entire structures, causing severe injuries or fatalities.
4. Industrial Accidents: Explosions in industrial settings are often the result of mishandling hazardous materials, lack of proper safety protocols, or equipment malfunctions. In many cases, these incidents are preventable and occur due to negligence on the part of the company responsible for maintaining a safe work environment.
5. Defective or Improperly Installed Gas Appliances: When an appliance is defective, poorly serviced, or improperly installed, it can lead to a gas leak, which can cause a serious house explosion. 

Identifying Liability

Determining who is at fault in an explosion case is complex and requires extensive investigation. Our experienced legal team has a long history of successfully identifying liable parties, which may include:

• Gas companies: Responsible for the maintenance and inspection of pipelines.
• Manufacturers: Liable for defective products such as propane tanks, water heaters, dryers, or industrial equipment.
• Building owners or contractors: Held accountable for improper installation or maintenance of gas lines, water heaters, clothes driers, furnaces, pool heaters, boilers, or other potentially hazardous systems.
• Utility companies: Negligent in detecting or addressing gas leaks and other dangerous conditions.

Pritzker Hageman’s explosion lawyers work tirelessly to hold these parties accountable, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Types of Injuries from Explosions

The injuries resulting from an explosion can be life-altering. The force of the blast, the intense heat, and the flying debris create a dangerous combination that often leads to severe harm or death. Here are the most common types of injuries sustained in explosions:

1. Burn Injuries

Burns are among the most devastating injuries caused by explosions, often third degree burns that destroy the entire thickness of the skin and damage underlying tissue, nerves, and even bone, often leading to long-term disabilities and the need for multiple surgeries.

Many of the victims of propane and natural gas explosions we work with have suffered severe burn injuries requiring extended hospital stays, skin grafts, and ongoing rehabilitation.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The blast wave from an explosion can cause significant trauma to the brain, leading to concussions and long-term brain damage. Symptoms can include cognitive issues, headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, permanent neurological damage. A traumatic brain injury can completely alter a person’s life, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy daily activities.

3. Lung Injuries

The intense pressure and heat from an explosion can damage the lungs, leading to a condition known as “blast lung.” This injury can cause difficulty breathing, fluid buildup in the lungs, and in some cases, life-threatening respiratory complications. Smoke inhalation, which often accompanies explosions, can cause further damage, leading to oxygen deprivation, lung collapse, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Crush Injuries and Blunt Force Trauma

During an explosion, flying debris or collapsing structures can lead to crush injuries, where bones and internal organs are compressed under heavy objects. Victims may suffer broken bones, internal bleeding, and nerve damage, all of which can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

5. Wrongful Death

Sadly, many explosion cases result in fatalities. When a loved one dies in an explosion due to someone else’s negligence, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and the emotional pain of losing a family member.

Your Legal Options After an Explosion: Filing a Lawsuit in Nevada

If you or a loved one has been injured in an explosion in Nevada, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The process of filing a lawsuit can be complex, but our team of experienced explosion injury lawyers is here to guide you through every step.

Can You File a Lawsuit?

The first question many explosion victims ask is, “Can I file a lawsuit?” In most cases, if the explosion was caused by negligence, defective products, or a breach of safety regulations, you have the right to pursue legal action. Whether the explosion occurred in an industrial facility, a private residence, or a public place, identifying the responsible parties is key to building a successful case.

What Types of Compensation Can You Receive?

Victims of explosions may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical costs related to treating injuries sustained in the explosion. Burn injuries, for example, may require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for the income you’ve lost. This can also include loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous employment due to permanent disabilities.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the explosion. This includes both the immediate pain of the injury and any ongoing suffering caused by long-term medical conditions, such as disfigurement or PTSD.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one has died, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.

Why Choose Pritzker Hageman?

When it comes to explosion and burn injury cases, the law firm you choose can make all the difference. Here’s why Pritzker Hageman stands out:

1. Nationally Recognized Explosion Legal Team

With over 40 years of experience, Pritzker Hageman has become one of the leading law firms for explosion injury cases in the United States. We have a track record of securing multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients, including a recent $45 million settlement in a pipeline explosion case. Our firm is nationally recognized for our experience in handling complex explosion cases and has a locally licensed legal team and Las Vegas office ready to help clients in Nevada.

2. Deep Understanding of Explosion Cases

Our legal team has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of explosion cases. We employ industry experts to determine the cause of the explosion, whether it’s a gas leak, defective product, or negligence on the part of a company. Our experience allows us to build strong cases that hold wrongdoers accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

3. Compassionate and Dedicated Representation

At Pritzker Hageman, we understand that an explosion can have life-changing consequences. Our attorneys are not only committed to fighting for justice, but we also provide compassionate support to our clients throughout the legal process. We help families navigate the emotional and financial challenges that come with a serious injury or wrongful death case, working to ensure that they receive the care and guidance they need.

4. 100% Free Consultation and No Fees At All Unless We Win for You

We offer 100% free consultations to all explosion injury victims. During this consultation, we will review your case, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.

Contact Pritzker Hageman Today

Explosions can cause unimaginable harm to victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in an explosion in Nevada, you deserve experienced, compassionate legal representation. The lawyers at Pritzker Hageman are here to help you fight for justice and secure the compensation you need to move forward.

With our track record of success and our deep commitment to our clients, we are the right choice for anyone affected by an explosion. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today.

Pritzker Hageman handles all types of complex and catastrophic injury cases in Nevada and in all 50 states, including: