Updated February 20, 2025. A devastating duplex explosion rocked a neighborhood in Racine, Wisconsin, on February 18, 2025, injuring two people and destroying a single-story duplex on Gilson Street near Ashland Avenue. Neighbors described the explosion as “like a bomb going off,” shaking nearby homes. First responders rushed to the scene, working for hours to control the fire and evacuate residents to safety.
Family members identified the burn survivors as 79-year-old Tim LaPoint and his 58-year-old daughter, Michelle Haws. Both suffered severe burn injuries and were transported to a hospital in Milwaukee for treatment.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion. Early reports indicate that a company delivered and installed a new stove to the duplex earlier that morning.
What Causes Home Explosions?
While the exact cause of the Racine explosion is still under investigation, house explosions like this often result from preventable hazards, including:
- Gas leaks from faulty pipelines, aging infrastructure, or defective appliances
- Improperly installed stoves, furnaces, or water heaters
- Negligence by landlords, property managers, or gas companies
- Defective appliances, propane tanks, or other faulty equipment
Gas companies, manufacturers, installers, and landlords have a duty to ensure the safety of homes and appliances. When they fail to uphold safety standards, innocent lives are at risk.
Were You Injured in an Explosion?
Home Explosion Lawsuits: What You Need to Know
If you or a loved one has been injured in a home explosion, understanding your legal rights is critical. Pursuing a house explosion lawsuit can help burn survivors and their families secure compensation for things like medical expenses, property damage, and emotional trauma. An experienced explosion lawyer will investigate the cause and origin of the explosion, identify responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How the Pritzker Hageman Explosion Lawyers Can Help
At Pritzker Hageman, we have helped burn injury survivors and families across the country navigate the complex legal process after an explosion. We know that no amount of money can undo what happened, but financial compensation can provide the resources needed to move forward with your life. Our burn injury legal team is here to provide care, guidance, and legal support so you can focus on healing while we handle the fight for justice.
We Provide Care and Guidance
We take on the burden of dealing with insurance companies, gas providers, landlords, and manufacturers so you don’t have to. Our priority is to protect your health, family, and future while we fight for compensation, which may include:
- Medical expenses such as burn treatments, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages and future income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering for the trauma you’ve endured.
We Hold Wrongdoers Accountable
Most explosions are preventable and result from negligence. Our experienced explosion lawyers work with top fire investigators, engineers, and forensic specialists to uncover exactly what caused the explosion and who is responsible. Whether it’s a gas company, negligent landlord, or appliance manufacturer, we demand accountability and fight for the justice you deserve.
We Work to Secure Your Future
Recovering from a burn injury is a long and difficult journey, but a financial settlement can help provide the resources needed to move forward. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, helping them with the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Contact Us Today: Get the Legal Help You Need
If you or a loved one was injured in an explosion, you don’t have to face this alone. Our explosion injury lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for the justice you deserve. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at 612-338-0202, send us a text at 612-261-0856, or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.