Gas explosions are often life-changing events for victims. Due to their nature, explosions are likely to result in serious injuries and even death in some cases. These blasts most often affect innocent victims who were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. The impacts of a gas explosion may continue for months or years after the initial incident. Common questions in the aftermath of a gas explosion center around the legal rights of victims. These rights normally come into play when the explosion was caused by the negligence of one or more individuals or entities.
Explosion accident litigation is a complex area of the law. There are many different laws that may apply to explosion cases, including both state and federal regulations. Due to its complexity, an explosion litigation case may end up covering multiple states and judicial districts. This results in multi-jurisdictional litigation, which is among the most complex types of cases.
If you or a family member have been affected by an explosion, it is important to have a skilled attorney by your side. At Burg Simpson, our national explosion accident attorneys know the law and will apply it on your behalf. We will fight for the compensation that you need during this difficult time.
What is Multi-Jurisdictional Litigation? 
Multi-jurisdictional litigation is a lawsuit involving defendants from multiple different jurisdictions. These lawsuits can spread across several judicial districts in the same state, or they may cross state borders into multiple states. In these cases, a plaintiff could have a claim against multiple defendants, each of whom has a different residence or place of business. The rules may require the plaintiff to bring suit in the area where the defendant resides or conducts business. As a result, cases involving multiple defendants can end up being filed across several jurisdictions. This is true even if multiple cases arise from the same conduct or incident.
What Issues Arise in Multi-Jurisdictional Claims?
There are many issues that can arise during the course of a multi-jurisdictional lawsuit. The following are the most common:
- Choice of Law: In a case spanning multiple jurisdictions, there may be questions about which law to apply. Deciding between laws involves a decision of which state's law might apply to the case or it could involve a choice between federal law or state law. The distinction can be crucial depending on the differences and protections afforded by various laws
- Coordination and Scheduling: Each court in the United States operates under its own set of rules. Having a pending case across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously can present several logistical challenges when it comes to scheduling matters to be heard by the court.
- Discovery Issues: Multiple district litigation may also result in discovery issues. The discovery process is designed to investigate and uncover information about the other party's case. However, discovery rules and procedures vary between jurisdictions. Having efficient discovery procedures is not always possible when multiple jurisdictions are involved.
- Different Judges and Jurors: Each judicial district has its own set of judges and potential jurors. Having to keep track of one set of judges and jurors can be challenging enough. Each judge and juror may perceive cases differently than others. There is a likelihood of inconsistent outcomes in cases where multiple jurisdictions are involved.
What Laws Can Apply in Multi-Jurisdictional Suits?
A multi-jurisdictional claim implicates many potential laws, including:
- Civil Procedure Laws: States have their own laws of civil procedure. These laws determine how a lawsuit will proceed.
- Statutes of Limitation: The timelines for filing a claim are governed by what is known as a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a hard deadline for a claim to be filed. Missing the statute of limitations can result in the loss of a claim. States have their own statute of limitation. An attorney practicing multi-jurisdictional law must be generally familiar with the various laws of each jurisdiction.
- Federal or State Law: Depending on where a case is filed, there may be a question as to whether federal or state laws apply to the case. Gas explosions trigger federal regulations and also state laws. Knowing which laws to select is crucial when it comes to representing victims of gas explosions.
Seek Help from a National Explosion Accident Lawyer
Explosion accident litigation is extremely complicated and involves very difficult legal and procedural issues. These issues can implicate multiple laws across several jurisdictions. In some cases, it may be necessary to file lawsuits in multiple states or judicial districts. Knowing how to process and which laws apply is extremely important to the success of your claim.
Here at Burg Simpson, we know that this is a difficult period in your life. We will do what we can to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. The impact of a gas explosion can last a lifetime. You should seek the appropriate level of compensation in order to ensure that you are not financially responsible for someone else's negligence.
Nationwide Explosion Accident Lawyers
At Burg Simpson, we are here to help following an explosion accident. Our team of lawyers and legal professionals is dedicated to protecting and preserving the rights of victims. We handle complex claims from all jurisdictions across the country, including multi-jurisdictional litigation claims. Our law firm is uniquely suited and has the resources to handle these cases. We have recovered more than $2 billion on behalf of injured victims, and we would be honored to assist you as well. You may have a limited time to act, so you should contact us as soon as possible.
Our firm is standing by to assist you at any time. We provide free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. When you are in need of a tough and aggressive law firm, you can count on us to obtain the best results. There is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. To schedule your appointment with a nationwide explosion accident attorney, please contact us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-2095.
