When a gas explosion occurs, it often results in serious or even fatal injuries for victims. The effects of a gas explosion can have a major negative impact on both the injured parties as well as their family members. While the explosion itself is an extremely traumatic event, it is usually just the beginning. Following an explosion, victims are likely to have questions about their legal rights. This includes the process of initiating litigation against the responsible individuals and entities.
While the idea of achieving justice for wrongdoing seems relatively simple, there are many potential pitfalls during the process. One of these potential pitfalls is the statute of limitations surrounding various claims. Victims who miss the statute of limitations can face harsh consequences, including the loss of their claims. Before embarking on litigation, it is important to speak with a skilled and experienced gas explosion accident attorney. Here at Burg Simpson, our national gas explosion accident attorneys will help guide you through the process to ensure that your legal rights are protected and preserved. Below we will take a look at the statute of limitations and how it can impact a typical gas explosion claim.
What Is The Statute of Limitations? 
A statute of limitations, in simple terms, is a deadline for filing a case. The statute of limitations ordinarily begins to run on the date that the event occurred. In the case of a gas explosion, this means the date of the explosion itself. While there are some exceptions, the general rule is that the statute starts when the event occurs.
The statute of limitations can be different for individual claims. For instance, a claim for wrongful death may arise out of a gas explosion. Wrongful death claims are filed by a loved one on behalf of their deceased family member. A wrongful death claim may have a longer or shorter statute than other types of claims. For instance, there may be a survival action or other personal injury claim that arises out of the gas explosion. These claims are separate from a wrongful death claim.
In gas explosion cases where there are multiple claims, filing the claim at the soonest possible time is normally the best approach. This avoids any potential issues with missing a statute of limitations for any particular claim.
The Purpose of the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is in place for several reasons. Primarily, the statute serves to protect a defendant from litigation after a significant passage of time. The idea is that it would be unfair for a defendant to be exposed to claims that occur many years after an event occurs. There are other considerations as well. It is generally understood that a greater passage of time also leads to the loss of evidence. Further, witnesses may no longer be available, or their memories may be lost with the passage of time. For these reasons, the legal system favors a timely resolution of claims, including claims asserted by explosion accident victims.
What Happens When The Statute of Limitations Expires?
With almost no exceptions, missing the statute of limitations has very harsh consequences. In legal terms, statutes of limitation are hard deadlines. If a victim misses the statute they may be left with no recourse against a negligent defendant. This is true no matter the strength of the case.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a gas explosion, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Moving forward with your claim at the soonest possible time is important so that you do not place your legal rights in jeopardy.
Working With a Gas Explosion Accident Lawyer
Following an explosion accident, there are many things that need to be done in order to file a gas explosion claim. Meeting with an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected and preserved. Your attorney will investigate your potential legal claims and give you advice on how to handle your claims and what steps you need to take. Explosion accident claims are complicated and there are many things that must be done to put you in the best position from a legal standpoint. This includes meeting all of the relevant deadlines and statutes of limitation that apply to your case.
The aftermath of a gas explosion is a stressful and traumatic time for victims. During this period, your focus should be on your recovery from the incident itself. You should not have to worry about the legal details of your case. Having an attorney by your side ensures that you will be able to give your attention to what is most important.
Nationwide Gas Explosion Attorneys
Here at Burg Simpson, we have a dedicated and driven team of attorneys and legal professionals. We know how difficult and traumatic a gas explosion can be. Our attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients following these devastating events. We know what needs to be done in order to help get you the compensation that you deserve. Our firm has recovered more than $2 billion on behalf of injured victims and their loved ones, and we would be honored to assist you as well.
Our firm is standing by to provide legal assistance at any time. We offer free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. When we meet with you, we will go over all of the aspects of your claim. During this time, we will help come up with a plan that meets your legal needs and optimizes your chances of success.
Our firm handles most cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. Due to the statute of limitations, you should take action as soon as possible in order to avoid the loss of your legal rights. To schedule your appointment with one of our nationwide gas explosion accident attorneys, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-1325.
