A building explosion is a devastating event that can lead to many negative consequences, including damage to infrastructures, serious injuries, environmental damage, and even loss of life. The reasons for a building explosion vary but the outcomes are frequently negative. The most unfortunate aspect of a building explosion is that it could have often been prevented through the use of ordinary care and caution. Most major explosions are the culmination of a series of events that take place over a period of time. It is vital to spot some early warning signs before disaster strikes.
In this article, we will take a look at building explosions and what steps can be taken to prevent them from occurring. Here at Burg Simpson, we have a team of skilled and experienced nationwide explosion accident attorneys. We have represented injured victims and their families in explosion accident litigation across the United States. If you or a loved one have been affected by a building explosion, give us a call as soon as possible to see how we can be of assistance.
The Cause of Building Explosions
One of the main causes of building explosions is the presence of combustible materials. Natural gas, flammable chemicals, and other volatile substances are the catalysts that are needed for an explosion to occur. When these combustible materials make contact with an ignition source an explosion can occur due to the sudden release of a massive amount of energy and pressure.
Another potentially significant cause of a building explosion is a structural failure. While buildings are designed to withstand a variety of forces, their integrity can be compromised due to a variety of reasons. Poor construction, deteriorating structural components, and leaks can all lead to the risk of an explosion. When a combustible material escapes through a compromised pipe and travels into a tight, poorly ventilated area, an explosion can occur soon thereafter.
Building Explosion Consequences
The consequences of a building explosion can be serious and long-lasting. First, when a building explodes there is naturally a risk of serious injury and even death for occupants of the building and those nearby. Injuries can be caused by projectiles, or from the force of the blast itself. A building explosion can also cause significant property damage and destruction to both the building itself as well as the surrounding structures. Further, when a building explodes, dangerous chemicals can be released into the environment, causing polluted air and groundwater.
Preventing Building Explosions 
The prevention of building explosions requires a comprehensive approach. In order to ensure that buildings are structurally sound, it is important to follow good construction practices and compliance with building codes. Buildings should be inspected regularly to ensure that they remain structurally sound and are not at risk of collapse.
Explosions often lead to fires. Therefore, all buildings should be equipped with comprehensive fire safety systems. This includes sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Buildings should also have an established fire evacuation plan for occupants in the event of an explosion.
Building occupants and employees should be educated about the risks of building explosions. Occupants should be aware of the signs of a gas leak and other warning signs of an impending explosion.
Legal Responsibility for Building Explosions
Victims often wonder who can be held legally responsible for a building explosion. Although building explosions are normally preventable through the use of ordinary care and caution, they still occur. Normally, when an explosion happens it is due to the negligence of one or more parties.
There are potentially a large number of liable individuals and entities when a building explosion occurs. Among those that can be held responsible are:
- Contractors and Construction Workers: In the case of poor or substandard construction, contractors and those responsible for the structural integrity of the building can be held responsible
- Architects and Engineers: Sometimes a building fails due to a poor design. When this happens, architects, engineers, and other design professionals could be legally responsible.
- Building Inspectors: A building inspector is charged with inspecting the building, ensuring that it is up to safety codes and that it is compliant with rules and regulations. When an inspector misses a fault and an explosion later occurs, the inspector may face liability for negligence.
- Building Owners: In some cases, building owners themselves may be legally liable for an explosion. This normally occurs when the owner knew or had some reason to believe that the building was in a dangerous condition. When this knowledge is present, the business owner has a legal duty to take steps to avoid exposure to a possible explosion.
Nationwide Explosion Accident Lawyers
Building explosions are among the most common types of blasts. Steps should always be taken to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a building explosion. However, explosions will still occur and victims should take certain steps to ensure their safety in the aftermath of an explosion. This includes being aware of an evacuation plan and understanding when and how and explosion is occurring.
If you have suffered losses in an explosion, it is important to protect your legal rights as soon as possible. Every state and jurisdiction has a statute of limitations for property damage claims. You should take action as soon as possible in order to ensure that you do not lose your rights as your claim can be impacted if you wait too long. Before you speak with an insurance company about your case, please give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.
Our team is standing by to speak with you at any time. We always provide free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. When you need a tough and aggressive attorney, we can help you get the results you need. We handle most cases on a contingency fee basis so there is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. To speak with a United States explosion accident lawyer, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-1325.
