A fuel tank is any large container that is used for the storage of flammable fluids such as gasoline and diesel fuel. While any fuel storage device may function as a fuel tank, a fuel tank is most often understood as a device that propels pressurized gas into an engine. The most common application of a fuel tank is found in a passenger vehicle. A car's fuel tank is used to help power the vehicle by transferring fuel through a series of gas lines and into the engine where it is used to operate the vehicle.
Fuel tanks range in size and complexity, depending on the reasons for their use. Due to the fact that fuel tanks contain highly explosive and flammable substances, a tragic explosion can occur inside the tank, leading to devastating consequences for nearby victims. The cause of each fuel tank explosion must be closely investigated in order to determine who should be held legally responsible. Fuel tank explosions can result in serious and catastrophic injuries within a matter of seconds. Innocent victims are often affected as a result.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a fuel tank explosion, our gas explosion lawyers at Burg Simpson are here to help. Give us a call today to see how we can be of assistance.
Fuel Tank Hazards 
There are numerous hazards presented by fuel tanks. In the oil and gas industry, large tanks are used to store fuel and petroleum. These tanks come with many potential risks, including fires and explosions. Due to their high levels of danger, most petroleum tanks contain restricted entry rules. These tanks do not have regular points of ingress and egress for individuals. Instead, many fuel tanks contain what is known as Permit Required Controlled Spaces (PRCS). PRCS areas are recognized by OSHA as highly dangerous areas, requiring an extreme level of care and caution prior to entering. When entering these hazardous areas, employees must be well-trained and must follow certain protocols and procedures while accessing the fuel storage tank.
There are many stories of fuel tanks exploding, including most recently the explosion and destruction of the U.S. Polycco Plant in Ennis, Oklahoma. Over the last decade, there have been 17 reported storage tank explosions. These explosions can easily result in death or serious injury if innocent bystanders are nearby.
Preventing a Fuel Tank Explosion
In order to prevent death and serious injuries due to fuel tanks, the best policy is to take measures to stop the explosion before it happens. To that end, there are some necessary and important steps that must be taken in order to prevent and reduce the risk of a blast. Some of the common causes of fuel tank explosions are
- Leak or damage to fuel pipe
- Defective or faulty equipment
- Human error including negligence
In order to prevent a fuel tank explosion, tanks should be regularly inspected and repaired or replaced when necessary. Any old or damaged equipment should be removed and repaired before being put back tinto service. Finally, anyone who has contact with a fuel tank should receive appropriate training to ensure that they are not committing negligent acts or behaviors that could subject them to liability.
Legal Action Following a Fuel Tank Explosion
Many victims of fuel tank explosions and their family members are left hurt, lonely, and physically, as well as emotionally injured. Following the blast one of the most common questions asked is what rights does a victim have. As with any other case, being a victim of a fuel tank explosion can lead to the right to obtain compensation.
Some of the available types of compensation include:
- Pain and Suffering: This damage represents the full extent of your physical and mental trauma following a serious explosion. Victims who have suffered emotional and physical pain from the explosion may deal with this damage for weeks after the blast.
- Medical Bills: If you have incurred medical bills following a fuel tank explosion, you can request compensation for your medical costs. This includes prescription costs as well for any prescribed medicines that you have to take following the incident.
- Lost Wages: Many fuel tank explosions lead to serious injuries. These injuries can range from cuts and bruises, to head trauma, to internal bleeding and other injuries.
Regardless of the value of your case or type of compensation to which you are entitled, you should always speak with a skilled and experienced lawyer prior to beginning any aspect of your case. Too often, accident victims make the mistake of trying to handle their own claims. This can result in the loss of thousands of dollars of compensation or either the complete loss of the claim. In order to ensure that your claim is protected following a fuel tank explosion, you should speak with a fuel tank explosion attorney right away.
National Fuel Tank Explosion Lawyers
Here at Burg Simpson, we have a team of trained and dedicated lawyers and legal professionals standing by to assist you at any time. We handle cases of explosion accidents across the country, so no matter where you are, we can help. Our firm has recovered more than $2 billion dollars for innocent victims. We are not afraid of or intimidated by large corporations, and we have the resources to help you and your family get the justice that you deserve.
We know that the aftermath of an explosion can be painful and devastating. With serious injuries and A long road to recovery, it is normal to feel hopeless about your future. Fortunately, however, there is help available. You may have a limited time to act so it is important that you reach out to us as soon as possible in order to avoid the loss of your rights.
Our consultations are always free for all potential and prospective clients. When you need a tough and aggressive law firm, you can count on us to obtain the best results. There is no financial obligation unless we win. During the initial consultation, we will go over every aspect of your case in detail and help to come up with a plan to secure your future. To speak with one of our national fuel tank explosion accident attorneys, please contact us using our online intake form or give us a call at 866-695-1839.