Gas Leak, Fire & Explosion Accident Lawyers in Orange County

Orange County Attorneys Helping Local Construction Workers

For new construction projects and jobs on industrial sites, the risk of a gas leak, fire, or explosion can be inordinately high compared to other construction jobs. Even with the utmost safety and care around the construction site, something can go wrong in the blink of an eye, resulting in severe injuries and possibly deaths. It is only right that construction workers who have been injured in a gas leak, fire, or explosion get the workers’ compensation benefits they need to recover as best they can.

Alvandi Law Group in Orange County would be honored to help you explore your legal options after being hurt on a construction site by a gas leak, fire, or explosion. Whether someone’s negligence caused the accident or unpredictable circumstances caused it should not matter because workers’ comp is a no-fault system. However, employers and insurers can sometimes interfere with justified claims just to try to save money. Our team of attorneys can help you with filings, denials, and lawsuits – whatever is needed to get you the benefits you need and deserve.

Call (800) 980-6905 or contact us online to learn more about your workers’ compensation claim.

Gas Leak Accidents on Construction Sites

When a gas line is being worked on at a construction site, workers and supervisors alike need to be cautious about potential gas leaks. Workers can be severely injured by a gas leak that goes undetected at first due to the subtle odor of gas. Inhaling too much gas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause short-term issues like nausea and vomiting, as well as more severe issues like organ damage, brain damage, and death.

Gas leaks on construction sites can be caused by:

• Damaged Pipes: During excavation or construction activities, underground pipes carrying gas can be accidentally damaged by heavy machinery or tools, leading to leaks.
• Faulty Connections: Improper installation or aging infrastructure can result in loose fittings, connections, or valves, allowing gas to escape.
• Corrosion: Over time, pipes can corrode due to exposure to moisture, soil conditions, or chemical reactions, weakening the integrity of the pipes and increasing the risk of leaks.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, or severe weather events can damage gas lines or infrastructure, causing leaks.
• Human Error: Mistakes during installation, maintenance, or repairs, such as improper sealing or failure to follow safety procedures, can result in gas leaks.
• Improper Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas can lead to the buildup of gas, increasing the risk of leaks and potential ignition.
• Equipment Malfunction: Faulty or malfunctioning gas appliances, such as heaters, boilers, or generators, can develop leaks if not properly maintained or serviced.
• Unauthorized Activities: Unauthorized digging, drilling, or construction work near gas lines without proper permits or knowledge of their location can inadvertently cause damage and lead to leaks.
• Chemical Interactions: Interaction between certain chemicals used in construction processes and the materials of gas pipes or fittings can lead to corrosion or degradation, resulting in leaks.
• Lack of Monitoring: Inadequate monitoring or inspection of gas infrastructure can result in undetected leaks until they escalate into more significant issues.

Fire & Explosion Accidents on Construction Sites

Construction workers will be at risk of suffering severe burn injuries if there is a fire or explosion caused by an accident. Hazardous substances, electrical faults, and gas leaks are common sources of fires on construction sites, as are compressed gases that have been stored incorrectly. Depending on what is ignited, the fire could first begin with an explosion that sends devastating concussive shockwaves throughout the area.

Explosions and fires can be caused by the following:

• Hot Work: Welding, cutting, soldering, or other activities involving open flames or intense heat can ignite combustible materials like wood, insulation, or gas vapors if not conducted properly or with adequate precautions.
• Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged electrical equipment, or improper use of extension cords can lead to electrical sparks or arcs, igniting flammable materials or causing explosions.
• Chemical Hazards: Improper storage, handling, or disposal of flammable or combustible chemicals used in construction, such as paints, solvents, adhesives, or fuel, can result in accidental spills, leaks, or vapor releases that ignite.
• Ignition Sources: Careless smoking, use of open flames (e.g., cigarettes, matches), or operating equipment that generates sparks or heat near flammable materials can trigger fires or explosions.
• Fuel Sources: Construction sites often have fuel storage tanks, gas cylinders, or other combustible materials onsite. Mishandling or leakage from these sources, coupled with an ignition source, can lead to fires or explosions.
• Poor Housekeeping: Accumulation of combustible debris, waste materials, or improperly stored equipment can provide fuel for fires and obstruct access to firefighting efforts.
• Equipment Malfunction: Mechanical failures or malfunctioning of construction equipment, such as generators, heaters, compressors, or power tools, can lead to sparks, overheating, or fuel leaks that ignite nearby materials.
• Natural Factors: Lightning strikes, extreme heat, or wildfires in proximity to construction sites can trigger fires or explosions, particularly if flammable materials are present.
• Lack of Fire Prevention Measures: Inadequate fire prevention measures, such as lack of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or emergency exits, can exacerbate the consequences of fires or explosions.
• Human Error: Negligence, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety protocols by workers or site managers can contribute to fire and explosion accidents.