Ryan Zavodnick | August 29, 2024 | Personal Injury
Gas leaks can be a silent but deadly threat, especially when undetected. Whether natural gas, carbon monoxide, or other gases, the long-term impacts can be severe and jeopardize your health, property, and financial stability. If a gas leak in Philadelphia, PA, has injured you or a loved one, Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers may be able to help.
Symptoms Related to Gas Leaks
Symptoms of gas exposure can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically depend on the type of gas you are exposed to and for how long. Immediate symptoms of a gas leak may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nose irrigation
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Skin irrigation
These symptoms may be mistaken for common illnesses, which can make it harder to detect a gas leak early. Long-term exposure to harmful gases can cause more serious health problems, such as respiratory issues, chronic headaches, heart problems, memory loss, or even death. If you or a loved one suspect that you are experiencing symptoms related to a gas leak, see a medical professional immediately.
How To Detect A Gas Leak
Detecting a gas leak early can prevent many of the long-term health effects. There are several methods to identify a gas leak, depending on whether the leak is natural gas, carbon monoxide, or something else.
- Smell: Natural gas and carbon monoxide are odorless, but utility companies add a chemical to natural gas that gives it a rotten egg smell. This odor is usually the first sign of a leak.
- Sound: Hissing or whistling sounds near a gas line could indicate a leak. Contact a professional if you cannot identify the source.
- Sight: Dead grass near a gas line, air from pavement cracks, or bubbles from standing water can be signs of a gas leak.
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home or workplace can help detect carbon monoxide.
Act quickly if you suspect a gas leak and leave the area. Avoid inhaling the gas and contact emergency services and/or your utility company.
What Does a Gas Leak Smell Like?
Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies add mercaptan to give it a pungent smell similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. This can help you detect a gas leak before it is too late. However, other gases, like carbon monoxide, do not have a smell. This makes them even more dangerous because they can go undetected.
Types of Personal Injury Cases Involving Gas Leaks
A gas leak injury may lead to a personal injury case, depending on the circumstances involved. Some common scenarios of personal injury cases involving gas leaks include:
Premises Liability Cases
Gas leaks can occur in rental properties, hotels, restaurants, and office buildings with different gas systems. They can cause poisoning, explosions, fires, severe injuries, or even death. Business owners or property managers may be liable for failing to keep the premises safe if their negligence causes a gas leak and injuries.
Utility Company Negligence Cases
Utility companies are responsible for maintaining and monitoring gas lines. If a gas leak occurs due to faulty maintenance, poor repairs, or a delayed response to a reported leak, those injured may have a personal injury claim.
Product Liability Cases
Defective products, such as faulty gas appliances, malfunctioning detectors, or defective gas lines, may cause leaks. When injuries occur due to these defects, victims may file product liability claims against the manufacturers, distributors, or retailers of the faulty products. You must show that the product was defective and the cause of the leak and your injuries.
Injured from A Gas Leak? Contact A Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a gas leak in Philadelphia, seek immediate medical attention and consider speaking with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney. You may have a claim if someone else’s negligence or intentional misconduct caused the gas leak and your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
If you’ve suffered injuries and other losses because of someone else’s negligence, it’s essential that you contact a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer. With the complexities of Pennsylvania traffic accident laws, you need to have someone by your side who is ready to fight on your behalf.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.