Gas explosions are among the most dangerous causes of severe burn injuries. When natural gas or propane accumulates and ignites, the resulting blast can cause devastating burns, building collapse, and life-threatening trauma.

Victims often suffer third-degree or fourth-degree burns, inhalation injuries, and permanent scarring.

At Johnson & Ward, our Atlanta burn injury lawyers represent victims of gas explosions, propane fires, and fuel-related blasts across Georgia. These cases often involve complex investigations into gas lines, appliances, property maintenance, and safety violations.

If you or a loved one suffered burns in a gas explosion in Georgia, call 404-253-7862 for a free consultation.

What causes gas explosion burn injuries?

Gas explosion burn injuries occur when natural gas or propane leaks accumulate and ignite. The explosion can be triggered by a spark from electrical switches, appliances, or static electricity. Victims often suffer severe burns, blast injuries, and inhalation damage from superheated gases.

Common Causes of Gas Explosion Burn Injuries

Gas explosions typically occur when flammable gas accumulates in an enclosed space and ignites. Explosions may also occur when gas spread through air until it encounters an ignition source.

Common causes include:

• leaking natural gas lines
• faulty propane tanks
• defective gas appliances
• improper gas line installation
• apartment building gas leaks
• gas meter failures
• construction damage to underground gas lines
• inadequate ventilation around gas equipment

Even a small spark—such as turning on a light switch—can ignite a gas-filled room.

Where Gas Explosion Burn Injuries Occur

Serious explosions frequently occur in:

• apartment complexes
• rental homes
• restaurants and commercial kitchens
• construction sites
• industrial facilities
• propane-heated buildings
• gas-powered equipment areas

Apartment explosions are especially dangerous because multiple tenants may suffer catastrophic burns at once.

Types of Injuries Caused by Gas Explosions

Gas explosions can cause multiple types of traumatic injuries.

Severe Burn Injuries

Flame exposure may cause:

• second-degree burns
• third-degree burns
• fourth-degree burns
• facial burns
• hand burns
• inhalation burns

These injuries often require skin graft surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Blast Injuries

Explosions also cause:

• traumatic brain injury
• fractures
• lung damage from pressure waves
• hearing loss
• internal bleeding

Inhalation Injuries

Breathing superheated air or smoke can cause:

• airway burns
• lung damage
• respiratory failure

These injuries may require ventilator support and intensive care treatment.

Who May Be Liable for a Gas Explosion?

Gas explosion cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Potential defendants may include:

• gas utility companies
• property owners
• apartment managers
• gas line contractors
• appliance manufacturers
• maintenance companies
• construction contractors

Determining liability requires careful investigation of gas systems, appliances, and maintenance records.

Who is responsible for a gas explosion?

Responsibility for a gas explosion may fall on property owners, gas utilities, contractors, appliance manufacturers, or maintenance companies. Liability depends on whether a party failed to maintain equipment, repair gas leaks, install gas lines properly, or warn occupants of dangerous conditions.

Investigation of Gas Explosion Cases

Early investigation is critical after a gas explosion.

Evidence can disappear quickly when damaged structures are demolished or repaired.

Important evidence may include:

• fire department reports
• gas company inspection records
• appliance components
• gas meter data
• security video
• witness statements

Experienced burn injury lawyers often work with fire cause-and-origin investigators and engineering experts to determine what caused the explosion.

Burn Treatment After Gas Explosions

Victims of severe explosions may require treatment at specialized burn centers.

In Georgia, the primary burn treatment centers include:

• Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Center (Atlanta)
• Joseph M. Still Burn Center (Augusta)
• JMS Burn Center at Wellstar Cobb

Treatment often includes:

• intensive care
• skin graft surgery
• hydrotherapy and debridement
• respiratory treatment
• rehabilitation therapy

Recovery can take months or years.

Compensation in Gas Explosion Burn Injury Cases

Georgia law allows victims to recover damages for:

• medical expenses
• future medical care
• lost income
• reduced earning capacity
• pain and suffering
• permanent scarring and disfigurement
• disability

If a gas explosion causes death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.

What compensation can burn victims receive after a gas explosion?

Burn victims may recover compensation for medical bills, future surgeries, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. In catastrophic cases, damages may include life-care planning for decades of future medical treatment.

Why Early Legal Investigation Matters

The first 48–72 hours after a gas explosion can determine whether crucial evidence is preserved.

Cleanup crews may remove debris, damaged appliances, and gas system components before investigators can examine them.

Early legal involvement allows attorneys to:

• preserve the scene
• secure physical evidence
• obtain fire investigation reports
• notify responsible parties to preserve records

This early work can make the difference between proving liability or losing critical evidence.

Talk With an Atlanta Gas Explosion Injury Lawyer

Gas explosions can cause catastrophic burns in seconds. Victims often face months of hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.

If a gas leak, defective appliance, or unsafe property condition caused the explosion, you may have a legal claim.

Johnson & Ward has represented serious injury victims in Georgia since 1949.

Ken Shigley, senior counsel, former president of the State Bar of Georgia, was the first Georgia lawyer to earn three board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy: Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Practice, and Civil Pretrial Practice. He was the lead author of eleven editions of Georgia Law of Torts: Trial Preparation and Practice, and received the Traditions of Excellence Award from the State Bar of Georgia General Practice and Trial Section. B.A., Furman University; J.D., Emory University Law School; Certificates in mediation and negotiation, Harvard Law School. Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Business, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

John Adkins, managing partner, experienced in personal injury law, including auto accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, premises liability claims, dangerous or defective products, medical malpractice, and related Plaintiff’s tort litigation. B.A., magna cum laude, Kennesaw State University; J.D., Thomas Jefferson Law School.

Ed Stone, partner, personal injury law, including truck accidents, auto accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, premises liability claims, dangerous or defective products, medical malpractice, and related Plaintiff’s tort litigation. B.B.A., Kennesaw State University; J.D., John Marshall Law School.

March 10, 2026

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