Propane Explosions

Propane is widely used across the United States to fuel homes, grills, vehicles, and industrial operations. It's marketed as a clean and efficient fuel, but under the wrong conditions, it's also extremely hazardous. When propane explosions occur, the damage can be catastrophic, and the path to accountability is rarely straightforward.

Propane explosions and other propane-related incidents are often preventable. These are not freak accidents. They usually result from poor equipment maintenance, manufacturer defects, installation errors, or negligence by property owners, contractors, or propane suppliers. When the dust settles, you're left with questions: How did this happen? Who’s responsible? And how can you move forward?

Key Takeaways About Propane Explosions

• Propane is highly flammable and explosive when leaked into enclosed areas or near ignition sources.
• Most explosions result from preventable causes, including faulty equipment, poor maintenance, and human error.
• Liability can involve multiple parties such as landlords, propane suppliers, manufacturers, and employers.
• Victims may pursue legal claims under negligence, product liability, or premises liability law.
• Strict filing deadlines apply. For example, Missouri allows five years for injury claims; Kansas allows only two.

Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers has a long history of standing up for victims of propane explosions and catastrophic injuries. With decades of experience, national recognition, and a selective approach to high-stakes cases, we deliver results when it matters most. If you've been harmed in a propane-related incident, no matter where in the U.S., call (816) 931-4611 for a free consultation.

How Propane Becomes Explosive

Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stored under pressure. When released into the air, it becomes a highly flammable vapor. A single spark or open flame can ignite a leak, triggering a violent blast.

While propane tanks are engineered to be safe when used correctly, they can turn into deadly hazards when safety protocols are ignored. Failures often occur during refills, maintenance, or transportation. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has found that many propane truck explosion cases happen during routine handling and refueling operations.

Signs of a Propane Tank Explosion Waiting to Happen

Most people have no idea they’re living or working near a potential bomb. Propane explosions can occur without warning, but there are red flags. Recognizing the early propane tank explosion signs can be the key to preventing a tragedy or holding someone accountable afterward.

Some of the most telling warning signs include:

• A strong, sulfur-like odor near the tank or gas lines
• Hissing sounds that may indicate a leak
• Rust, dents, or corrosion on the tank or its valves
• Appliance malfunction or pilot lights that keep going out

Because propane is heavier than air, it pools near the ground. That makes confined spaces especially dangerous. Leaks can accumulate quietly and form a cloud of explosive gas that travels until it reaches a heat source or electrical switch that creates a spark.

Who May Be Liable For a Propane Explosion?

Accountability is one of the biggest challenges after a propane explosion. These cases often involve multiple parties, and each may try to shift blame or hide key details. A thorough investigation is essential to get a clear picture of what went wrong and why.

Parties that may be held liable include:

• Property owners or landlords who failed to maintain safe premises
• Propane delivery companies that used improper filling procedures
• Appliance manufacturers whose equipment malfunctioned
• Maintenance contractors who installed faulty lines or ignored warning signs
• Employers who exposed workers to unsafe conditions

In catastrophic incidents, liability may extend to industrial facilities, equipment distributors, or even regulatory bodies that failed to enforce compliance.

Legal Grounds for a Propane Explosion Claim

Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits following propane explosions may fall under several legal categories:

Negligence

This is the most common basis for a claim. Plaintiffs must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injury as a result. For instance, a landlord who ignores gas leak complaints or fails to install required detectors may be liable under this theory.

Product Liability

The manufacturer or distributor of a product may be liable under product liability law when the explosion stems from defective equipment, such as a faulty tank valve or unsafe propane heater. These claims typically involve:

• Design defects
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Premises Liability

If the incident occurred on someone else’s property, premises liability law may apply. This is especially relevant for tenants, hotel guests, or workers injured on a job site due to unsafe conditions.

Statute of Limitations for Propane Explosion Lawsuits

Every state has laws that set deadlines for filing a lawsuit. These statutes of limitations vary depending on whether the case involves personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage. For example:

• In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury is five years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120), while wrongful death claims must be filed within three years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100).
• In Kansas, the time limit is shorter. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 60-513.

Missing these deadlines can bar your claim entirely, no matter how strong the evidence is. Early consultation with a lawyer is key to preserving your rights.

How Investigations Uncover the Truth

Getting to the root cause of a propane explosion takes technical knowledge and investigative diligence. A skilled legal team will coordinate with specialists in fire science, engineering, and industrial safety to reconstruct the scene.

Investigations often focus on:

• Tank maintenance records
• Delivery logs and inspection reports
• Surveillance footage (if available)
• Witness interviews
• Forensic testing of exploded components

In many cases, these investigations reveal a pattern, such as repeated violations, ignored complaints, or inadequate safety training, that strengthens the claim.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Propane Explosions

Propane explosions are powerful enough to destroy buildings, vehicles, and industrial structures. Survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries that require long-term care and ongoing medical treatment.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Severe burns, often requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
• Traumatic brain injuries caused by flying debris or impact
• Spinal cord damage, which may result in paralysis
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries from structural collapse
• Smoke inhalation injuries, sometimes causing permanent lung damage
• Amputations resulting from blast-force trauma

These injuries don’t just impact physical health, they take a toll on mental well-being and financial stability. Many survivors face long recoveries, forced career changes, or permanent disability.

Propane and Industrial Explosions: Unique Risks

While residential accidents get more media attention, industrial incidents often have a broader impact. Workers in oil refineries, manufacturing plants, and energy facilities are exposed to propane and other pressurized gases every day.

These environments require strict compliance with OSHA regulations, including:

• Routine tank inspections
• Proper training on refueling and handling equipment
• Ventilation standards for enclosed areas
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Emergency shutdown procedures

Even a small error can cause a massive explosion with multiple casualties. In these cases, liability may include corporate entities, third-party contractors, or equipment suppliers. These lawsuits can become complex quickly, especially when multiple jurisdictions or federal safety standards are involved.

Regulations That Govern Propane Safety

Several federal and state agencies oversee propane safety and use. When investigating an explosion, lawyers often review whether any of the following standards were violated:

• OSHA Regulations: These cover employee training, workplace safety procedures, and equipment maintenance.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes: NFPA 58, also known as the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, outlines best practices for propane storage and handling.
• State Fire Codes: Many states adopt their own rules for propane tank placement, ventilation, and inspection frequency.

For example, Missouri’s Division of Fire Safety enforces regulations governing LP-gas facilities, while Kansas relies on rules from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

When companies cut corners or ignore these rules, the consequences can be deadly, and those responsible can and should be held legally accountable under the appropriate laws.

What to Do If You Suspect a Propane Leak

If you suspect a propane leak at home or work, your first steps can save lives:

• Leave the area immediately—don’t use light switches or phones.
• Call 911 or the local fire department from a safe distance.
• Alert your propane supplier as soon as possible.
• Do not return to the area until it has been inspected and cleared by professionals.

Document everything you can without putting yourself at risk. Take photos from a safe location if possible, and write down what you smelled, heard, or saw. This early documentation can become vital if legal action is needed later.

FAQs About Propane Explosion Claims

Call Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers After a Propane Explosion

When you're dealing with the consequences of a propane explosion, the last thing you need is a confusing and stressful legal dispute. Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers makes it easier for you to focus on your recovery while we take care of everything else.

With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, the personal injury attorneys at Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers have handled some of the most high-stakes, high-dollar personal injury cases in the country.

 Our case results include multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in explosion, fire, and catastrophic injury cases. We are nationally recognized for our litigation skills and our strategic insight into complex legal issues.

We accept a selective number of cases so every client gets the personal attention they need. When Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers is involved, insurers and corporate defendants know they’re facing a serious legal team with a record of success. You don’t have to deal with this on your own. Let Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers help you move forward with confidence.