Propane is one of the most widely used fuel sources in Atlanta-area homes — powering grills, heating systems, water heaters, and appliances. But when a propane tank is defective, improperly stored, or negligently maintained, the results can be catastrophic. Explosions and fires caused by propane leaks can leave victims with severe burn injuries, permanent scarring, and devastating property damage — all in a matter of seconds.
If you or a loved one was injured in a propane tank explosion at a home or residential property in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, you may have a premises liability or product liability claim — contact our Atlanta Premises Liability Lawyer team today. At Van Sant Law, our Atlanta propane tank explosion lawyers have been fighting for injured Georgians since 2003. We know how to identify who is responsible — whether that’s a negligent property owner, a propane supplier, or a defective tank manufacturer — and we will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Propane Tank Explosions at Homes?
Propane tank explosions at residential properties are rarely accidents in the truest sense. In most cases, they are the result of negligence — by a property owner, a propane company, or a product manufacturer. Common causes include:
- Faulty or defective tank valves that allow gas to leak undetected
- Improper storage of propane tanks near heat sources, open flames, or in enclosed spaces
- Failure to inspect or maintain tanks, hoses, and connections
- Overfilling of propane tanks beyond safe capacity
- Corroded or damaged tanks that were not replaced or taken out of service
- Defective regulators or fittings that fail to control gas pressure
- Improper installation of propane appliances or lines by a contractor
- Failure to warn tenants or guests about known propane hazards on the property
When any of these conditions exist and someone is injured as a result, Georgia law may entitle the victim to significant financial compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Propane Tank Explosion?
One of the most important steps after a propane tank explosion is identifying all potentially liable parties. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on:
- The property owner or landlord — Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners who invite others onto their premises must exercise reasonable care to keep the property safe. If a landlord knew about a faulty propane system and failed to repair it, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
- The propane supplier or delivery company — Companies that fill, deliver, or service propane tanks have a duty to ensure the tanks they handle are safe. Overfilling a tank, failing to inspect equipment, or ignoring signs of damage can expose a supplier to liability.
- The tank or appliance manufacturer — If the explosion was caused by a defective tank, valve, regulator, or propane appliance, the manufacturer may be liable under Georgia product liability law.
- A contractor or installer — If a plumber, HVAC technician, or gas line installer improperly connected or installed propane equipment, they may share responsibility for the explosion.
In many propane explosion cases, more than one party shares fault. Our Atlanta propane tank explosion attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to identify every responsible party and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Injuries Caused by Propane Tank Explosions
Propane explosions generate intense heat, pressure, and flying debris. Victims often suffer some of the most serious injuries seen in personal injury cases, including:
- Severe burn injuries (first, second, and third degree)
- Smoke inhalation and lung damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from the blast force
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Vision or hearing loss
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require extensive hospitalization, surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. The financial burden on victims and their families can be overwhelming — which is why pursuing full compensation is so critical.
Property Damage and Propane Explosions
If you were injured in a propane tank explosion, you likely also suffered significant property damage — structural damage to your home, destruction of personal belongings, or total loss of the property. At Van Sant Law, we fight to recover compensation for both your injuries and your property losses as part of a single personal injury claim. We handle property damage claims for injured victims — not standalone property claims — ensuring that every aspect of your loss is accounted for.
Compensation Available to Propane Explosion Victims in Georgia
A successful premises liability or product liability claim may entitle you to recover:
- Medical expenses — past and future hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity — if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the explosion
- Property damage — repair or replacement of your home and personal belongings
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death damages — including loss of companionship and financial support if a loved one was killed
Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the explosion, you can still recover compensation — though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Propane Explosion Claims
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). If a loved one was killed in a propane explosion, the family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation, so it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Why Choose Van Sant Law for Your Propane Tank Explosion Case?
Propane tank explosion cases are complex. They often involve multiple liable parties — property owners, propane suppliers, and product manufacturers — and require a thorough investigation to build a winning case. You need an attorney who knows how to handle high-stakes premises liability and product liability claims and has a proven track record of results.
At Van Sant Law, our founding partner David Van Sant has spent over two decades fighting for seriously injured Georgians. His record speaks for itself:
- He was named a Georgia Super Lawyer, an honor accorded to only 2.5 percent of the state’s lawyers.
- He was named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Georgia by The National Trial Lawyers.
- He is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (only one percent of lawyers qualify), due to the size of some of the recoveries he has won for his clients.
- He maintains a perfect Avvo rating of 10.0.
- He has won the Avvo Client’s Choice Award several times.
When you’ve been injured in a propane explosion, the stakes are too high to settle for anything less than the best. The Better Business Bureau has awarded Van Sant Law a perfect A+ rating — a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the results we deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions: Propane Tank Explosions in Georgia
Can I sue if a propane tank exploded at a rental property I was living in? Yes. If your landlord knew or should have known about a defective or dangerous propane system and failed to repair it, they may be liable for your injuries under Georgia premises liability law.
Who is liable if the propane company overfilled the tank? The propane supplier may be held liable if overfilling caused or contributed to the explosion. Propane companies have a duty to follow safe filling procedures and inspect equipment before and during delivery.
What if the propane tank itself was defective? If a manufacturing or design defect in the tank, valve, or regulator caused the explosion, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor in addition to any premises liability claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I was a guest at the home when it exploded? Yes. As an invited guest (licensee or invitee), you are owed a duty of care by the property owner. If their negligence caused the explosion, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia? Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Do not wait — evidence can disappear quickly after an explosion, and early investigation is critical.
What if I also lost personal property in the explosion? If you were injured in the explosion, we can pursue compensation for both your injuries and your property losses as part of your personal injury claim.
Contact Your Atlanta Propane Tank Explosion Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a propane tank explosion at a home or residential property in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, do not wait to get legal help. The evidence needed to prove your claim — tank condition, maintenance records, supplier logs — can disappear quickly. The sooner you contact Van Sant Law, the better positioned we are to build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact Us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront fees — we only get paid if we win your case.
