The Collins Law Firm is proud to represent Illinois families, property owners, and businesses devastated by natural gas explosions. These incidents are sudden, violent, and life-changing — often destroying homes, injuring bystanders, and leaving entire communities with lasting trauma.
While utility companies may call them “accidents,” most gas explosions are preventable. Faulty maintenance, corroded pipelines, defective components, and negligence in construction or repair are all common causes. When negligence leads to destruction, The Collins Law Firm stands ready to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Natural gas is an invisible hazard. Leaks often go unnoticed until it’s too late — an ignition source such as a spark, pilot light, or electrical switch can trigger a catastrophic explosion in seconds.
Common causes include:
Explosions frequently result in burn injuries, wrongful death, and massive property loss. Beyond the physical destruction, victims are often left with emotional trauma and displacement — issues that demand both compassion and strong legal advocacy.
Illinois law allows multiple parties to be held responsible when their negligence contributes to a gas explosion. Liability may extend to:
Gas utilities are required to design, maintain, and inspect distribution systems to prevent leaks. When they fail to replace aging pipelines, ignore warning signs, or respond slowly to reports of odor, they can be found negligent.
Utility negligence is among the most common causes of large-scale explosions. The Collins Law Firm investigates whether inspection logs were falsified, maintenance was deferred, or leak detection systems failed.
Construction and utility contractors are legally obligated to follow “Call Before You Dig” (811) safety protocols before digging near gas lines. Striking a buried line can cause immediate ignition or delayed leaks.
If a contractor damaged a gas line and failed to report it, they may be fully liable for resulting injuries or property loss.
Explosions can also occur when gas valves, regulators, or connectors are defectively designed or manufactured. In such cases, victims may pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer or distributor under Illinois law.
Illinois landlords have a duty to maintain safe premises, including proper inspection of gas-powered systems. If a landlord ignores complaints of gas odors or fails to service appliances, tenants injured in a resulting explosion may have grounds for a negligence claim.
In some cases, publicly owned gas systems or contractors working under government oversight may share responsibility. Special notice deadlines and procedural rules apply to these claims under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, so prompt legal action is essential.
After an explosion, identifying the precise cause is critical — but evidence can be difficult to preserve. Fire, debris, and emergency response often destroy key components. That’s why early investigation by a skilled legal team is vital.
At The Collins Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys work with experts in:
Our team reviews gas utility maintenance records, witness statements, inspection logs, and electronic monitoring data to determine how and why the explosion occurred — and who failed in their duty to prevent it.
The injuries from gas explosions are often severe and life-altering, including:
Victims often require extensive hospitalization, surgeries, and long-term care. Families may face mounting medical bills and the complete loss of their home or business.
The Collins Law Firm helps victims and families pursue full compensation for these losses, ensuring they receive both immediate and future financial support.
Victims of gas explosions may be entitled to compensation for:
At The Collins Law Firm, we pursue every available legal remedy — holding corporations, contractors, and insurers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Gas utilities and contractors in Illinois are regulated by both the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
These agencies set strict safety standards, including:
When companies violate these regulations, they can face both civil penalties and liability in court. Our attorneys use these records and federal compliance data to build compelling evidence of corporate negligence.
Our firm’s environmental and personal injury experience gives us a unique advantage in handling complex explosion cases. We don’t just look at the aftermath — we reconstruct the entire chain of negligence that led to it.
When you hire The Collins Law Firm, we:
Our attorneys have the technical knowledge and courtroom experience to stand up to utility giants, corporate defendants, and their insurers.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak:
Early legal consultation can help ensure your rights are protected and critical evidence is preserved before it’s lost to cleanup or demolition.
For over two decades, The Collins Law Firm has stood up for individuals, families, and communities harmed by environmental negligence and industrial disasters. We combine technical expertise with a deep commitment to justice — fighting for those whose lives have been upended by preventable explosions.
Our attorneys understand the fear and uncertainty these events cause. We work tirelessly to uncover the truth, demand accountability, and help victims rebuild their lives with dignity and financial stability.
If you or your family has been affected by a gas explosion in Illinois, don’t wait for the utility company or its insurers to dictate the outcome.
Call The Collins Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. Our attorneys will help you understand your rights, determine who is responsible, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Get justice. Contact The Collins Law Firm now.
