Natural gas can be a relatively inexpensive and efficient heating fuel, but the dangers of explosion, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning which can result in permanent injury or death are safety hazards that must be, and can be, prevented by homeowners and landlords.
Gas Explosion Suspected as Cause of Minneapolis Apartment Fire
Recently in Minneapolis, MN, fourteen people were hurt, at least three critically, and two bodies were discovered as a result of an explosion and fire that rocked a three-story apartment building in Minneapolis in early January 2014, forcing residents to jump from windows and flee to the streets into subzero temperatures.
By the time firefighters arrived, smoke and 20-foot flames were pouring out of the second and third stories of the building, and residents were jumping out of the windows.
Explosive devices have been ruled out by investigators. Residents reported a natural gas odor shortly before the explosion, though some investigators deny any natural gas lines running in or near the building. Other types of gas are also being considered as possible causes for the spark that caused the explosion.
It is horrible to think of all of these people in this mostly Somali neighborhood having to evacuate and lose their homes and possessions in sub-zero weather, reportedly as low as -4˚F with a -24˚F wind-chill, having to run out into ice and snow-covered streets to attempt to gain safety for themselves and their children. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of this explosion; it is not yet known who or what was at fault.
Landlord’s Obligation for the Safety of Rental Property
West Virginia landlords are required to maintain a leased property in a condition that meets the requirements of applicable health, fire, and safety housing codes.
Sometimes a natural gas leak is caused in part by the negligence of a landlord, repair technician, or faulty piece of equipment. Landlords and professional service technicians are held to the highest standards of accountability for the safety of those they serve.
One of the problems that city and county building inspectors face is that many older buildings are not equipped with modern electrical and gas services and alarms throughout the buildings. These older buildings were “grandfathered in” decades ago when stricter building codes were adopted.
This allows some landlords to do minimal repairs on their buildings, and never comply with current building and safety codes. However, some cities and counties have required work permits on every kind of repair to certain buildings, and before the permit is granted, an inspection is done and the building is required to come up to code.
Some landlords skirt these requirements by doing the work themselves, under the radar of the city. When they are caught doing the work without a permit, they risk having their building closed down. No city or town can keep up with the status of every building. When a tragedy does strike, there may be significant responsibility on the landlord, and perhaps the building inspectors, for allowing an unsafe building to be occupied.
That’s why you need knowledgeable and skilled lawyers to enforce the rules. Remember, trial lawyers are for the public’s safety, we enforce the rules when others won’t.
Questions? Call us today: 304-594-1800 or after hours, 304-216-6695.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
