As too many gas explosion victims know, if natural gas leaks are not detected soon enough, the results can be catastrophic. Those who survive natural gas explosions and fires are usually left with horrific burn injuries which cause them significant pain and recuperation periods. The less fortunate victims who lose their lives often leave behind dependent family members and loved ones to mourn their untimely deaths. Fortunately, personal injury and wrongful death laws are one method for such victims to pursue financial restitution via civil lawsuits. However, detecting such gas leaks before they cause such injuries would be a far better solution for everyone.
Now, the same technology which is used to power the search for methane gas on the planet Mars is now being modified for use much closer to home. Missouri and Illinois residents may find it interesting to learn that some utility companies in the United States are now developing methods for detecting natural gas leaks using NASA technology utilized by the Mars rover Curiosity. This could help prevent dangerous leaks which can lead to deadly natural gas explosions.
We’ve discussed previously the fatal natural gas leak and explosion that took place in San Bruno, California. That explosion cut a swath of destruction in its wake, leading to the deaths of eight, injuries to 66, and many damaged homes in the neighborhood. The utility company allegedly responsible for that undetected leak is Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), which is now employing the new space technology to help seek out gas leaks here on Earth.
PG&E took a huge financial hit in the wake of the tragic San Bruno explosion. Officials fined the utility company nearly $1.5 billion due to that natural gas pipeline explosion. A recently-passed law mandates that the California Public Utilities Commission must implement steps to minimize natural gas pipeline leaks in order to lower the nasty effects from greenhouse gas emissions. This may be adding extra pressure to PG&E to take advantage of the Mars rover technology to detect natural gas leaks.
While it is certainly exciting to think that this technology could help both on Mars and here on Earth, this doesn’t help those who have already fallen victim to natural gas leaks. Those who have suffered injuries themselves, or lost loved ones to deadly explosions and fires, have the right to seek financial reimbursement through the filing of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Although such reimbursement won’t bring back a lost loved one or take away the pain of burn injuries, it can help alleviate the economic strain from victims and their families.
Those who have been injured or lost loves ones in natural gas explosions or fires may benefit from calling our St. Louis personal injury law firm, toll-free, at 1-888-586-7041 to find out what rights Missouri and Illinois low provide them. We are passionate in representing victims who are injured through no fault of their own—and in making sure those who are responsible for causing such injuries are held financially responsible. If you call us to schedule a free initial consultation, we can help you figure out if pursuing a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit might be the right choice for you. Natural gas leaks can result in devastating consequences, but civil laws exist to help protect victims and their families.
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Sources: http://www.space.com/27378-mars-rover-laser-tech-gas-leaks.html