Did you know that fire departments in the United States respond to an average of over 10,000 residential fires involving grills every year?
That’s a staggering number, especially when you consider the potential for serious injuries and property damage. So, how can you ensure your barbecue and grilling experience remains safe and enjoyable this year?
To start, it’s crucial to understand the common causes of gas grill fires and propane tank explosions. By being aware of the dangers, you can take proactive steps to minimize risks and protect your loved ones.
After all, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a casual griller, being informed is your best defense against potential hazards.
In this post, personal injury lawyer Prosper Shaked sheds light on the dangers, injuries, and possible lawsuits arising from grill fires and propane explosions in Florida.
Why Are Gas Grills Dangerous?
Almost every house in the nation has a barbecue or grill. This is evidenced by a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report, which states that “70% of U.S. households own at least a BBQ, grill or smoker.”
Gas-powered grills and BBQs are particularly dangerous, especially because of the risks associated with propane gas. Nearly 90% of the grills involved in home fires were powered by gas. A gas or propane tank explosion can lead to devastating injuries and wrongful death.
The Most Common Causes of Gas Grill Fires
While gas grills are convenient, they do come with risks that many homeowners underestimate. The number one cause of grill fires is human error, but it’s not always just a careless mistake. Mechanical failures, improper maintenance, and unnoticed leaks can all lead to serious accidents.
Gas Leaks
Propane and natural gas are both highly flammable. A tiny, unnoticed leak can result in a sudden burst of flame or, worse, an explosion. Leaks often occur due to improper hose connections, aging parts, or wear and tear on the grill over time. It’s not always obvious when gas is escaping, as propane is heavier than air and may settle near the grill, forming an invisible cloud of danger.
Grease Buildup
Over time, as you cook on your grill, fat and grease can accumulate in the grill’s trays and along the burner tubes. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can ignite when exposed to the heat of the flames, leading to a dangerous grease fire. These fires can spread quickly, catching the grill and nearby objects on fire, especially if you’re caught off guard.
Faulty Gas Regulators
A gas regulator is a piece commonly attached to the propane tank. Its primary purpose is regulating the flow of gas going to the grill. It usually has a bypass, a safety mechanism that shuts down the gas flow when the back pressure on the hose connecting to the grill is low. A defective regulator can exert pressure on the tube due to excess gas pressure inside the line. This can cause the hose to break, leading to an explosion.
Faulty Connectors and Hoses
Hoses and connectors are meant to transport gas safely from the tank to the grill’s burners. Any defect in these components can lead to a gas leak. A person can suffer severe injuries after turning on a grill with a leak in one of its hoses.
Faulty Gas Tanks
Gas tanks (also called “cylinders”) can fail due to a defect in design or manufacturing. A faulty gas cylinder can be extremely dangerous, especially when an individual is unaware of the defect.
Leaving the Grill Unattended
It’s easy to walk away from the grill to grab more food, but leaving a gas grill unattended for even a short period can spell disaster. Flames can flare up, food can ignite, and a lack of supervision makes it harder to respond quickly to these flare-ups. Florida’s windy conditions along the coast can cause an unexpected increase in the fire’s intensity, adding to the risks.
In instances where a defect in a product causes injuries to the user, the injured victim may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. Talk to a Miami defective product injury lawyer about your potential case.
How to Avoid a Propane Tank Explosion
Propane is widely used in gas grills because it’s portable, efficient, and easy to use. While explosions are rare, when they do happen, the consequences can be devastating.
Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid a propane tank explosion:
- Inspect for Leaks Regularly
Before you fire up the grill, take a few minutes to inspect the propane tank and its connections. A straightforward way to do this is the soapy water test. Mix soap and water, then apply it to the hose and connections. If you see bubbles forming, it’s a clear sign that gas is leaking. Don’t use the grill until the issue is resolved. - Store Propane Safely
Where you store your propane tank matters. Never keep it enclosed, such as in a garage or shed, as any small leak can create a highly flammable environment. In Florida, where high temperatures are common, it’s even more important to store tanks in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as extreme heat can cause the tank’s pressure to increase, which may lead to a rupture or explosion. - Replace Old or Damaged Tanks
Propane tanks don’t last forever. Most tanks have an expiration date stamped on them, typically around 12 years after manufacture. After this, the tank should either be replaced or re-certified by a professional. Using an expired or damaged tank can significantly increase the chances of an explosion. - Never Overfill a Propane Tank
Overfilling a propane tank is dangerous because it leaves no room for the gas to expand. Always ensure that your tank is filled to the correct level—typically no more than 80% of its capacity. In Florida, with its fluctuating temperatures, this guideline is even more important as the gas inside the tank can expand rapidly on hot days.
How to Prevent a Grease Fire on a Gas Grill
Grease fires are a common and often underestimated risk. They can ignite quickly, spread faster than expected, and, if not handled properly, can escalate into a full-blown grill fire. Prevention is key. Fortunately, with regular maintenance and smart grilling habits, you can significantly reduce the chances of a grease fire.
- Clean Your Grill Regularly
Grease accumulates on grill grates, drip trays, and burners over time. The more you use your grill, the more grease builds up. One of the simplest ways to prevent a grease fire is to clean your grill thoroughly after every use. Empty the drip trays, scrub the grates, and wipe down the burners. A clean grill not only functions better but also significantly reduces fire risks. - Trim Excess Fat
When grilling fatty cuts of meat, excess fat drips onto the burners, contributing to grease buildup and increasing the chances of flare-ups. By trimming the fat before grilling, you can reduce the amount of grease that drips onto the grill, thereby minimizing fire risks. In Florida, where outdoor grilling can happen almost year-round, these small habits can make a big difference over time. - Don’t Grill on High Heat for Extended Periods
Grease fires often start when the grill is left on high heat for too long. High temperatures can cause any existing grease to ignite, resulting in a sudden burst of flames. While some foods require high heat, try to avoid leaving the grill on its highest setting for prolonged periods, especially when cooking meats that produce a lot of fat.
When Can I File a Gas Grill Fire or Propane Tank Explosion Lawsuit?
If you’ve experienced a gas grill fire or propane tank explosion, you may have cause to file a lawsuit. Accidents like these can lead to devastating injuries, property damage, and even wrongful death. Fortunately, there are ways to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Florida’s Product Liability Law
Florida’s product liability law allows individuals who are injured by a defective product, like a malfunctioning grill or propane tank, to seek compensation from the manufacturer or seller. In these cases, you don’t have to prove negligence. You only need to show that the defective product caused the accident. This could include a faulty propane tank, grill, or any of their components. Keep in mind that product liability cases can be complex, requiring extensive investigation and expert testimony to prove the product’s defectiveness and its direct role in the accident.
All manufacturers must make sure they only release safe products onto the market. Sadly, not all manufacturers take the necessary safety measures when manufacturing and distributing their products. As a result, consumers are injured due to the negligent actions or omissions of manufacturers and designers. When this occurs, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the negligent parties.
Manufacturers must provide adequate warnings about their product(s) to customers. A fair warning must be provided when
- A product presents potential dangers
- The manufacturer knows of the dangers
- The threat persists even when the product is used correctly, and
- The threat may not seem evident to the user
Additionally, the manufacturer must provide instructions on how to use their products safely.
If the lack of adequate warning caused you bodily injuries, the manufacturer could be held accountable through a product liability claim. The same is true if the product has a design or manufacturing defect that turns it into a hazard. Some defects can cause catastrophic injuries that justify damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering stemming from the accident.
You have a limited time to file your claim. The statute of limitations in Florida states that you have up to 2 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, but you should always file sooner if you can.
When to Contact a Florida Defective Product Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a gas grill fire or propane tank explosion, you may not immediately realize that you have a claim. However, as medical bills and property damage expenses pile up, you might start to wonder if it is time to contact a Florida product liability lawyer.
In Florida, with its high usage of gas grills, accidents like these are unfortunately not uncommon. If your accident was caused by a defective product, poor installation, or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Unfortunately, you won’t know immediately if a defective product caused your injury. That’s why it is important to discuss your case with our legal team. We’ll investigate your accident and determine the cause of your injuries. If the manufacturer is to blame, we’ll file a lawsuit on your behalf to help you collect the money you need to rebuild your life after a propane tank explosion or grill fire.