Hot Water Heater Explosion Accident

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, and His Elite Team of Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Fight to Obtain the Best Result for Victims Who Have Suffered Injuries in Water Heater Explosion Accidents in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

Depending on the time of year, the water entering your home is most likely cold. Water heaters are used to warm-up water for taking baths or showers, washing clothes, or turning on the dishwasher. Typically, water heaters contain big metal tanks that are equipped with a heating mechanism on the inside or bottom, which is responsible for heating all of a household’s hot water supply. During heating, excess pressure is produced and automatically released through a relief valve on the tank. Under certain conditions, water heaters can generate dangerously high levels of pressure that cause the whole machine to completely breakdown. When water heating systems fail, the excessive pressure can trigger deadly explosions.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), over a recent five-year period, water heater explosions caused almost 6,000 home fires, more than 200 serious injuries, and 80 fatalities. During that same period, water heaters contributed to over 7% of all home heating fire fatalities and 11% of heating-related fires. Explosions often involve a projectile of boiling water, metal from the tank, and various heater components. The combination of the blast and shrapnel can severely injure anyone unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity. If you, or a loved one, have suffered injuries or worse in a water heater explosion accident, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s compassionate team will do everything within our power to help you get your life back together. It is crucial to have the best personal injury lawyer in Western New York handling your case.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. founded the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. in 2005 with a mission to provide the highest level of personal injury service to victims. Throughout the years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has seen the shattering impact that explosions can have on a victim’s life, ranging from severe burns and amputation to death. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested attorneys understand the severe emotional distress and psychological problems that these injuries can cause. Our battle-tested water heater explosion attorneys are here to assist you in rebuilding everything that you have lost by asserting your legal rights to seek compensation. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has battled to obtain over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for victims who were injured in Buffalo, New York, and beyond. Honored with a Better Business Bureau A+ Rating, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. will fight to obtain unrivaled compensation for your injuries and resulting damages. We would be pleased to speak with you about your heater explosion case. Our veteran team is available for your free consultation 24 hours per day and 7 days per week by calling 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form. Contact us today so that we can help you!

The two main types of water heaters are electric-powered and gas-powered. Gas-powered water heaters ignite natural gas or propane with a pilot light to heater water. On the other hand, electric heaters use 220 volts to heat the water. While there are many different reasons that water heater explosions occur, a majority involve excessive heat. Some of the most prevalent causes of water heater explosions include:

1. A short in the electrical system of an electric-powered heater;
2. An interruption in the flow of fuel in a gas-powered heater;
3. Excessive pressure caused by a broken or clogged pressure release value;
4. Water leaks that cause components inside the heater to rust;
5. Combustible materials placed too close to water heaters;
6. Faulty water heaters or components;
7. Improper installation, repairs, or maintenance of heaters; and
8. Setting a water heater’s thermostat too high or low.

Most water heater explosions are preventable with routine maintenance and servicing. We highly recommend having a heating professional inspect your home’s water heater annually. This yearly inspection enables a specialist to detect any warning signs, such as the water being heated to excessively high temperatures, as well as potential leaks, damage to the heater, and corrosion. Water heaters typically last up to 15 years. If you move into an older home, it is important to check the age of the water heater. You should consider replacing an older heater, especially if it does not seem to be running as it should. If you notice that the pressure-relief valve is not working properly, it is crucial that you contact a repair technician immediately. Regular inspections and maintenance play a very important role in preventing explosions. Additionally, it is important to keep your water temperature at the manufacturer’s recommended setting, which is generally around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the water temperature too high can elevate the pressure inside of a tank to critically high levels.

Liability for injuries suffered depends on the unique circumstances that led to your water heater explosion. Generally, these types of explosions are based on negligence or product liability. Demonstrating negligence and receiving compensation for your injuries depends on the duty of care owed by the defendant. The following parties may be held liable:

1. The Manufacturer: If you recently bought a water heater that exploded, even though it was being used as recommended, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Manufacturers have a legal duty to all consumers to produce safe water heaters.
2. Installer of the Water Heater: If it can be determined that the contractor installed your heater improperly, you may be able to file a claim against them. Improper installation can lead to the accumulation of excessive pressure and other problems that can cause explosions.
3. The Repair or Service Technicians: In cases where technicians fail to detect broken components or other serious problems that lead to explosions, they could be held accountable.
4. Landlords or Building Managers: If you rent an apartment or other property, you may be able to file a claim against the landlord if he or she knew or should have known about a water heater issue that caused the explosion. Landlords are required to take sufficient measures to protect their tenants and fix dangerous conditions.

Regardless of who is responsible, as the victim, you carry the burden to prove that the defendant is liable for the explosion. Practicing law the Dietrich way, we are: determined, disciplined, and dedicated to your cause. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s best of the best team has a long track record of obtaining justice for victims of devastating explosions. Our elite attorneys will act sensibly and suitably to develop the most effective legal strategies to prove liability, enhance your chances of securing the maximum compensation for all injuries suffered, and guarantee that justice prevails. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his veteran team of water heater explosion injury attorneys in Buffalo, New York at least $1,000,000.00 or more 44 times to compensate his clients for their serious personal injuries. The Dietrich Legal Team will zealously battle to attempt to obtain the best result for your water heat explosion claim. Call our seasoned attorneys today at 716-839-3939.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!