When guests check into a hotel, the last thing on their minds is being catastrophically injured in a preventable accident. After the downtown Fort Worth Sandman hotel explosion, 21 victims suffered serious injuries. In a matter of seconds, a devastating hotel explosion caused victims’ lives to shatter. Victims are facing significant medical expenses and may not be able to return to work because of their injuries.
If you or your loved one were injured in a Dallas-Fort Worth gas explosion, you aren’t alone. The experienced litigators at Rochelle McCullough, LLP are prepared to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our full-service law Firm is prepared to represent your rights and interests throughout the entire process. We will negotiate the best settlement possible, and when necessary, our litigation team is prepared to take your case to trial.
The Devastating Impact of the Fort Worth Sandman Hotel Explosion
In January 2023, a devastating gas explosion occurred at a downtown hotel in Fort Worth called The Sandman Hotel. The explosion happened in the afternoon, with multiple 911 calls coming in shortly after 3:30, reporting an explosion at the Sandman Hotel on 810 Houston Street. Callers reported hearing a loud bang and then seeing smoke and debris at the hotel. Witnesses reported hearing a bang and seeing that the first-floor windows were blown out but not seeing a fire.
The explosion hit the hotel’s basement hardest. Most of the most seriously injured victims were located in the basement when the explosion occurred. Immediately after the explosion, one woman was critically injured, and 20 other victims were injured. Victims have suffered serious burns requiring multiple surgeries, broken legs, and back injuries. Other injuries that explosions can cause include the following:
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Ruptured eardrums
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations and cuts
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Severe burn injuries
Who Is Liable For The Hotel Explosion in Fort Worth?
Fire investigators have reported that they have not uncovered a sign that the fire was intentional, and at this point, they are saying that the cause of the fire remains unknown. Although the Fort Worth fire department has stated that they believe there was natural gas involved, Atmos Energy has stated that they found “no indication that its system was involved.” The Fort Worth Fire Department has spoken to witnesses and investigated physical evidence.
In cases like these, victims need to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The hotel and the insurance company may try to avoid paying damages by claiming the explosion wasn’t their fault. An attorney can help you by investigating the accident and determining which party or parties are liable for the injuries you’ve suffered from the explosion.
Natural Gas Explosions Caused By Negligence
The cause of the Fort Worth hotel explosion is still under investigation, but there is a possibility that a natural gas explosion caused the incident. We’ve seen an increase in devastating gas explosions. The blast from an explosion can level an entire house or building and shake building structures miles away.
The causes of gas explosions vary, but many are caused by a gas leak that somehow becomes ignited. Most of us use propane and natural gas daily in our homes and businesses, but it’s important to remember that gas is highly combustible and extremely dangerous.
Gas explosions happen when there’s a gas leak in the presence of a flame or spark. Natural gas, propane, methane, and butane are the most common gasses that cause explosions because they’re frequently used for heating buildings and homes. There’s often a rotten egg smell associated with natural gas. The smell is used to alert people that a gas leak is occurring so they can leave the premises and contact emergency authorities.
Holding Property Owners Responsible for Gas Explosions
Property owners must regularly inspect their properties to ensure that their gas systems haven’t been damaged and are well-maintained. When property owners’ negligence results in an accident that causes their guests or customers to become injured, the victims can hold them financially responsible through a premises liability lawsuit.
For example, if an employee or guest states that they smell a gas leak, the property owners or managers are legally responsible for looking into the gas smell. If not, they could be held liable for the injuries caused by the resulting explosion. Other common causes of gas explosions include the following:
- Defective gas-operated equipment
- Poorly or incorrectly installed gas appliances
- Old, rusty gas lines
- Damaged gas lines running from the street into the home or building
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in the Sandman Hotel Explosion?
If you are among the injured victims of the Sandman Hotel explosion, you’ve likely already received medical care. You may have been discharged from the hospital already, but you could be facing ongoing medical complications from your injuries. After you receive medical care, it’s important that you speak to an attorney so you can protect your legal claim for compensation. Write down everything you remember about the circumstances before, during, and after the explosion as soon as possible.
If you can remember the names of witnesses to the explosion, write them down. You should also keep your clothing and any other physical evidence of the explosion. Continue receiving medical treatment and complying with your doctor’s orders. Make sure you tell your doctor about all of your symptoms. Don’t hold back from receiving all the medical treatment you need to improve. Doing so can also help you establish a record that you were injured in the explosion and that your injuries are serious. Do not sign any settlement agreement or other legal paperwork before you speak to an attorney.
Contact a Gas Explosion Attorney in Fort Worth
If you’ve been injured in a Dallas-Fort Worth gas explosion, the skilled litigators at Rochelle McCullough, LLP are here to help. We will handle every aspect of your claim and use our knowledge and resources to investigate the accident thoroughly. After we determine who was at fault, we will pursue the full damages you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Don’t hesitate to contact Rochelle McCullough, LLP to schedule a complimentary case evaluation and learn more about how we can advocate for you.
We extend our personal injury legal services to help clients throughout Texas, including Dallas, & Fort Worth, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.