In 2013, two explosions in Maine, both of which leveled houses and could be felt miles away, put the public spotlight on the destructive potential of propane (LP gas).
While propane and natural gas are generally safe fuels for home and commercial heating and other applications, leaks and explosions have been on the rise in Maine and around the nation as the popularity of these fuels increases.
Gas and propane explosions can be the result of improper venting, defective gas connectors and control valves, leaking pipes, hoses and tanks, faulty installation, negligent maintenance, and other causes. Faulty propane tanks, gas meters, and barbecue grills are also common sources of explosions.
We have been holding corporations accountable and standing up for injured Mainers for more than 100 years. No other firm will work harder, and none can match the experience, expertise, and resources of Berman & Simmons.
Gas and explosion cases require the best and most experienced lawyers
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S. We have obtained several of the largest jury verdicts in Maine history, and many of the largest settlements for our clients. We have recovered $1 billion for our injured clients.
Our defective products attorneys handle all types of injury claims resulting from gas and propane explosions, with a particular focus on serious injury and wrongful death. Combining state-of-the-art legal methods and technology with old-fashioned tenacity, we’re proud to be the law firm that insurance companies and defense attorneys in Maine don’t want to face.
More resources than any other personal injury firm in Maine
We regularly work with the top medical experts, engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, and other consultants in Maine and nationwide, to help build and present a winning case. These efforts can be critical in proving negligence and determining the extent of your losses so that you can be fully compensated not just for the short-term, but for your future as well.
We are also the leaders in Maine in the use of technology in the courtroom, including anatomical and computer models and dynamic presentation of studies such as MRI and CT scans. We produce professional videos to help us show the true impact of the explosion on you and your family. This allows us to present complex evidence in a straightforward way that judges, jurors, and insurance companies can easily understand.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
We'll Take Care of the Heavy Lifting
Get Peace of Mind
It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.
Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
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The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.
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Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.
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You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.
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You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.