Gas Can Explosion Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one has been burned or otherwise injured by an exploding portable gas can, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to defective gas cans. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Gas Can Explosion Lawsuit Overview

More than 1,200 gas can explosions occur in the U.S. every year. Many of these accidents could be prevented with simple design changes. Defective gas cans have caused severe burns, injuries, and even death. Major lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and retailers, including Walmart, with total payouts reaching $161 million.

Latest Gas Can Explosion Lawsuit Updates

Recent settlements in gas can explosion cases include:

• $25 Million Walmart Gas Can Settlement – Walmart was accused of knowingly selling defective gas cans and agreed to pay $25 million in settlements [1]
• Gas Field Worker Explosion Case – $10 million settlement
• Exploding PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit – $8 million settlement
• Defective Gas Fireplace Lawsuit – $5 million settlement

Overall, there have been over 80 cases filed in the past decade with total payouts reaching $161 million.

Common Defects in Gas Cans

Many gas can explosions happen because of three key design flaws:

1. No Flame Arrestor

A flame arrestor is a small metal mesh insert that prevents flames from traveling into the gas can.

• Cost to add: 50 cents per can
• Most manufacturers refuse to include it

2. Inadequate Safety Warnings

Many gas cans lack proper warning labels about explosion risks. A simple, bold warning could prevent hundreds of injuries each year.

• Better labels would cost just a few extra pennies per can

3. No Child-Resistant Gas Caps

Thousands of children are injured every year by gas can-related accidents.

• A child-resistant cap costs less than a dollar to produce, yet many brands still refuse to include one

Related Articles:

• Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit
• Gas Fireplace Recall Lawsuit
• Exploding PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit

Gas Can Explosion Injuries & Side Effects

Gas can explosions can lead to devastating injuries and even death. Many injuries occur when gasoline vapors ignite due to various factors.

• Severe Burns: As seen in real cases, victims can suffer third-degree burns covering large portions of their body
• Fire-Related Injuries: Caused by static electricity, nearby flames, or pilot lights
• Child Injuries: Thousands of children are injured annually in gas can-related accidents
• Death: In severe cases, explosions can be fatal

Do You Qualify for a Gas Can Explosion Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a gas can explosion lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one has been burned or otherwise injured by an exploding portable gas can
• Your gas can lacked proper safety features such as flame arrestors
• You can demonstrate the gas can was defective
• You suffered injuries requiring medical treatment

Evidence Required for a Gas Can Explosion Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should:

• Take photos of your injuries and the gas can
• Preserve the gas can as evidence
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Document all medical treatments and expenses

Damages You Can Recover

In a successful gas can explosion lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• In wrongful death cases: funeral expenses and additional damages

Statute of Limitations for Gas Can Explosion Lawsuits

Every state has a statute of limitations for product liability cases. It’s important to act quickly before your time to file a claim expires. Contact our attorneys immediately to ensure your case is filed within the legal timeframe.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my gas can is defective?

Check for these warning signs:

• No flame arrestor in the spout
• No child-resistant cap
• No visible safety warnings

2. What should I do if I am injured in a gas can explosion?

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Take photos of your injuries and the gas can
• Preserve the gas can as evidence
• Call a lawyer to discuss legal action

3. Can I file a lawsuit if a loved one died in a gas can explosion?

Yes. A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed to seek compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.

4. Is there a deadline to file a lawsuit?

Yes, every state has a statute of limitations for product liability cases. Act now before it is too late.

5. What companies have been involved in gas can explosion lawsuits?

Walmart and manufacturer Blitz USA have been involved in major lawsuits. Blitz USA eventually went bankrupt due to the number of lawsuits filed against them.

6. How much have gas can explosion lawsuits settled for?

Settlements have ranged widely, with Walmart agreeing to a $25 million settlement. Total payouts across all cases have reached approximately $161 million.

7. How can I protect myself from gas can explosions?

• Always store gas cans in a well-ventilated area
• Never use gas cans near open flames or pilot lights
• Check your gas can for flame arrestors and warning labels
• Use only child-resistant gas caps
• Avoid overfilling your gas can to reduce vapor buildup

See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Gas Can Explosion Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for gas can explosion injuries. Every state has a statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

Your case could be next. Contact us today for a free case review.

References

1. https://www.cnbc.com/2013/12/09/wal-mart-agrees-to-contribute-25-million-to-settle-gas-can-explosion-lawsuits.html