Maine & New Hampshire Injury Lawyer / Auburn, ME Fire & Explosion Injury Lawyer

Auburn, ME Fire and Explosion Injury Lawyer

Bigos Law represents individuals and families in Auburn, Maine, and throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern New England, who have suffered devastating injuries due to fires and explosions. These incidents often happen without warning and leave behind life-altering consequences, such as severe burns, permanent disability, and, in the most tragic cases, loss of life. When a fire or explosion is caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or a defective product, accountability matters.

From its offices in Auburn, Maine, and Bangor, Portland, and other locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern New England, Bigos Law handles complex fire and explosion cases across Maine, focusing on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. Our Auburn, ME Fire and Explosion injury lawyers combines a thorough investigative approach with a strong litigation strategy, helping clients understand what happened and pursue the compensation they need to move forward.

Serious Injuries Caused by Fires and Explosions in Auburn, ME

Fires and explosions are among the most destructive types of accidents. Victims often suffer injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. These cases are not just about immediate recovery; they involve lasting physical and emotional effects that must be fully accounted for.

Common injuries in fire and explosion cases include:

Severe burns, including third- and fourth-degree burns
Smoke inhalation and respiratory damage
Traumatic brain injuries caused by blast forces
Amputations and crush injuries from structural collapse
Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress

Burn injuries, in particular, can require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing rehabilitation. Survivors may face permanent scarring, limited mobility, and significant psychological impact. Bigos Law works to ensure that these long-term consequences are central to the legal claim.

Significant Explosion Events in Maine

Robbins Lumber Explosion, Searsmont (2026)

On May 15, 2026, a smoldering fire near the base of a sawdust storage silo at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont ignited airborne particulate material, triggering an explosion powerful enough to lift the entire structure off its concrete foundation. The blast destroyed much of the mill complex and killed 27-year-old Morrill Volunteer Firefighter Andrew Cross, with multiple other firefighters and workers sustaining serious injuries. Investigators found that the silo’s fire suppression system, mounted near the top of the structure, never activated because temperatures at that height did not reach the activation threshold. The investigation remains active, with state and federal officials continuing to examine the facility’s equipment, safety systems, and whether adequate protections were in place before the disaster occurred.

Farmington LEAP Building Explosion (2019)

A severed propane line beneath a nonprofit facility in Farmington went undetected for a week before igniting on the morning of September 16, 2019. The blast leveled the two-story LEAP building, killed veteran Fire Captain Michael Bell, and sent seven others to hospitals across Maine and Massachusetts with serious injuries. The investigation traced the cause to underground gas lines damaged during a post-drilling project, exposing failures in safety protocols by the companies responsible for the work. A negligence lawsuit against the drilling contractor and propane supplier was later resolved through settlement.

Biddeford Apartment Fire, 35 Main Street (2014)

In the early morning hours of September 18, 2014, an arson fire was deliberately set in the only stairwell connecting the upper floors of a 17-unit apartment building on Main Street in Biddeford. With their sole escape route engulfed in flames, residents were trapped above the fire. Firefighters pulled eight people from the building, including two young men found unconscious on the third floor. Both men, ages 21 and 23, ultimately died from smoke inhalation injuries. The building lacked a secondary emergency exit from the upper floors, raising serious questions about code compliance and landlord responsibility for tenant safety.

Common Causes of Fire and Explosion Incidents

Fire and explosion cases often involve multiple contributing factors. Determining the cause requires a detailed investigation supported by expert analysis. Bigos Law examines every aspect of the incident to identify where responsibility lies.

Bigos Law employs the best expert witnesses in the country on NFPA gas and fire safety code violations, OSHA code violations, building code violations, FMCSA and DOT transportation violations, and burn care medicine, and burn care life care planning.

Mike personally owns copies of several NFPA code books, and Total Burn Care, a seminal textbook for burn care medicine that medical schools use.

Defective Products and Equipment

Faulty appliances, gas lines, electrical systems, and industrial equipment can all lead to fires or explosions. A design defect, manufacturing flaw, or lack of proper warnings may create dangerous conditions that result in catastrophic harm.

Dust explosions and Related Incidents

While a pile of wood shavings or flour on a table will only burn slowly, turning those same materials into a fine powder drastically increases their surface area. When this dust is suspended in the air, the particles mix perfectly with oxygen. If a spark is introduced, all the particles ignite almost simultaneously, resulting in a rapid, explosive release of energy and gas.

Chemical dust explosions and Related Incidents

A chemical dust explosion is the rapid combustion of fine, solid particles suspended in the air within an enclosed space. It occurs when five specific elements—fuel (combustible dust), oxygen, dispersion, confinement, and an ignition source—interact, frequently leading to devastating secondary explosions.

Gas Leaks and Fuel-Related Incidents

Natural gas and propane systems must be properly installed and maintained. Leaks can accumulate unnoticed and ignite with devastating force. These cases often involve utility companies, contractors, or property owners.

Negligent Maintenance or Code Violations

Property owners and managers have a duty to maintain safe premises. Failure to comply with fire codes, maintain electrical systems, or address known hazards can lead to preventable fires.

Workplace and Industrial Accidents

Explosions in industrial settings may involve combustible dust, chemical reactions, or equipment failure. These cases can be particularly complex, often involving multiple entities and overlapping safety regulations.

Investigating Complex Fire and Explosion Cases

Fire and explosion claims are rarely straightforward. The cause of the incident may not be immediately clear, and critical evidence can be destroyed in the event itself. Bigos Law acts quickly to preserve evidence and begin the investigative process. The firm works with fire investigators, engineers, and other experts to analyze the scene, identify the origin of the fire or explosion, and determine contributing factors. This may include reviewing building plans, maintenance records, product specifications, and witness statements.

In many cases, liability extends beyond a single party. Manufacturers, property owners, contractors, and maintenance providers may all play a role. Bigos Law builds cases that reflect the full scope of responsibility, ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable.

Mike personally owns copies of several NFPA code books, and Total Burn Care, a seminal textbook for burn care medicine that medical schools use.

Legal Claims and Liability in Maine

Fire and explosion cases in Maine may involve several legal theories, depending on the circumstances. These can include negligence, premises liability, and products liability. Negligence claims focus on whether a party failed to act with reasonable care, whereas premises liability claims address unsafe conditions on a property. Products liability claims, in contrast, involve defective or dangerous products that contributed to the incident. Bigos Law evaluates each case to determine the most effective legal approach. This includes identifying applicable laws, gathering evidence, and developing a strategy tailored to the specific facts of the case.

Damages Available in Fire and Explosion Cases

The financial impact of a fire or explosion injury can be significant. Victims often face extensive medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing care needs. In Maine, individuals may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are intended to punish wrongful behavior and deter similar actions in the future. Under Maine law, punitive damages require clear evidence of malice or conduct demonstrating a reckless disregard for the safety of others. Bigos Law works to ensure that all aspects of the client’s losses are considered, both immediate and long-term.

A Client-Focused and Trauma-Informed Approach During Difficult Times

After a fire or explosion, clients are often dealing with more than just physical injuries. They may have lost their home, their belongings, or a sense of security. The legal process can feel overwhelming in the midst of these challenges. Bigos Law provides steady guidance and clear communication throughout the case. Clients are kept informed about their options and the progress of their claim. The firm takes on the legal burden so clients can focus on recovery.

At the same time, Bigos Law is prepared to take a firm stance against insurers and defendants who attempt to minimize responsibility. The firm’s approach balances compassion for clients with a determined pursuit of accountability. Fire and explosion cases often involve technical issues and large-scale investigations, and the firm has the resources to handle these complex matters. For Auburn residents, having access to a law firm experienced in catastrophic injury cases is essential. Bigos Law brings both local accessibility and the ability to take on challenging litigation against well-resourced defendants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Explosion Injury Claims in Maine

What should I do after a fire or explosion injury?

Seek immediate medical attention and ensure your safety. If possible, document the scene and preserve any evidence. It is also important to contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies to protect your rights.

Within 24 hours, usually the state Fire Marshal’s office and the property owners insurance company representatives are on scene investigating. Critical evidence is gathered and preserved at that time. Insurance inspector’s focus is usually on protecting the business or owner, not the injury victim.

Bigos Law welcomes the opportunity and call to get involved and plan rapid, onsite investigations by prospective clients who want to hire a burn injury lawyer and explosion lawyer.

Who can be held responsible for a fire or explosion?

Liability may extend to multiple parties, including property owners, manufacturers, contractors, and utility companies. Each case requires a detailed investigation to identify all responsible parties.

Mike personally owns copies of several NFPA code books, and Total Burn Care, a seminal textbook for burn care medicine that medical schools use.

Can I bring a claim if I was injured at work?

In many cases, workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. However, if a third party, such as a manufacturer or contractor, contributed to the incident, additional claims may be available.

How long do I have to file a fire or explosion injury claim in Maine?

In most cases, Maine applies a six-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, so it is important to have the case reviewed promptly.

How long do I have to file an amputation injury claim in New Hampshire?

In most cases, New Hampshire law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeframe, so it is important to have the case reviewed promptly.

What damages can I recover?

You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the injury. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available.

Contact Bigos Law for a Free Consultation

Bigos Law represents individuals and families in Auburn, Maine, and throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern New England, who have been harmed by fires and explosions, combining thorough investigation with a strong legal strategy. The firm is committed to helping clients pursue accountability and secure the resources they need to rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Bigos Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.