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

Maine Fire and Explosion Injury Lawyer

Bigos Law represents individuals and families across Maine who have been devastated by fires and explosions caused by negligence, unsafe property conditions, defective products, and industrial failures. The firm’s Maine fire and explosion injury lawyer handles high-severity personal injury and wrongful death cases with a focus on accountability, thorough investigation, and long-term support for survivors.

CURRENT FIRE AND BURN INVESTIGATIONS INCLUDE:

  • MAY 15, 2026, SEARSMONT, MAINE DUST EXPLOSION
  • PROPANE EXPLOSION AND FIRE INVOLVING ENERCO ADAPTER
2019 FARMINGTON, MAINE GAS EXPLOSION SETTLEMENT
In 2023, Attorney Mike Bigos co-led a team that won a multi-eight-figure settlement in the Farmington, Maine 2019 Gas Explosion cases, which required litigation and over 10 expert witnesses and expert reports.  His legal teammates have since retired.  Vast gas safety improvements were made following that disputed claim, improving safety for the community.  Survivors of the explosion were able to recover money for catastrophic medical bills, lost wages and earning capacity, and for past and future pain and suffering and shortened life expectancy.
2018 BIDDEFORD, MAINE FATAL FIRE SETTLEMENT
In 2018, Attorney Bigos also won a seven-figure award in a double-wrongful death lawsuit arising out of a 2014 apartment fire at 35 Main St., Biddeford, Maine in which a troubled teen started an external fire, however the landlord’s code violations caused two men to not escape safely after they called for help.  Bigos tracked down a hard-to-find witness who spoke to the decedents when the fire broke out, documenting their escape attempts and conscious pain and suffering.
2024 EXPLODING COOKING SPRAY CAN UNSAFE PRODUCT CLAIM BURN INJURY WIN
In 2024, Attorney Mike won a multi-seven-figure settlement in a propane product explosion case, which required 7 years of litigation and several expert witnesses and expert reports.  Mike’s client recovered money from large, multi-billion-dollar, national corporations for catastrophic medical bills, lost wages and earning capacity, permanent scarring, and for past and future pain and suffering.

Fire and explosion cases are among the most catastrophic types of injury claims. They often involve severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, permanent disfigurement, and life-altering trauma. In the most tragic situations, these incidents result in wrongful death. Bigos Law understands the urgency and complexity of these cases and approaches each one with a careful, methodical strategy designed to identify what went wrong and who is responsible.

Understanding Fire and Explosion Injury Cases in Maine

Fire and explosion incidents rarely happen without warning signs or preventable risks. In many cases, they are the result of overlooked safety issues, defective equipment, or violations of basic safety standards. When companies, landlords, product manufacturers, or contractors fail to take reasonable precautions, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Common causes of fire and explosion injuries include faulty electrical systems, gas leaks, improperly maintained heating systems, defective appliances, unsafe construction practices, and industrial accidents involving flammable materials. Vehicle-related fires following collisions can also lead to severe injuries when fuel systems or electrical components fail.

Each of these scenarios requires careful legal and factual analysis. Bigos Law examines how the fire started, whether proper safety measures were in place, and whether warning signs were ignored. The goal is to build a clear, evidence-based picture of responsibility.

Residential and Commercial Fire Cases

Residential fires often involve issues such as faulty wiring, unattended heating devices, or unsafe rental property conditions. Landlords and property managers have a responsibility to maintain safe living environments, including functional smoke detectors, safe electrical systems, and properly maintained heating equipment. When they fail in these duties, residents can suffer devastating consequences.

Commercial fire cases may involve hotels, retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, or office buildings. In these environments, safety protocols, building codes, and fire suppression systems are critical. A failure to comply with regulations or properly maintain equipment can lead to rapid fire spread and significant injuries.

Bigos Law evaluates whether safety inspections were conducted properly, whether building codes were followed, and whether employees or tenants were adequately warned of known hazards.

Industrial and Workplace Explosion Accidents

Industrial environments present heightened risks for fire and explosion incidents due to the presence of chemicals, fuel sources, and heavy machinery. Construction sites, manufacturing plants, and energy facilities are particularly vulnerable when safety protocols are ignored or equipment is not properly maintained.

Explosion injuries in these settings may result from gas leaks, combustible dust, pressurized systems, or improper handling of hazardous materials. These cases often involve multiple layers of responsibility, including employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and third-party vendors.

Bigos Law conducts detailed investigations into workplace explosion cases, reviewing safety logs, OSHA compliance records, maintenance histories, and training procedures. Identifying every responsible party is essential to ensuring full accountability.

Defective Products and Fire-Related Injuries

Many fires and explosions in Maine are caused by defective or dangerous products. Consumer goods such as space heaters, lithium-ion batteries, electrical appliances, and vehicle components can all pose serious risks when they are poorly designed or manufactured.

Product liability cases often involve questions about whether a product was unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer’s control, whether proper warnings were provided, and whether safer alternative designs were available. In some cases, recalls or prior complaints may reveal that a company was aware of risks but failed to act.

Bigos Law investigates product-related fire cases by analyzing design specifications, testing reports, and corporate safety records. These cases frequently require technical evaluation to demonstrate how a defect directly contributed to the fire or explosion.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Fire and Explosion Accidents

The injuries associated with fire and explosion incidents are often severe and long-lasting. Burn injuries are common, ranging from moderate burns requiring skin grafts to life-threatening full-thickness burns. Smoke inhalation can cause significant damage to the respiratory system, sometimes resulting in long-term breathing complications.

Explosion-related injuries may also include traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss from blast pressure, orthopedic injuries, and internal organ damage. Beyond the physical harm, many survivors experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

Recovery is often a lengthy process involving hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. These factors play a significant role in how damages are calculated in a legal claim.

Investigating Fire and Explosion Cases

Fire and explosion cases require a detailed investigative approach. Determining the origin and cause of a fire often involves fire marshal reports, forensic analysis, witness statements, and inspection of physical evidence. In some cases, expert reconstruction is necessary to understand how an explosion occurred and how it could have been prevented.

Bigos Law works to preserve critical evidence early in the process. This may include securing scene documentation, obtaining maintenance records, and identifying any prior complaints or safety violations. Because fire and explosion evidence can be quickly lost or altered, early legal involvement is often important. The firm also works with technical professionals when needed to evaluate product defects, building code compliance, and industrial safety practices.

Compensation in Maine Fire and Explosion Injury Cases

Victims of fire and explosion incidents in Maine may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses. These claims often involve substantial damages due to the severity of injuries and long-term consequences. Compensation may include, for example:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
  • Future medical treatment and long-term care needs
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless conduct, additional damages may also be available. Bigos Law works to ensure that every aspect of harm is properly evaluated and included in the claim.

Liability in Fire and Explosion Cases

Determining liability in fire and explosion cases often involves multiple parties. Responsibility may rest with property owners, landlords, manufacturers, contractors, maintenance companies, or employers. In some cases, several parties may share responsibility for the conditions that led to the incident.

Bigos Law carefully evaluates all potential sources of liability. This includes reviewing maintenance records, safety inspections, product documentation, and regulatory compliance. The goal is to identify every party whose actions or omissions contributed to the fire or explosion.

Because these cases often involve corporate defendants and insurance companies, a thorough legal strategy is necessary to ensure that responsibility is not minimized or unfairly shifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of fire and explosion injuries in Maine?

Common causes include defective products, electrical system failures, gas leaks, unsafe construction practices, and industrial accidents involving flammable materials.

Who can be held responsible for a fire or explosion injury?

Liability may fall on property owners, landlords, manufacturers, contractors, employers, or other parties whose negligence contributed to the incident.

Can I bring a claim if a defective product caused a fire in my home?

Yes. Manufacturers and distributors can be held responsible if a defective product caused or contributed to a fire or explosion that resulted in injury or property damage.

What kind of compensation is recoverable in these cases?

Damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for permanent injuries or wrongful death.

Why are fire and explosion cases so complex?

These cases often require technical investigation, multiple parties may be involved, and evidence can be difficult to preserve. Determining the cause of the incident is a critical part of the legal process.

Contact Bigos Law

Fire and explosion injuries can permanently change the course of a person’s life. Bigos Law provides focused representation for individuals and families throughout Maine who are facing the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of these devastating events. The firm is committed to identifying responsible parties and pursuing accountability through careful investigation and strong advocacy.

Contact Bigos Law today for a free consultation to discuss your fire or explosion injury case and learn how the firm can help you move forward.