Gas Pump Overflows Causing Patron to Slip and Fall

Case Overview

This case involves a plaintiff who was injured while pumping gas. The plaintiff, a male, was pumping gas at a gas station. As he was pumping, he disengaged the trigger, but the gas continued to flow from the pump. Gas started to leak onto the ground, but the plaintiff was unable to get help. The plaintiff prepared to ask for help in the gas station’s shop, but slipped and fell on the leaked gas, sustaining a concussion.

Questions to the Plumbing expert and their responses

What is the proper response for a gas pump after a gasoline tank becomes full?

When the end of the venturi pipe becomes submerged in the rising gas, it chokes off the air pressure that holds the nozzle handle open and shuts down the flow of gas.

What could affect proper functioning?

I would want to inspect the fuel nozzle involved in this case to see if it was not properly maintained. If there is another hole or opening in the venturi tube that runs alongside the gas nozzle, then the automatic gas shut-off system will not work properly. Many gas stations also have conveniently placed emergency shut-off buttons.

About the expert

This expert has over 40 years of experience in the field of engineering, specializing in plumbing, fire protection, HVAC systems, and piping. He earned his BA in mechanical engineering from Tarrant County College and is now a certified plumbing engineer, plumbing designer, and fire investigator. He remains active in his field as a publisher of over 200 journal articles and as a member of many professional societies, where has actively contributed to various committees and the development of industry and code standards. This expert previously was a lieutenant firefighter for a variety of departments throughout the United States before working as consulting engineer for Love, Friberg & Associates, Inc. Additionally, he was an engineer at Lawrence White Associates, Wolf Wineman Engineers, Inc., SSOE Architects, Smithgroup Inc., and United Consulting Engineers, among many other engineering firms. Currently, he serves as an engineer at two different consulting groups in Michigan.