Timothy Toczylowski Killed In Lake Zurich Home Explosion Accident

Unsafe Premises - Wrongful Death - June 7, 2024

77-Year-Old Timothy Toczylowski Died In Lake Zurich Home Explosion Accident At Property on North Overhill Road

LAKE ZURICH, ILLINOIS (June 7, 2024) – A 77-year-old man identified as Timothy Toczylowski tragically died in a Lake Zurich home explosion on North Overhill Road.

Lake County officials are saying that the incident took place on Thursday. A neighbor’s camera captured the moment that the home exploded.

The force of the blast was so intense that local trees around the property caught fire. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to assist anyone who may have been injured.

Fire crews struggled initially as there were no hydrants in the unincorporated neighborhood. They also had to wait for NICOR to dig up the natural gas line in order to put out the flames.

Firefighters were eventually able to extricate Timothy Toczylowski, who is believed to be the owner of the home. Sadly, he died due to the severe nature of his injuries.

He was described by neighbors as a kind person who kept to himself. Locals said that he was very supportive of school fundraisers every year.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time. A full investigation into the home explosion that killed Timothy Toczylowski remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Lake Zurich Home Explosions

Gas leaks remain one of the main causes of home explosions in the United States. According to WBTV, “since 2010 there have been more than 2,700 gas leak incidents across the country that were considered significant and that 362 of those incidents resulted in explosions. Additionally, those incidents have injured nearly 700 people and killed more than 140.” Gas companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent gas explosions.

• Risk Assessment: Gas companies should conduct regular and thorough risk assessments.
• Maintenance: Gas companies should perform maintenance on all of their lines and check for any signs of wear and tear.
• Safety Training: Gas companies should provide comprehensive safety training for all employees.
• Emergency Response Plans: Emergencies are a foreseeable consequence of running gas lines all over a city or state. Gas companies should develop emergency plans and coordinate with local emergency services.
• Regulatory Compliance: Gas companies should stay up-to-date with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Technology and Monitoring: Gas companies should use technology to monitor areas where gas leaks are likely to occur.

There could be numerous liable parties for any home explosion. This could include a gas company or service provider that was responsible for maintaining gas lines. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code 740 ILCS 130/2, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. To this end, they must perform periodic inspections of the property and appliances that are being used. When a gas company has actual or constructive notice that there is a dangerous condition with their property, they must act. It is crucial that certain steps be taken after any home explosion.

• The condition of the gas lines to the home involved should be understood.
• Surveillance footage related to the explosion should be obtained.
• A forensic analysis of the explosion site should be conducted.
• Maintenance records for the gas lines leading up to the house should be reviewed.

The vast majority of home explosion accidents are preventable. In far too many instances, they involve gas companies that cut corners in terms of safety. This may include instances where gas company employees fail to perform routine inspections. Sadly, though, gas companies will often do everything in their power to deny liability for any explosion. This is why it is so important to have an independent investigation into any incident.

Investigating Lake Zurich Home Explosions

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Timothy Toczylowski. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about a Lake Zurich home explosion? Our team of gas line safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.