Industrial explosions are among the most devastating accidents that can occur in workplace environments. These incidents not only cause catastrophic damage to property but also lead to severe personal injuries, long-term health effects, and in many cases, fatalities. When a worker or bystander is injured in an industrial explosion, they face a long, difficult road to recovery – both physically and financially. For these victims, understanding their legal rights is essential in obtaining compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That is where an experienced industrial explosion personal injury lawyer can help.
At Kherkher Garcia, our industrial explosion personal injury lawyers have a superb record for helping clients pursue justice and obtain compensation. For more than 30 years, we have been fighting for the rights of workers injured on the job. Below, we discuss the causes of industrial explosions, the injuries they can cause, and how our lawyers can help victims secure the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Industrial Explosions
Industrial environments are inherently hazardous due to the nature of the work, the machinery used, and the materials handled. When proper safety protocols are ignored or when equipment malfunctions, the results can be disastrous. Here are some of the most common causes of industrial explosions:
Flammable Liquids and Gases
Flammable liquids and gases are used in various industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemical processing. Improper storage, handling, or transportation of these materials can lead to explosions. For instance, if a storage tank containing flammable gas leaks and comes into contact with a spark, it could ignite and cause an explosion. Failing to follow safety regulations, such as those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), can increase the risk of such incidents.
Combustible Dust
Dust from materials like grain, wood, metals, and chemicals can become highly combustible under certain conditions. If enough dust accumulates in a confined area and becomes airborne, a single spark can trigger an explosion. Industries like agriculture, woodworking, and manufacturing are particularly vulnerable to combustible dust explosions, which can cause devastating damage in seconds.
Improper Use of Equipment
Heavy machinery and industrial equipment are often used in environments where combustible materials are present. When this equipment is improperly maintained, defective, or used unsafely, it can spark an explosion. Equipment malfunctions, such as electrical shorts, overheating, or mechanical failures, can generate sparks or heat capable of igniting flammable materials.
Chemical Reactions
Many industrial processes involve the mixing of chemicals, which, when not properly monitored, can lead to dangerous chemical reactions. Certain chemicals are highly reactive and, when mixed in incorrect proportions or exposed to heat, can result in explosions. This is especially common in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and oil refineries.
Negligence
In many cases, industrial explosions are caused by negligence. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that proper safety measures are in place and that workers are trained on how to handle hazardous materials. When safety protocols are ignored, inspections are skipped, or employees are not properly trained, accidents are more likely to occur.
Common Injuries Resulting from Industrial Explosions
The injuries resulting from industrial explosions can range from mild to catastrophic. Depending on the size and scale of the explosion, victims can suffer from a variety of serious, life-altering injuries, including:
Burns
Explosions are often accompanied by intense heat and flames, which can cause severe burns. Burn injuries are categorized by degrees:
- First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin and can result in redness and pain.
- Second-degree burns: Penetrate deeper layers of skin, causing blisters and intense pain.
- Third-degree burns: Destroy both the outer and inner layers of skin, often resulting in permanent scarring and nerve damage. Burn victims may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The force of an explosion can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), even if the victim is not directly struck by debris. The shockwaves from an explosion can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and physical disabilities.
Fractures and Crush Injuries
Flying debris or collapsing structures caused by an explosion can lead to broken bones, fractures, and crush injuries. Crush injuries occur when a victim’s body is caught between heavy objects, such as machinery or building materials, resulting in severe tissue and organ damage. Victims may require multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation to recover from these types of injuries.
Hearing Loss
The sound produced by an explosion is often deafening, and workers in the vicinity of the blast may experience partial or complete hearing loss. Even those who do not experience permanent hearing damage may suffer from tinnitus, a ringing in the ears that can be long-lasting and disruptive.
Respiratory Issues
In the aftermath of an explosion, the air is often filled with dust, smoke, and toxic chemicals. Inhaling these substances can lead to respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other lung conditions. Victims may require long-term medical treatment, including breathing assistance and medication.
The Role of an Industrial Explosion Personal Injury Lawyer
When an industrial explosion occurs, victims often find themselves overwhelmed by the aftermath. From dealing with physical injuries to managing mounting medical bills and lost wages, the challenges can seem insurmountable. That’s where an industrial explosion personal injury lawyer comes in. Here’s how the experienced lawyers at Kherkher Garcia help victims navigate the legal process and recover compensation:
Investigating the Incident
The first step in any industrial explosion case is determining the cause of the explosion and identifying the parties responsible. Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation, reviewing safety records, interviewing witnesses, and working with industry experts to pinpoint the cause of the accident. This investigation will be crucial in building a strong case for compensation.
Establishing Liability
In many industrial explosion cases, multiple parties may be held liable, including employers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and property owners. Our team will work to identify which parties failed to meet their legal obligations and hold them accountable. For example, if faulty equipment caused the explosion, the equipment manufacturer may be held liable. If safety protocols were ignored, the employer could be at fault.
Pursuing Compensation
Victims of industrial explosions are entitled to compensation for their injuries. This compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses: Including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and future lost earnings if the victim is unable to return to work.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the injuries.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter future negligence.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to injury victims. An experienced industrial explosion lawyer at Kherkher Garcia will handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive fair compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will take the case to court and advocate for the victim in front of a judge and jury.
Providing Support Throughout Recovery
Beyond the legal aspects of the case, the team at Kherkher Garcia provides valuable support during the victim’s recovery. We help coordinate medical care, connect victims with resources for long-term rehabilitation, and provide guidance on navigating the complex legal process.
Get Legal Guidance After an Industrial Explosion
Industrial explosions are catastrophic events that leave victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been injured in an industrial explosion, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The experienced industrial explosion personal injury lawyers at Kherkher Garcia are here to help you understand your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Kherkher Garcia, our team of skilled lawyers has extensive experience handling industrial explosion cases. We are committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers and their families. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on your path to recovery. Call 713-333-1030 to get started right now. You can also reach out to us online via our website contact form.
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