Personal Injury Law

Chemical Explosion Injury Lawyer

An explosion is any act that causes instantaneous formation of expansive gas or reactive liquid, releasing energy in an uncontrollable manner. In most cases, inadequate plant conditions are responsible for chemical leaks and explosions. Chemical explosions are especially dangerous, tending to result in severe injuries, disabilities, and fatalities. Workers who experience tragic situations such as these may sustain injuries that affect their hearing, seeing, and breathing, as well as inflicting bodily damage and head trauma.

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Chemical Explosion Injury Lawyer: Our Approach

Chemical plants are inherently dangerous, meaning that explosions and fatal injuries are not uncommon. However, that does not excuse the common causes of these explosions, including poor factory conditions, improper training, and inadequate protective equipment. Because of this, these lawsuits often are competing liability claims. In addition to directly affecting employees, explosions may impact whole communities. If you’ve suffered a chemical explosion injury at the fault of someone else, you may be able to collect damages.

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Common Causes of Chemical Explosions

Human Error and Negligence

01

Human error happens everywhere, but has dire consequences in work environments such as chemical plants. Employees of chemical companies may be affected by their age, skillset, experience level, and fatigue. Worse yet is negligence, where these employees may not be correctly following legal guidelines put in place for everyone’s safety.

Improper Safety Requirements

02

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict outlines for what is acceptable or unacceptable with respect to workplace safety. Violations of these rules include improper personal protective equipment, lack of adequate warning signs, unsatisfactory training, unlawful methods of production, and more. When companies disregard these regulations, they face OSHA violation consequences and fines.

Improper Storage of Hazardous Chemicals

03

Chemical substances need specific storage based on their molecular properties and how they interact with other materials, sometimes including extra precautions like protection from light, air, or water. Improper storage may result in unintended chemical interactions. Chemicals are dangerous, but storing them incorrectly is viewed as an unreasonable level of danger, and a liability.

Poor Machine Maintenance

04

Every machine has a standard at which it must be functioning in order to be considered reasonably safe. A lack of routine inspections or upkeep prevent employees from noticing damages, defects, or disintegration. The corrosive nature of many chemicals only exacerbates these effects.

Inadequate Worker Training

05

Chemical plants may employ hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Despite several federal organizations outlining strict procedures for on-boarding, many companies use unlawful training methods -- if they implement any at all. This can include teaching someone incorrectly, teaching someone unsafe shortcuts, or having someone with little experience do the teaching.

Equipment Operation Error

06

Many chemical plants utilize necessary heavy machinery. While these tools can be helpful, the risk that accompanies them is high due to their function and size. Manufacturers may be at fault for defective equipment. In the plant, injuries may result from incorrect operator responses to signaling or lack of daily maintenance.

Chemical Explosion Injury Lawyer FAQs

Q1.

What should I do if I experience a chemical explosion?

Chemical explosions are always serious. It’s vital to get treated immediately by a healthcare provider. Once safe, document the accident and inform your superiors. An incident report is necessary for taking legal action. Bring all relevant paperwork with you to your initial consultation with an attorney.

Q2.

What can I receive compensation for?

After a chemical plant explosion, you may be eligible for emotional damages, physical damages, and lost wages. You may collect these on behalf of a deceased family member if the explosion is fatal. Collecting damages brings your family some justice, and holds the chemical plant liable for any regulations they failed to comply with.

Q3.

Why do I need a lawyer?

Chemical plants can be the subject of a lot of scrutiny, and for good reason. Companies that own plants are responsible for injuries occurring on their property, but will defend themselves aggressively. It’s important for you to hire a lawyer who has a firm understanding of plant safety, maintenance requirements, and operational procedures.

Q4.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Because of their severity, most chemical plant explosions are class action lawsuits. Their far-reaching effects may involve the neighboring community and residential areas. There are typically primary and secondary injuries, debris, air pollution, and environmental contamination. Often, these cases are lengthy.

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