While industrial plants are an important part of our economy and everyday life, they can also pose many dangers to employees and members of surrounding communities. These facilities are considered high-risk environments, because they often contain volatile substances and high pressure systems. There are also many different factors that may result in an industrial plant explosion. Listed below are some common causes that can lead to these catastrophic incidents.
- Equipment Failure: Industrial plants are home to a variety of machinery and equipment which, if not meticulously maintained, can malfunction and lead to an explosion. For example, pressure vessels or boilers, if improperly managed, can fail and cause a blast.
- Improper Storage or Handling of Flammable Materials: Many industrial plants deal with highly volatile substances that can easily ignite under certain conditions. If not properly stored, sealed or handled, these materials can cause devastating explosions.
- Human Error: Despite strict safety rules and regulations, mistakes can occur. These errors can range from miscommunication, neglecting safety protocols, inadequate safety training or simply mishandling of equipment or materials. Any of these can set off a chain reaction resulting in an explosion.
Plant Explosions and Serious Personal Injuries
Plant explosions can lead to a wide range of serious injuries due to the immense force and heat they release, not to mention the hazardous materials often involved in such incidents. Listed below are some examples of serious personal injuries that someone may experience after a plant explosion.
- Trauma Injuries: The force of the explosion can throw workers or nearby people against hard surfaces, leading to broken bones, concussions, lacerations and even fatalities.
- Burn Injuries: The intense heat generated can cause severe burns, ranging from first-degree to third-degree burns. These burns can lead to permanent scarring, loss of sensation, and can require long-term treatment, including skin grafts and physical therapy.
- Respiratory Injuries: In the wake of an explosion, there can be dust, smoke and potentially toxic chemicals in the air. Inhalation of such substances can cause significant respiratory distress or diseases, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
- Psychological Trauma: Survivors of such incidents may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
- Long-Term Health Effects: The impact of exposure to hazardous materials released in an explosion should not be overlooked. Depending on the materials involved, this could result in chronic respiratory conditions, certain types of cancer, skin diseases and neurological damage.
What to Do After a Plant Explosion
In the unfortunate event of a plant explosion, knowing the correct steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and your rights. Here are the crucial actions you should consider following such an incident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Due to the severe nature of injuries that can result from a plant explosion, it’s essential to get medical help as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent or could worsen over time. By seeking medical help, you ensure your health is cared for and also create a documented record of your injuries, which may be vital in any future legal proceedings.
Report the Plant Explosion Incident
Once you are safe and have received medical aid, report the incident to the appropriate authorities, if this has not already been done. If you’re an employee of the plant, this could include your supervisor or site manager, and may also entail filing a report with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or other regulatory bodies.
Document the Accident
You’ll also want to keep a detailed record of everything you can collect about the incident. This includes taking photographs of your injuries and the site of the explosion, if possible. Write down what you remember about the event and any conversations or actions relating to the safety of the site before the explosion. This information can be crucial in an investigation and any resulting legal actions.
Seek Legal Help
Plant explosion cases can be complex, and an attorney with experience in industrial accident cases can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries, lost wages and other damages.
Evaluating Potential Attorneys for Your Plant Explosion Case
Choosing the right attorney for a plant explosion case is a decision that can greatly influence the outcome of your case. To make an informed choice, you need to consider several factors.
Firstly, you should ask about the attorney’s experience in handling similar cases. Plant explosion cases can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of industrial operations, safety regulations and personal injury law. An attorney with a strong track record in industrial accident cases will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the intricacies of such cases.
Communication is another crucial factor. Your attorney should be someone who communicates clearly and promptly. They should keep you informed about the progress of your case, explain legal jargon in a way you can understand, and be readily available to answer your questions.
Finally, discuss the fee structure. Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Ensure you understand how this works and what percentage of the settlement they will earn as their fee.
Working with Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello
At Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello, we are committed to holding liable parties accountable, seeking the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and suffering after a plant explosion. We have decades of experience and our team understands the intricacies involved in plant explosion cases. We are dedicated to communicating every step clearly and addressing all your concerns in a timely manner. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a plant explosion, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us today.