The DJF Law Firm, PLLC

Houston Plant Explosion Attorneys

If you suffered an injury or illness from a plant explosion due to someone else’s negligence, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC immediately. We could help you hold the at-fault party liable and seek the maximum possible compensation.

A chemical plant explosion can have far-reaching consequences. It affects not only the plant workers but nearby communities. The blast could harm nearby residents and lead to severe medical conditions. Breathing in harmful substances in the air or drinking contaminated water can make people sick.

You should not suffer the consequences of someone else’s carelessness. The DJF Law Firm, PLLC is ready to represent you in your case and fight for the justice you deserve. Call us at 832-529-3476 today for a free consultation with one of our Houston premises liability attorneys.

Common Causes of Plant Explosions

Chemicals, gases, and other substances are dangerous. Plant workers must handle these substances carefully. An explosion could occur for numerous reasons. The most common are listed below.

Inadequate Maintenance

Poorly maintained equipment or machinery could lead to an explosion. Operators must meet all safety regulations to prevent accidents. They should regularly inspect all equipment and promptly repair damage or defects that they discover. If an employee fails to address an immediate problem with a machine, it could fail and cause an explosion.

Lack of Employee Training

Every plant worker should undergo training. Employers should provide training for their employees. Training should include:

  • Properly handling and storing flammable substances
  • Emergency response
  • Inspecting equipment and machinery correctly
  • Appropriate safety gear and precautions

Employer Negligence

Plant workers aren’t always at fault for explosions. Sometimes, the employer could be responsible for dangerous conditions that lead to injuries. An explosion can occur if an employer doesn’t follow the regulations and procedures necessary to keep everyone safe.

Plant owners and managers must follow standards enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, such as:

  • Provide safety tools and equipment
  • Warn workers of potential hazards
  • Regularly check workplace conditions
  • Offer training to employees
  • Maintain equipment and machinery regularly

Improperly Handling Reactive Chemicals

Chemicals are reactive and must be handled carefully by plant workers. A fire could spark from various liquids and gases and lead to an explosion.

It’s crucial for plant workers to know the correct way to handle dangerous chemicals. They must follow regulations for storing the substances and understand the proper transportation methods.

Preventing a chemical plant explosion is possible. Employers should always provide safety instruction and gear, and workers should always take safety precautions whenever dealing with chemicals.

If your injury resulted from an explosion a negligent worker or employer caused, do not hesitate to contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC. We can investigate and determine who is at fault for the accident. We will aggressively pursue the money you’re entitled to for the suffering you endured.

Common Injuries in Plant Explosions

Plant explosions can lead to a range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some injuries result from the explosion itself, while others occur after the initial blast.

  • Primary blast injuries are caused by the blast wave passing through the body. Resultant injuries include:
    • Blast lung – injured lung tissue
    • Blast ear – ruptured eardrum
    • Blast eye – eye globe rupture
    • Blast brain – concussion
    • Blast belly – abdominal hemorrhage and/or perforation
  • Secondary blast injuries are caused by debris that is tossed around by wind from the blast and hits or penetrates the surface of the body. Most injuries from an explosion are secondary blast injuries.
  • Tertiary blast injuries happen when a person is thrown through the air and lands on another object or when something collapses onto a person. These injuries can include:
    • Broken bones
    • Traumatic brain injury
    • Lung damage
    • Loss of limb
    • Internal bleeding
    • Spinal cord injuries
    • Burn injuries
    • Penetrating wounds
  • Quaternary blast injuries are all the rest of the injuries that occur after a blast. They could be caused by exposure to toxins, dust, fire, radiation, fumes, biological agents, or smoke. Psychological impacts of the explosion are included in this category, as are heart disease, lung disease, and high blood pressure.

Even if your injury is minor, seeking medical care is vital. You should go to the hospital for a physician to evaluate your injury after leaving the accident scene. The doctor can provide a diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

Compensation for Plant Explosions

A plant explosion can cause severe injuries that require ongoing medical care. Medical bills are expensive. Many people can’t afford the cost of treating their injuries.

You should not be responsible for your incurred costs when your actions didn’t contribute to the explosion. You could pursue compensation from the at-fault party. The money you receive might compensate you for your:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of household services
  • Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Mental anguish
  • Damage to personal property

If you file a lawsuit, you might be able to recover exemplary damages. You must provide clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s gross negligence, fraud, or malice. This financial award punishes the defendant for their actions and deters similar misconduct in the future.

Plant explosions can be fatal. If your loved one died from a disease or injury in an explosion, you could pursue a wrongful death case. Only the surviving spouse, child, or parent can file this type of lawsuit in Texas. If a surviving family member doesn’t file suit within three months of the death, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate could pursue legal action.

You might receive compensation for:

  • Lost love, comfort, companionship, and society
  • Lost care, services, advice, maintenance, support, and counsel
  • Mental pain and anguish
  • Lost inheritance, including what the deceased could have earned and left to the family if they survived
  • Lost earning capacity

Contact Us

The DJF Law Firm, PLLC will provide the personalized attention you deserve until the end of your claim or case. Our legal team is compassionate and understanding about the trauma our clients experience. We will remain by your side during every step of the complicated process of pursuing compensation. You can count on us to protect your rights from the moment you hire us.

If a plant explosion caused your injury or illness, call The DJF Law Firm, PLLC at 832-529-3476 for your free consultation right now. One of our dedicated and trusted Houston plant explosion attorneys would be happy to speak with you about the incident and determine whether we can represent you.