Explosion accidents do not occur as commonly as other types of accidents. However, when they do happen, they are very likely to cause debilitating injuries. Explosion accidents may even be fatal. The most common location for an explosion injury to occur is in the workplace. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 254 workers were killed in explosion accidents on the job. While explosions occur frequently in workplaces, they can also occur in other areas as well.
Not every explosion can be prevented, but there are many that can. An explosion accident can result in loss of life for innocent victims. At Burg Simpson, our explosion accident lawyers are committed to seeking compensation and justice for those who were harmed by someone else's negligence.
Common Types of Explosions
In its simplest form, an explosion is a rapid expansion of gas caused by a chemical reaction. Therefore, we would expect to see implosions in areas where gas and other natural chemicals are concentrated in a confined space. Examples of locations that are more prone to explosions include:
- Propane Explosions: Propane is a flammable gas substance that is used to provide power and heat. In everyday use, propane can help to heat homes, refrigerate food, dry clothes, and power industrial and other equipment. Although useful in many forms, a propane leak can be catastrophic. When propane comes in contact with an ignition agent, it can cause a massive explosion leading to serious and potentially fatal consequences.
- Natural Gas Explosions: Natural gas explosions typically occur when gas leaks through a faulty or defective gas line. A gas leak is more common than you might think. In the United States, local fire departments respond to an average of 340 calls per day regarding natural gas leaks. While a gas leak does not always or even often lead to ignition, it can be the beginning of one.
- Methane Explosions: In general, methane is a stable gas. However, if it is mixed with the wrong chemicals in proportion methane gas can destabilize and cause a lethal explosion. This is especially common in enclosed spaces. Many coal mine explosions and industrial explosion claims in the United States are caused when methane gas comes into contact with a heat source in an enclosed area.
- Butane Explosions: Butane is a highly flammable, odorless gas. It is used in common household products such as aerosols and cigarette lighters. It is also commonly used in manufacturing plants. When butane gas escapes and comes into contact with an ignition source, it can result in an explosion.
Where Do Explosion Accidents Occur? 
An explosion can happen anywhere that a flammable gas is present. However, there are some places where explosions are more likely to occur.
- Construction Sites: Construction workers are exposed to a number of hazardous materials on a daily basis. A construction worker can be hurt due to an exploding pipeline, release of flammable gases, blasting accidents, or improper demolition. Negligence and careless handling of explosive materials can lead to preventable explosions on the construction job site.
- Oil and Gas Refineries: Employees of the oil and gas industry are some of the most frequent victims of explosion accidents leading to pipeline explosion claims. A faulty pipeline or escape of a harmful substance can lead to a major refinery explosion.
- Manufacturing Plants: Various types of gases, including butane, methane, and propane, are used in product manufacturing. When these chemicals are mishandled, the result can be a massive explosion causing chemical burns, internal injuries, loss of vision, or even death.
- Residential Explosions: About 58 million homes in the United States are heated with natural gas. Whether caused by a leaky pipe, a ruptured line, improper maintenance, or intentional damage, natural gas explosions occur in homes several times each year. Homeowners are typically alerted to a natural gas leak by its distinctive smell. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, you should safely exit the house and contact your local fire department to evaluate the situation as soon as possible.
If you have been hurt in a natural gas explosion, it is important to seek legal help right away. You may be entitled to damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and payment of your medical and prescription bills. The injuries sustained are normally significant, and you should not delay in protecting your rights. At Burg Simpson, our national explosion accident attorneys work to obtain the best outcome in your case.
Negligence in Explosion Accidents
Not all explosion accidents are caused by human negligence, but many of them are. Factories and manufacturing plants in the United States are regulated by federal and state safety laws. These regulations deal with the handling and storing of harmful substances such as methane, butane, propane, and natural gas. Pipelines and other reservoirs containing explosive chemicals must be regularly maintained and repaired if they are damaged. However, the best practices are not always followed, and serious explosions can and do occur as a result.
If you were hurt in an explosion accident, there are numerous parties who may be responsible, including:
- Utility companies
- Contractors and repair professionals
- State and local authorities
- Equipment manufacturers
- Other third parties
Determining responsibility for an explosion accident can be complex. In order to ensure that the appropriate parties are held accountable, you should speak with a nationwide explosion accident attorney about your case.
United States Explosion Accident Lawyers
An explosion can take place anywhere at any time. These incidents leave victims with serious injuries, including chemical burns, amputated limbs, loss of vision, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. The consequences of an explosion accident can be permanent. With so much at stake, you should only trust your legal case to an experienced attorney.
At Burg Simpson, our national personal injury lawyers will fight for your legal rights if you were hurt in a blast. We have successfully recovered more than 2 billion dollars in compensation for injured victims. Our firm provides free consultations for all potential clients. To see how we can help, please contact us using our online intake form or give us a call at (888) 895-2080.
