Chemical plants contain many hazardous materials. These plants pose many hazards to employees and nearby individuals. One of those risks is the possibility of an explosion.
A chemical explosion occurs when a combustible material rapidly builds up, causing a mass of heat and pressure. A chemical reaction then takes place, causing the mass to explode, sending a series of shockwaves with it. The resulting explosion can harm nearby property and any individuals in the immediate path. The release of dangerous chemicals into the environment poses a longer-term health risk for employees and the general public who were exposed to potentially toxic substances.
There are many potential health risks and hazards for those who have been exposed to a chemical explosion, including:
- Chemical Burns
- Internal Organ Damage
- Lung and Respiratory Illnesses
- Reproductive Difficulties
- Certain Types of Cancer
- Broken Bones and Other Physical Injuries
The nature of chemical explosion injuries sometimes means that the full extent of the injuries is not apparent for many years. Certain diseases may develop many years or even decades after the explosion occurred. Then the issue becomes whether the explosion was the proximate cause of the injury.
Insurance companies for large chemical manufacturers will usually fight claims brought by explosion accident victims. They will claim that the company was not at fault or that there is not a sufficient connection between the injuries and the blast to hold the company liable.
If you or a loved one were injured in a chemical explosion, it is very important to have an experienced national chemical explosion accident attorney by your side to help. At Burg Simpson, we fight unreasonable insurance companies who do not want to pay our clients for the injuries that they have suffered.
The Immediate Aftermath of an Explosion
The moments following an explosion are chaotic. The first instinct is to run to safety and get away from the dangerous chemicals that have now been released into the air. If your body came into contact with any potentially toxic chemicals, you should take personal decontamination measures by removing any affected clothing and showering to wash off the chemicals as soon as possible.
If you believe you were exposed to dangerous or toxic chemicals, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. In this scenario, the old motto applies. You should be better safe than sorry when it comes to chemical exposure. Contact your local poison control center if you are unsure what steps to take. They can direct you to take appropriate measures in obtaining medical treatment if necessary.
Once you have ensured the safety of yourself and your family, you should evacuate the immediate area of the blast. Even after the explosion is over, dangerous chemicals may be in the air and the soil and can contaminate the water supply. Leaving the affected area until authorities have inspected and cleared you to return is the best thing to do in this situation.
Legal Guidance for Chemical Explosion Victims
Chemical explosions usually occur at large manufacturing plants or other places where combustible materials are utilized in large quantities. Not surprisingly, these plants and major companies also have many resources at their disposal. These resources are often deployed to fight against legitimate injury claims from explosion victims.
Following a chemical explosion, an insurance company will often be involved. The role of the insurance adjuster is to investigate the accident. The company will then determine if it will pay claims of injured victims. If it decides to pay the claims, a decision will be made as to the value of each chemical plant explosion claim and what amount should be paid out.
Many people wrongfully assume that the role of the insurance company is to pay a fair value for injury claims. However, the company is mostly interested in paying as little as it can in order to save money. Adjusters will normally come in immediately after a serious accident and make a quick offer to try to get a settlement. While the offer may seem attractive, it usually does not take into account the full value of the claim, including future medical treatment and long-term disability caused by the explosion.
Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, you should receive legal advice from an experienced attorney. Out nationwide chemical explosion accident lawyers at Burg Simpson have assisted injured victims for more than 40 years. We will fight to keep the insurance company honest and help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.
Valuing an Explosion Accident Claim
The process of determining a fair settlement in an explosion accident is a difficult process. The determination depends on the opinion of doctors and medical professionals as to the impact that your injuries may have on your future. Some injuries are permanent with no realistic possibility of recovery. Other situations may improve over time but can still limit your ability to enjoy your life.
An experienced explosion accident attorney will consider the cost of your future medical treatment, the nature of your injuries, and the strength of your negligence claim against all responsible parties. Using these factors, in consultation with experts, a realistic value can be assigned to your gas explosion claim. This value is then presented to the insurance company as your demand amount. The case will be settled if the company chooses to pay a fair amount. If they do not, the case then proceeds to a trial.
At Burg Simpson, we handle cases through negotiation or litigation. Our proven trial attorneys will do what it takes to fight for your legal rights.
Hire a National Explosion Accident Lawyer
No matter where the explosion occurred, we are there for you. If you or a family member have been injured in a chemical explosion accident, please do not hesitate to contact us right away. Our firm offers free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients.
To schedule your time to speak with a United States explosion accident attorney, please reach out using our online intake form or give us a call at (888) 895-2080.
