Explosions can lead to serious, long-term, and catastrophic consequences. According to statistics, more than 700 explosion accidents take place across the country each year. Being the victim of one of these accidents can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. The days and weeks following the explosion are likely to feel chaotic and uncertain. During this time, victims may have questions about their future and their legal rights.
There are certain steps that should be taken in the aftermath of a blast. These steps can help to secure your legal rights and your future. Given the serious nature of explosions, it is best to speak with a skilled attorney as soon as possible. Below, we will take a look at some of the steps that victims can take both immediately after the accident and from a more long-term perspective.
At Burg Simpson, our national explosion accident lawyers are here to help during your time of need. Before you speak with an insurance company or other third party, give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.
Immediate Actions After an Explosion 
Immediately following an explosion, the main focus should be on the health and welfare of the victims. Most explosions cause serious injuries including head trauma, internal bleeding, broken bones, head injuries, and permanent scarring. In order to lessen the impact of severe injuries and to keep a major injury from deteriorating, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Receiving medical treatment at the soonest possible time gives a victim the best chance of making a full recovery from their injuries. By contrast, waiting too long can result in the injuries worsening and a longer road to recovery.
It is also important to keep in mind that all explosion accident injuries may not seem evident at first. Instead, they may manifest themselves over time. Even if you do not believe that you were hurt, seeking medical attention can help to diagnose any injuries, including those that may be hidden immediately after the blast. This in turn allows victims to seek and obtain a faster recovery.
Documenting the Explosion
After receiving medical treatment, the focus turns to documenting and gathering evidence. Following an explosion, there will often be an internal and external investigation into the blast. The company responsible for the explosion will usually conduct their own investigation. Outside agencies such OSHA, and the ATF from the United States government may also look into the explosion and its cause. These investigations will lead to written reports and documentation regarding the findings of investigators. The reports can become crucial pieces of evidence when it comes time to file a lawsuit on behalf of an injured victim.
In addition to the internal and external investigations, a national explosion accident attorney will want to conduct their own investigation. Typically, these investigations are undertaken by experts in the field. The expert will be hired by your attorney to examine the explosion and determine its most likely cause. The expert can rely on the facts and opinions of other investigators but may also form their own conclusions based on their findings. The report of an outside expert witness can be very helpful and compelling when it comes time to present your case.
Seeking Legal Help
Perhaps the most important thing that victims can do following an explosion is to seek legal help. Many people will choose to wait, believing that they have time to obtain a lawyer and that they will only hire legal counsel if they can't get the responsible party to settle on their terms.
Unfortunately, large corporations and powerful business owners often choose not to play fair right from the start. While these individuals and businesses may have legal liability for the explosion, they may take steps to avoid liability. Insurance companies are not working for you. Rather, their job is to settle a claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. This is at odds with what many victims are hoping to get from their claims.
Having an attorney by your side at the soonest possible time is crucial. Not only can your attorney help prepare a successful legal strategy, they can help tell you which pitfalls to avoid. By handling your case on your behalf, your attorney provides you with the benefit of many years of legal experience. This experience is invaluable when it comes to knowing how to handle your case and how to document and gather evidence in support of your claim.
Unfortuatnely, many people wait too long to hire a lawyer or, worse yet, they do not hire one at all. This can be a costly mistake that results in the loss of thousands of dollars. Too often, victims will make statements against their interest or they will speak with an insurance adjuster which results in a less-than-adequate settlement.
National Explosion Accident Attorneys
Here at Burg Simpson, we have a dedicated and driven team of attorneys and legal professionals. We know how difficult and traumatic a gas explosion can be. Our attorneys have assisted hundreds of clients following these devastating events. We know what needs to be done in order to help get you the compensation that you deserve. Our firm has recovered more than $2 billion on behalf of injured victims and their loved ones, and we would be honored to assist you as well.
Our firm is standing by to provide legal assistance at any time. We offer free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. When we meet with you, we will go over all of the aspects of your claim. During this time, we will help come up with a plan that meets your legal needs and optimizes your chances of success.
Our firm handles most cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. Due to the statute of limitations, you should take action as soon as possible in order to avoid the loss of your legal rights. To schedule your appointment with one of our nationwide gas explosion accident attorneys, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-1325.
