According to statistics, there are about 800 reported explosions in the United States each year. Many of these explosions take place in industrial and manufacturing plants. Explosions also occur on sites where flammable and dangerous chemicals are handled. This includes areas such as construction sites, oil rigs, coal mines, and even in homes and apartment complexes. The cause of each explosion must be carefully studied and documented in order to determine how it took place and who should be held responsible. The results of investigations will play a key role in any legal actions that are filed following the blast.
Explosions are powerful events caused by the chemical reactions that occur when a combustible chemical or material comes into contact with an ignition agent. The resulting explosion generates a massive wave of force and pressure. Bystanders at or near the explosion site are at risk of suffering major injuries due to the explosion and its related effects. There are several possible life-altering scenarios for those in the immediate vicinity of an explosion. In this article, we will take a look at some of the medical complications and potential consequences that victims face following a blast.
As always, if you or a loved one have been injured by an explosion, you should reach out to an experienced national explosion accident lawyer at the soonest possible time.
Common Explosion Accident Injuries 
Explosion accident injuries are often serious and life-altering in nature and can even be fatal. There are several common injuries suffered by victims following the explosion. Some injuries that are frequently sustained include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Among the most often reported injuries following an explosion. A TBI can affect perception and cognition and results in symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, intense headaches, and light sensitivity
- Broken Bones: The most often injured area includes extremities that are exposed to the effects of the explosion
- Internal Injuries: Victims can suffer internal injuries such as abdominal injuries and internal bleeding from the impact of objects with the surface of their bodies
- Crush Injuries: The impact of objects on the body can result in crush injuries that can be serious and fatal in nature
Mechanisms of Explosion Injuries
According to the CDC, there are four primary mechanisms of explosion injuries.
- Primary: A primary injury occurs in a high-order explosion. Primary injuries happen when the body comes into contact with the pressurized wave produced by the explosion. The most commonly affected body parts are gas-filled structures such as the lungs, GI tract, and middle ear.
- Secondary: A secondary injury is caused by flying debris and objects from the explosion. This can affect any body part and can lead to both internal or external injuries.
- Tertiary: Tertiary injuries occur when a person is thrown due to force or wind from the explosion. A tertiary injury often leads to blunt force trauma injuries, and broken bones but may result in any type of injury.
- Quaternary: Quaternary injuries consist of any other injury which cannot be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary. A quaternary injury may result from the long-term effects of an explosion, including lung injuries, terminal and chronic illnesses from exposure to harmful chemicals, burns, and heat-related injuries.
Seeking Medical Attention
Following an explosion, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In many cases, seeking treatment is not optional as victims will suffer serious injuries and will be taken directly from the explosion site to a nearby hospital or trauma center. In other cases, the injuries may not be evident at first, especially when there are internal injuries involved. If victims have been exposed to an explosion, they should obtain a medical evaluation immediately, even if they do not believe that they are hurt.
In addition to an initial evaluation, it is imperative to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor. This ensures that your injuries are properly treated and that the healing process is not delayed or prolonged.
Long-Term Injuries
One frequent consequence of explosions are long-term and permanent injuries. Acute injuries such as broken bones and soft tissue injuries will normally heal over time. However, other injuries including TBIs, scarring, and disfigurement can be long-term and permanent in nature. Victims who suffer long-term injuries must ensure that that their legal rights are appropriately protected. When negotiating a settlement, the cost of future medical care future pain and suffering and loss of quality of life must be considered. Failing to take these matters into account can result in an inadequate settlement.
National Explosion Accident Attorneys
When you or a loved one have been injured in an explosion accident, you should be fully aware of your legal rights. Seeking serious legal representation is the first step to ensuring that you are not left empty-handed. If you were hurt and someone else was at fault, you are entitled to recover all of your legal damages. You have the right to be made whole following an explosion, including payment of your current and expected future medical bills resulting from your injuries.
At Burg Simpson, we strongly believe that all negligent individuals and entities should be held fully responsible for their actions. We protect the legal rights of our clients and fight back against careless and reckless behavior. While an explosion is certainly a serious and unexpected event, we are here to help during your time of need.
Our firm always offers free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. We know what needs to be done in order to help you obtain the compensation that you need and deserve. There is no legal fee until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. You have a limited time to act following the explosion. In order to protect your legal rights, please reach out to us right away. Our national explosion accident attorneys are standing by to help you at any time. To speak with us about your case, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 696-1726.
