An electrical explosion creates a major risk to individuals and also to property. According to statistics, more than 50,000 residential fires are caused each year by electrical explosions. In a recent year, these fires caused approximately 500 deaths and more than $1.4 billion in property damage. Electrical explosions can result in major injuries such as severe burns, scarring, disfigurement, and even death.

The consequences of an electrical explosion or burn can be severe and long-term. Victims may find themselves requiring medical treatment for the remainder of their lives. With such serious consequences, it is vital to obtain an attorney who understands how electrical explosions occur and how to protect your legal rights when you have been affected.

Here at Burg Simpson, our nationwide electrical explosion attorneys are standing by to help during your time of need. We fight to help victims obtain the compensation that they deserve. Give us a call today to see how we can help.

What Causes Electrical Explosions?  Electrical Explosions: Causes and Preventions

An electrical explosion is most commonly caused by what is known as an "arc flash." An arc clash occurs when an electrical current fails to follow its intended path. The failure results in a discharge of electricity, causing high temperature and pressure, leading to an explosion. An arc flash can be caused by several factors, including human error, environmental conditions, and equipment malfunctions.

There are several customary culprits of an electrical explosion. Frequent causes of these explosions are:

  • Overloaded circuits
  • Faulty wiring
  • Damaged equipment
  • Misuse of appliances or electrical systems
  • Electricity near a flammable source

Where Do Explosions Happen?

An explosion can occur in any place where there are electrical systems are present. The most common sites include:

  • Residential areas: Explosions can happen because of faulty wiring or damaged appliances or worn-out power outlets that are not up to existing building code standards
  • Commercial Buildings: Large electrical systems may fail or malfunction in office spaces, warehouses and other areas
  • Construction Sites: Electrical equipment is frequently in use at or near construction sites. A failure can lead to a catastrophic blast
  • Power Plants and Utility Companies: The use of energy, especially in high-voltage areas, is common at these sites and they may also be the site of an explosion.

Preventing Electrical Explosions

Due to their high potential for serious and catastrophic outcomes, preventing electrical explosions should be a priority. There are several steps that can be taken to prevent these blasts before they can happen.

Many electrical explosions occur due to overloaded circuits or poorly maintained electrical devices. In order to ensure that these potential hazards do not turn into an explosion, it is important to ensure that electrical circuits are not overloaded. Extension cords should also be used conservatively to avoid an overload explosion. Homeowners and business owners should inspect their electrical devices to ensure that they are operating safely. Any old or worn-out devices should be promptly repaired or replaced.

In addition, many people choose to do their own electrical work. While this may save a bit of money upfront, inexperienced electrical repairs are a main reason for explosions. Choosing a licensed electrical contractor is almost always preferable to trying to do the work yourself.

Steps to Take Following an Explosion

Following an electrical explosion, there are multiple steps that should be taken in the immediate aftermath of the blast. The first thing that should be done is to evacuate and contact 911 as soon as possible, ensuring your immediate safety. If there are suspected injuries, victims should seek medical care and also make sure that they obtain any necessary follow-up treatment.

After receiving care, it is important to properly preserve your legal rights. Contacting a nationwide electrical explosion accident lawyer right away is essential to ensuring that your rights are protected. Discussing your legal options is the first step towards ensuring that you can make a complete recovery.

Who is Liable for an Explosion Injury?

Determining liability for an electrical explosion is important to ensure that victims are fully compensated. Depending on the facts of the explosion, there may be several individuals and entities who can be held responsible for the explosion. This includes building owners, contractors, electrical companies, government individuals, and more.

Each explosion accident case presents its own set of facts. In order to determine who should be held responsible, you should speak with an attorney at the soonest possible time. Your attorney can provide you with appropriate legal advice and give you important information on your next steps.

Expert Witnesses

Many explosion accidents happen in a highly technical and scientific manner. For that reason, explaining how the explosion happened can be difficult for an average person. Expert witnesses can be utilized to establish the cause of the explosion and steps that could have been taken to avoid the blast.

Nationwide Electric Explosion Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been affected by an electrical explosion, you have likely suffered very serious and devastating injuries. Your injuries will require you to obtain significant compensation in order to make you whole again. It is important to have a lawyer who will stand up for your legal rights and obtain the outcome that you deserve. Here at Burg Simpson, we strongly believe that all negligent parties should be held fully accountable for their actions. Our team is dedicated to recovering compensation for those who were hurt in preventable accidents. Electrical accidents are complicated. Our attorneys will have a team of expert witnesses at your disposal to help investigate and build your case accordingly.

Our firm is standing by to assist you at any time. We utilize all of our resources to help win your case. We have recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for injured victims. With a team of dedicated attorneys and experts, you can rest assured that we are working for you at all times.

Our consultations are free for all potential and prospective clients. There is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. To speak with a national electrical explosion accident attorney, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-1830.