When an explosion occurs, it can cause serious injuries to both individuals as well as surrounding property and the environment. The impact of explosions may be felt for days, weeks, months, and even years after the blast with many injuries being permanent in nature. When you or a loved one have been the victim of a natural gas or other explosion, you are likely looking for answers to several questions. One of the most important questions that must be answered in the aftermath of an explosion is why the blast occurred. It is also crucial to determine what steps could have been taken to avoid the explosion in the first place.
These questions are at the heart of post-explosion investigations. The point of an investigation is to determine what went wrong and to hopefully avoid the mistakes that led to the blast in the first place. While future prevention is a good thing, it does not help victims in the present. When you have been impacted by a blast, you should be fully aware of your legal rights. Speaking with a skilled and seasoned national explosion accident lawyer is the first step towards protecting your legal rights and obtaining the compensation that you deserve.
Here at Burg Simpson, we stand ready to help at any time. If you believe you may have legal action following an explosion, give us a call right away to see how we can be of assistance.
What Causes Explosions? 
Most people go to work each day and do not have to wonder whether they will make it home safely. However, not all industries provide such strong assurances of safety in the workplace. The possibility of an explosion is a reality that must be faced by workers in certain industries, including:
- Oil and gas
- Mining
- Manufacturing and industrial plants
- Construction
These industries are especially prone to the risks of sudden explosions. The cause of each explosion will be carefully investigated and documented. However, from a scientific standpoint, an explosion generally occurs when a combustible chemical or material comes into contact with an ignition agent. The combustible particle can be something as simple as dust that builds up on surfaces and eventually turns into a fire and explosion hazard.
The sad reality is that most explosions are preventable and result from a series of human errors or mechanical breakdowns. For instance, a pipeline may explode due to damages or cracks in its structural integrity that allow for hazardous materials to escape. An explosion can occur at a construction site when an untrained employee is allowed to handle hazardous materials such as dynamite.
Investigating an Explosion
The task of investigating an explosion begins immediately after the blast occurs. Due to the fact that most explosions occur in workplaces across America, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) may be the first agency that gets involved with the investigation. OSHA regulators and officials will usually come to the site of the blast. Investigators are often looking for evidence that leads them to a conclusion as to why the explosion occurred. They are also looking for any violations of applicable federal laws or regulations that are in place to avoid or prevent an explosion from occurring in the first place.
Along with federal regulators, investigators from local law enforcement agencies may also be involved in examining the explosion. If there is a possibility that the explosion was intentionally caused with the intent to harm persons or property then the investigation can turn into a criminal inquiry. This happens mostly in cases of terrorist and enemy attacks,
Finally, other agencies may also be involved in the post-explosion investigation. The company or owner of the facility where the explosion occurred may conduct an internal investigation into the blast. This involves speaking with employees and others who may have insight into the cause of the explosion. These internal reports may be compiled as a memorandum or other official document.
Legal Investigations
Apart from federal or in-house investigations, a nationwide explosion accident attorney will also conduct their own investigation into the cause of the blast. This investigation can rely on documents obtained from other investigations as well as information obtained from these sources.
Most explosions are complex technical and scientific processes. Determining exactly how and why they occurred requires the use of an expert witness and expert testimony. Having an expert heading your legal investigation into the blast is extremely important. Your attorney will ensure that they expert conducting your legal investigation has the appropriate credentials and expertise to conduct such an investigation.
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should contact an attorney for legal advice. Having a lawyer by your side ensures that your case is handled appropriately from the beginning and that complete investigations are conducted before taking additional steps in the case.
Nationwide Explosion Accident Attorneys
Reaching out to a national explosion accident lawyer is the best move you can make following a blast. You are likely to have many questions about your legal rights. You are well within your rights to expect answers to those questions. Investigations that take place following an explosion are designed to help you understand what occurred and who should be held responsible. At Burg Simpson, we will ensure that your legal rights are always fully protected. Your attorney is here to give you proper advice and help you move forward along the ultimate path to recovery.
Our firm provides free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients. Each day, we devote our resources to assisting victims of serious injury accidents, including chemical, gas, and oil explosions. Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there is no financial obligation until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. We are standing by to take your call at any time. To schedule your time to speak with one of our nationwide explosion accident attorneys, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call any time at (866) 695-2095.