We use chemicals in just about every aspect of our daily lives. Chemicals are key components in every product that we use and consume. However, plants, where these chemicals are manufactured and refined, can be hazardous, particularly if explosions occur. Here, we want to discuss some of the main causes of chemical plant and refinery explosions. At the Doan Law Firm, our team has extensive experience handling complex industrial accident claims, and we understand how these incidents can affect those involved.

Common Causes of Chemical Plant and Refinery Explosions

Chemical plant and refinery explosions could have many causes. When analyzing the causes of plant explosions throughout this country, our attorneys often find that these incidents occur because of the following:

• A lack of equipment maintenance
• Electrical hazards
• Improper maintenance of machinery
• The use of impure or dirty chemicals
• Well blowouts
• Unsafe procedures
• Boilers that are not properly cared for
• Flammable chemicals or materials
• Malfunctioning equipment
• Unseen corrosion
• A lack of employee training
• Poor labeling of equipment or chemicals
• Careless cigarette smoking
• Violation of OSHA safety regulations

Who is Liable After a Chemical Plant or Refinery Explosion?

There may be various parties that could be held liable for injuries in the aftermath of a chemical plant or refinery explosion. In most cases, we will find that the plant owner or operator will hold liability for these incidents. This is usually due to the owner or operator’s careless or negligent actions in allowing for unsafe conditions to develop.

However, we do need to point out that most injured chemical plant and refinery employees will secure compensation for these injuries through workers’ compensation claims. In these incidents, workers can receive coverage for their medical bills, lost income, and disability benefits. However, workers will be unable to recover compensation for their pain and suffering damages.

In some explosion cases, there may be other parties that could be held liable through a third-party explosion accident lawsuit. This will particularly be the case if the careless or negligent actions of a party other than the employer or an employee led to the explosion occurring. Third-party personal injury lawsuits in these situations could arise in the event a contractor or subcontractor caused the explosion or if defective equipment or products caused the incident. In these cases, victims will be entitled to much more compensation than they otherwise would be in a workers’ compensation claim.

Chemical Plant and Refinery Explosion Injuries

Chemical plants and refinery explosions often lead to serious injuries for those involved. Some of the most common injuries that our attorneys help clients within the aftermath of these incidents include the following:

• Burn injuries. The extreme heat and chemical reactions that result from chemical plant explosions often lead to victims sustaining severe burns.
• Acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma is caused by the noise generated by a chemical plant explosion. This can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Orthopedic injuries. The force of an initial chemical plant blast can lead to significant muscle sprains and strains, broken or dislocated bones, damaged vertebrae, and herniated discs.
• Smoke inhalation. Inhaling smoke from a chemical plant explosion can lead to significant short- and long-term health complications.
• Lacerations or punctures. The initial explosion incident, as well as falling and exploding debris, can lead to serious and painful lacerations or puncture wounds.

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a chemical plant or refinery explosion, please seek assistance from the Doan Law Firm as soon as possible. Our Houston plant explosion lawyer has extensive experience handling complex industrial explosion cases, and we have the resources necessary to fully investigate these claims. When you need a chemical plant and refinery explosion attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 800-349-0000.