Explosion Injuries at Construction Sites

Explosions might make for interesting headlines, but for the families of construction workers affected by an explosion on a worksite, these accidents have tragic consequences. Injuries inflicted by an explosion can be severe and catastrophic, and Florida’s workers’ compensation system may not provide enough financial relief for an injured worker and his or her family to survive. If you or a loved one were injured in an explosion at a construction site, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your options.

According to OSHA, explosions and fires and construction sites injure upwards of 5,000 people every year. Many of these accidents injure and kill multiple people at one time. When an explosion occurs, it is usually a sign that something has gone horribly wrong. When the explosion is the result of negligence, a worker injured by the blast may be able to file a lawsuit for his or her injuries.

Explosions are often the result of safety violations. Some common causes include the improper storage of flammable materials, a fire that reaches combustible materials, improper ventilation, and gas leaks. Chemical explosions, pressurized container explosions, and fires and explosions from arc flashes and blasts are also common.

Whether the explosion is caused by hazardous chemicals, leaking gases, or faulty wiring, chances are good that some type of negligence proceeded the blast. It is often necessary to complete a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion to find fault.

Injuries caused by explosions are usually more severe than others because of the nature of the blast. Explosions take workers by surprise, which means that there is not time to protect oneself. People nearby might be thrown from the blast site, while workers farther away could be hurt by flying debris or glass. Large explosions may even cause a structure or an entire building to collapse.

With almost every explosion comes the risk of fire. In addition to the dangers of being physically thrown or struck by objects, explosions can also cause excruciating burns. These burns might not only be from the heat of the fire but may be caused by caustic liquids and gases created by the explosion. Burn injuries can take months to heal, and often leave victims with permanent scarring.

Explosions and fires are even more dangerous on a construction site than in a residential home. Unlike most houses and apartments, construction sites often do not have smoke detectors or sprinklers, which would alert workers to the danger and help put out the fire. Additionally, the unfinished structure and miscellaneous building materials at the site can cause additional hazards during an explosion or fire.

While explosions and fires are incredibly dangerous, they are also extremely preventable. Nearly all explosions are the result of someone’s negligence. For instance, a contractor might encourage workers to cut corners on following safety protocols. Or, combustible materials and flammable gases might be stored improperly. Over time, a slow leak of a dangerous gas may build up until it eventually explodes.

The cause of an explosion is not always clear. It is often necessary to perform a thorough examination of the scene and any security or video footage available. Police and fire investigators will likely question witnesses as well as the supervisor or owner of the job site. In some cases, these investigators may be joined by investigators from state or federal workers’ safety agencies.

If you were injured in an explosion, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to work with these investigators and preserve evidence relevant to a civil lawsuit. The attorney may also need to hire outside or independent investigators to look further into the causes of the explosion. Often, collecting this data and evidence comes at a significant cost to the law firm handling the case.

At Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., we have the financial resources necessary to fully pursue your case from beginning to end, at no up-front cost to you. Our Miami explosion accident lawyers work on a contingent fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win your case. To learn more about your options after an injury caused by an explosion, schedule a free consultation by calling (877) 475-2905 today.