Gas explosions are among the deadliest and least predictable accidents that can happen. They often occur with very little warning, resulting in tragic injuries, emotional trauma, and widespread property damage. Unfortunately, gas explosions can happen at work, at home, or anywhere people are exposed to gas and other explosive materials. They can be caused by defective products, negligence, or improperly maintained equipment.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries caused by explosions can leave permanent scars and may require intensive, risky surgery, expensive hospital stays, and lengthy rehabilitation. In many cases, explosion victims are unable to work while they recover, adding even greater stress to the recovery process. In addition to the physical damage, explosions can also leave victims with emotional trauma.
Burn injuries fall into three categories:
First-degree burns, in which the outer layer of skin is the only layer damaged;
Second-degree burns, in which the outer layer and underneath layer are damaged; and
Third-degree burns, in which the deepest layer of skin and tissue underneath are damaged.
People who suffer burn injuries can be at risk for deadly infections. Consequences of burns can include nerve damage, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and respiratory problems.
In addition, to burn injuries specifically, explosion victims can experience traumatic brain injury—including concussions—severe cuts, crush injuries, soft tissue damage, and chemical exposure. Each of these—including traumatic brain injuries and concussions—has the potential to be permanently harmful to the victim.
Work-Related Explosions
People who work with dangerous materials know all too well how risky their job can be, and that at any time something can go severely wrong. Even workers who aren’t working with hazardous materials, however, could be at risk of experiencing a devastating explosion at work, putting their life and health in jeopardy. In such cases, when employees are victims to a work-related explosion, it’s vital they ensure their rights are protected and the people who are responsible for the damage are held accountable.
Workers exposed to an extreme blast could suffer injuries including burns, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, severe lacerations, soft tissue damage, and chemical exposure.
In a work-related explosion, you will likely be able to file a workers’ compensation claim but you may also be eligible to file a lawsuit against the person or parties responsible for your injuries. Attorneys at Patterson Dahlberg Injury Lawyers are experienced in investigating explosions to determine who is responsible for our clients’ injuries.
Dodge Center Explosion
Five people were severely injured in a January 11, 2017, explosion at a McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing facility in Dodge Center, Minnesota. According to a lawsuit filed on their behalf, the plaintiffs suffered horrific injuries, including burns to their face, neck, torso, arms, and fingers.
They also suffered respiratory failure, renal failure, smoke inhalation, concussion, and PTSD. Two of the victims suffered burns on approximately 50 percent of their bodies and required multiple surgeries. At least some of their scars will never heal.
The five victims—Eemou See, Anthony Putratz, Claudia Arevalo Linares, Jose Rodriguez, and Armando Vargas—were simply carrying out their regular job duties and could not have prevented the explosion. They paid the price for a truck component that was defectively designed, manufactured, tested, and inspected.
Specifically, their lawsuit alleges the explosion at the plant was caused by a failure in a Swagelok-manufactured hose, which was connected to a truck’s compressed natural gas (CNG) system. The hose failure released CNG into the air and the gas exploded, causing massive injuries to the plaintiffs.
Explosion and Burn Injury Lawsuits
Among the damages you could receive compensation for in an explosion lawsuit or burn injury lawsuit:
Permanent injury and/or disability
Lost wages
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
Explosion Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn or explosion injury, contact Patterson Dahlberg Injury Lawyers for a no-obligation case evaluation. Our Minnesota burn injury lawyers have experience representing victims who have been injured in gas explosions, propane explosions, and other blasts that cause devastating, life-threatening injuries.
We also have experience defending our clients’ rights against large corporations in cases that involve complex investigation.
Our explosion attorneys will advocate for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your burn injuries. Contact us to discuss your case.