Plant Explosion FAQ

Answers to Common Questions about Plant Explosions

Injured in a plant explosion? If so, then you are likely already aware of the devastating aftermath of an incident such as this. It is highly encouraged that you do not hesitate to get the involvement of an experienced plant explosion lawyer at a time such as this to explain what you are facing and to give you a better understanding of the process that you will have to go through. At Arnold & Itkin, LLP we are aware of the confusion that often surrounds these types of claims and we are prepared to go the distance in our efforts to provide accessible and honest assistance when it is needed most. Below, you will find some of the most common questions about these types of claims both asked and answered.

• What are the most common causes of these plant explosions? While there are many different causes of plant explosions, it is unfortunate to say that most of these are preventable and can be noted as human error. For example, the failure to follow OSHA safety regulations or to have proper risk management strategies can all cause scenarios that overtime can build up to the actual explosion occurring. In some situations, it may be as simple as failing to get up-to-date equipment.


• If I have been injured, what is the first thing that I should do? The very first thing that you do regardless of anything else is to immediately seek medical attention. Even if you feel "fine," you could be experiencing the adrenaline and not be fully aware of injuries. In some cases, the injuries could manifest weeks later. You need to make sure that you take care of yourself by seeing a medical professional. After that, it is important to get the involvement of a knowledgeable industrial accident attorney to help you assess the situation and determine whether or not you have a claim.


• If my spouse was in a plant explosion and suffered PTSD, do I have a claim? Not every injury that is sustained from a plant explosion will be physical in nature. Over the years, the true affects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have begun to be noticed and have made a significant impact on the community. If your spouse has a severe case of PTSD after an explosion, you could have grounds to file a claim and seek to recover damages. The best way to know for sure is to consult our firm.


• Do I have to hire a lawyer that the union recommends to me? It entirely possible that after you have been involved in an industrial accident such as this that your union will recommend a lawyer for you to hire. You do not have to work with that attorney. In some cases, this is a helpful referral, but it is not mandatory. "Union firms" get a lot of business by working closely with the unions and their relationship may not be to your advantage. Do your research and hire a lawyer that you're comfortable working with - not just what the union is pressuring you to do.


• Should I see another doctor or just the one provided through workers' comp? In some cases, if you see a doctor other than the one that is chosen by your workers' compensation insurance carrier, your benefits may be terminated or you could be suspended for what is known as non-compliance. This, however, is not to say that you cannot seek a second opinion - it may just come out of pocket. To determine the best course of action and what is best for your claim, talk to a lawyer who will be able to explain your state specific laws and how they affect your choice in doctor.


• I am experiencing long-term effects that I think are related to an old plant explosion. What should I do? In some cases, toxins that are released from a plant explosion can cause contamination to the groundwater and the dirt in a local community. In these cases, residents can suffer from long-term exposure to possible carcinogens and can later begin to suffer from the affects. If you feel this is your case, it is highly encouraged that you get the involvement of a local attorney to help you pursue a case. This will be complicated because of the complex statute of limitations, but it is not an impossible case to pursue and should be done as soon as possible.

Why hire a plant explosion attorney?

If you have read through the above questions and you still have certain areas of uncertainty, it is highly encouraged that you pick up the phone or fill out the online case evaluation form to get a hold of a lawyer from our firm. We have been involved in case explosion cases before and we are prepared to go the distance in our efforts to protect your legal rights and fight for the just outcome that you deserve. You can be confident knowing that should you choose to work with our firm that we will do everything that we can to help you maximize your recovery and hold negligent plant owners accountable for their accounts.

Do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Itkin, LLP today to discuss your case and to ask any other questions that you may have in regards to a plant explosion case.