Plant Explosion FAQ
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 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 adrenaline and not be fully aware of your 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 suffered PTSD after a plant explosion, 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 effects 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 is 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.
Should I see the doctor 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 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 can explain your state specific
laws and how they affect your choice in doctor.
I am experiencing long-term effects. 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 effects. 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.
Do not hesitate to
contact Arnold & Itkin LLP today to ask any other questions that you may have.