Types of Plant Explosion Injuries
Recent studies have placed the United States at the top of a list it definitely
did not want to top—the country with the highest amount of deaths
relating to explosions. America tops out the list with 197 deaths, followed
by Colombia (105 deaths), South Korea (78 deaths), and Brazil (72 deaths).
Mexico, Japan, and Germany also make appearances on the list.
Common Injuries Sustained in a Plant Explosion
Usually, the injuries that are sustained in a plant explosion are from
the extreme heat that occurs during the explosion. Statistics have shown
that these accidents can result in degrees stepping over a thousand degrees
in heat. This will, essentially, vaporize anything in its direct vicinity.
For humans, this is fatal. Even should someone be hundreds of yards away
from the epicenter of the blast, they can suffer from third degree burns
covering a vast majority of their body.
If the heat isn't what causes the injuries, it is most likely caused
by the force of the blast. Not only can this affect the human's body
itself (often resulting in them being thrown), but it can result in the
infrastructure crashing to the ground. Falling walls, ceilings, and other
pieces of the building can cause crush injuries, amputations, broken bones,
as well as damage to internal organs, the spine, and even the brain. In
many cases, the force can be compared to a plane crash.
It is also important to note that not every injury that is sustained in
a plant explosion has to do with the physical impact felt by the victim.
In fact, in some cases, the harshest aftermath of the explosion will manifest as
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In these cases, the anxiety and mental distress can be more than some
people can handle—and can, in fact, affect far more people than
just the actual victim. For example, spouses could have grounds to file a claim.
Primary, Secondary, Tertiary & Quaternary Injuries
Primary Injuries
A primary injury is one that affects the gas filled structures of the body
because of the wave of over-pressurization from the explosive. Most of
the time the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and middle of the ear are
susceptible to a primary injury from an explosion. Some of the common
injuries include a blast lung (also called pulmonary barotrauma), a globe
rupture (injury that causes the rupture of the eye,) a concussion that
occurs without any of the physical signs of a head injury, or a TM rupture
and middle ear damage. Many times the pressure of the blast will burst
an ear drum, which can be excruciatingly painful and lead to permanent
deafness. Primary injuries can also include abdominal hemorrhages.
Secondary Injuries
This category of explosion injuries involves those that result from flying
debris and bomb fragments. Often, an explosion will damage buildings or
structures and send heavy or sharp fragments throughout the air. These
fragments or flying portions of a building can cause extreme harm to victims.
Any part of the body can be affected by a secondary injury, but most often
the injuries are blunt injuries or penetrating injuries. Sometimes, a
blast can result in an eye penetration that can lead to permanent blindness.
Sharp objects such as nails or pieces of metal may also cause deep lacerations,
or other more serious injuries. It may require surgery to remove the fragments
that caused these secondary injuries.
Tertiary Injuries
Victims of an explosion can also suffer from tertiary injuries. These are
injuries that are suffered when the individual is thrown by the blast
wind from the explosion. The force of the blast wind may cause people
to topple backwards and suffer a blunt force trauma injury to the head
or fracture a wrist or leg as they tumble backwards. According to the
CDC, most of the time tertiary injuries are fractures and traumatic amputations.
They can also be closed or open brain injuries.
Quaternary Injuries
Finally, a person who is at the scene of an explosion may suffer from a
quaternary injury. Most of the time, quaternary injuries are those that
are exacerbations of existing conditions or complications. For example,
if a person has a heart condition already, then an explosion may cause
him or her to go into cardiac arrest. As well, those with asthma may have
a terrible attack in the event of an explosion. Also, any injuries, illnesses,
or diseases that are developed later after an explosion are typically
considered quaternary injuries.
Plant Explosion Law Firm: Help Protect the Victims
For victims who have been involved in a
plant explosion, we at Arnold & Itkin encourage you to give us a call as soon as possible.
We want you to know that just because you have not filed a claim yet does
not mean that you are without hope. You have up to two years to file a
claim; in many cases, it is recommended that you wait until you are sure
to do so. In fact, many of the most valuable cases that have been made
in regard to these types of explosions waited almost 18 months before
they decided to file. That being said, don't let the statute of limitations
pass you by. If you are suffering from the adverse effects of
smoke inhalation or any other type of injury, we urge you to contact us today.
Arnold & Itkin fought for workers who survived the
2013 Williams Olefins explosion in Geismar, LA. Nearly a dozen plant explosion victims came to us for help because we
had the resources to help them put their lives back together. When the
company refused to acknowledge their responsibility for the explosion
that killed 2 and injured 167, we helped our clients take them to court.
In the end,
our clients received over $30 million total for the injuries they suffered. Our firm did the same for victims
of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and the 2005 BP Texas City explosions.
Give our firm a call and you will be able to rest assured knowing that
you will be represented by an attorney who has the resources necessary
to helping you fight for your rights. You can be confident knowing that
should you choose to work with our firm that we will be there to help
you in every way possible as we fight for your maximum recovery.
If you have been injured in a plant explosion, do not hesitate to
contact Arnold & Itkin LLP today!