Injuries from Explosions

Injuries from Explosions in Indiana

Explosions are frightening events, the unexpected noise, tremors, debris, fire and fumes often being experienced by those at quite a distance from the site as well as those in the immediate vicinity.

The explosion that takes you by surprise may cause injuries and medical expenses that are also shocking, leaving you wondering how your family will fare in the future.

The Indiana explosion attorneys of Stephenson Rife in Indianapolis have been bringing resolution to victims of unwelcome surprises since 1981. We can help you recover compensation when the actions of a negligent person or business have resulted in an explosion that caused your harm.
Use our online contact form or call 317-680-2501 for a free consultation about your potential personal injury claim.

Here, There and Everywhere

The list of possible explosion sites is practically endless, because a blast can happen anywhere fuel, chemicals or electricity are in use.
Stephenson Rife can help you after any one of the following types of explosions:

• Vehicle gas tank or fuel line fire and explosion
• Furnace explosion
• Boiler explosion
• Exploding water heater
• Transformer accident
• Propane tank explosion
• Gas grill accident
• Airplane crash
• Ammunition explosion
• Power generator explosion
• Chemical reaction
• Dust explosion
• Bombs and other acts of terrorism.

Workplace Accidents

Some of the most deadly workplace disasters in history involved explosions. Such incidents often occur because the employer fails to properly address a known safety hazard.

• A 2013 explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant killed 15, injured more than 150 and damaged dozens of homes and businesses. The following year, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board announced its finding that the fire and explosion of ammonium nitrate were due to the failure of company officials to safely store the chemicals in its stockpile.
• A 2010 explosion at the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11, injured 17 and resulted in the largest oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Reports said management knew key safety equipment had been compromised in earlier incidents, but chose to ignore the potential for disaster.
• Also in 2010, a Huntsville, Alabama, plant that manufactured rocket fuel was the scene of a fiery explosion. Federal investigators later cited the plant’s owners for six serious violations and willfully exposing workers to fire and explosive hazards without proper protection.

Employers may be held liable for many actions or omissions which have led to workplace explosions, injuries and deaths, including the following:

• Violating safety regulations
• Providing inadequate safety training for employees
• Failing to provide necessary protective gear
• Allowing a known dangerous condition to persist
• Failing to reasonably inspect working conditions and/or premises
• Using faulty or outdated technology or equipment
• Failing to maintain equipment
• Failing to address fire or electrical hazards
• Improperly storing chemicals or other materials.

Injuries Suffered in Explosions

There are four categories of injuries associated with explosions:

1. Primary blast injuries are caused by the enormous pressure of air on body parts. These injuries commonly involve the ears, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
2. Secondary injuries are those caused by flying objects which strike those near the explosion.
3. A high-energy explosion may knock someone off their feet and propel them through the air. The injuries suffered when they hit the ground or an object are tertiary blast injuries.
4. All of the other injuries that occur as the result of an explosion are classified as quaternary injuries and may include crush injuries, burns and inhalation of toxic gases.