Plant Explosion Lawyers

If you’re facing serious injuries in or Texas due to another person’s or corporation’s negligence, recklessness, dangerous actions, car or truck accident, or faulty products, it’s crucial to get legal representation from Dunham & Jones, the Trusted Texas Personal Injury Attorneys. Dunham & Jones can help you recover compensation for medical costs, income losses, pain, suffering, and other damages through a meticulously crafted personal injury or wrongful death claim in Texas. Call 888-222-9746 now for your free injury case review and discuss your case in detail.

The economic recovery in the oil and gas markets has led to a new round of industrial expansion both inside and outside the oil fields. While this recovery is good news for wages and employment, it has also resulted in an increase in industrial accident injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an industrial plant explosion, call us today for a FREE consultation. Our experienced and qualified Texas injury lawyers are here to help you with your case.

Causes of Industrial Plant Explosions

Industrial plant explosions can have devastating consequences. Although there are dozens of possible causes for these accidents, many fall into five general categories:

Employee Carelessness

Employee carelessness is probably the most common cause of industrial plant explosions in Texas and nationwide. While it is often not a direct cause, it can initiate a “chain of events” that ends with the accident. Examples include:

• Failing to follow safety protocols
• Neglecting routine maintenance
• Mishandling hazardous materials

Defective Equipment

Defective equipment includes malfunctioning systems and improperly installed machinery. Common issues include:

• Malfunctioning ventilation systems
• Faulty automatic fire controls
• Rupture of storage vessels and tanks
• Improperly installed equipment failing to monitor conditions or processes correctly

Improper Storage of Raw Materials and/or Finished Products

Many industrial processes use potentially toxic chemicals, such as acids and heavy metals. Improper storage can lead to:

• Chemical reactions
• Leaks and spills
• Fires and explosions

All hazardous substances must be stored under precise conditions to ensure safety until they can be used or rendered harmless.

Weather

While weather conditions are beyond control, industrial plant designers must account for their potential effects. Examples include:

• Flooding, often  caused by hurricanes
• High winds and storms

Failure to design facilities to withstand these conditions can lead to catastrophic failures in industrial control systems.

Call Dunham & Jones at 888-222-9746 to schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney and learn how we can help you with your Industrial Plant Explosion case. Dunham & Jones was established in 1989 and is dedicated to helping it’s clients get the best results.

Long-Term Exposure After a Plant Explosion

Industrial accidents can result in chronic health issues from long-term exposure to toxic substances. Examples include:

Development of symptoms from low-level exposure over years
Health hazards to nearby residents due to airborne toxins

Victims of long-term exposure, whether workers or local residents, may seek damages from the industrial plant or refinery owner.

Types of Damages That May Be Awarded in Industrial Plant Explosions

In any type of accident, the injured person has the right to demand payment for any losses they have suffered, provided those losses were the direct result of the accident and the accident was due to one or more acts of negligence by the responsible party. These payments, known as damages, fall into three general categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive.

• Economic Damages are those to which a definite dollar value can be assigned. They cover actual costs incurred by the accident victim and may include:
  • Medical Expenses: Both current and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and medications.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
  • Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing damaged personal property.
  • Temporary Living Expenses: Costs incurred if the victim needs to live elsewhere while recovering or if their home is uninhabitable.
• Non-Economic Damages compensate accident victims for intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar value. These may include:
  • Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the victim.
  • Emotional Distress: Psychological impact on the victim and their family, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the victim’s reduced ability to enjoy everyday activities and hobbies.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family, including loss of companionship and support.
  • Disruption to Family Life and Social Activities: Compensation for the negative impact on family outings, social events, and religious services.
• Punitive Damages, also known as exemplary damages, are intended to punish acts of negligence that resulted in injury. These damages are awarded based on the degree of negligence involved:
  • Severity of Negligence: More severe or deliberate acts of negligence are punished more harshly than simple oversights.
  • Deterrent Effect: Punitive damages serve to deter the responsible party and others from engaging in similar negligent behavior.

Depending on the laws of the state where the injury occurred, there may be a cap on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded. Your industrial plant explosion lawyer can advise you on whether pursuing punitive damages is appropriate based on the circumstances of your injury.

Call Dunham & Jones today at 888-222-9746 to schedule a free consultation with a Texas Texas Plant Accident lawyer. Texas Plant Accident cases need an experienced injury law firm such as Dunham & Jones. Dunham & Jones was established in 1989 and is dedicated to helping it’s clients get the best results.

Why Do Plant Explosions Often Cause Widespread Damage?

Plants, particularly those involved in refining oil and chemicals, contain major mechanical parts and significantly dangerous chemicals. These chemicals are typically flammable, corrosive, explosive, and even carcinogenic. Once a plant experiences even a small disaster, there is potential for a significant explosion due to these chemicals and the machinery present.

Key Factors Leading to Widespread Damage:

1. Many plants store and use chemicals that are highly volatile and dangerous. These can include flammable liquids and gases, corrosive substances, and explosive materials. When these chemicals are released or improperly handled, they can cause large-scale explosions and fires.
2. A small initial disaster, such as a leak or minor fire, can quickly escalate. The presence of hazardous chemicals can lead to chain reactions, where one incident triggers multiple explosions or chemical releases.
3. Industrial plants often have complex machinery that can contribute to the severity of an explosion. Equipment failures, such as malfunctioning safety valves or ruptured pipelines, can exacerbate the situation, leading to more significant damage.
4. Plant explosions can get out of hand very quickly, making it difficult to contain and too dangerous for firefighters and emergency personnel to approach and contain the blaze or damage immediately. First responders may have to wait until the chemicals burn out before they can get close, delaying rescue and containment efforts.
5. During an explosion, hazardous chemicals can be released into the air, affecting the surrounding area and communities. This release can lead to long-term environmental damage and health risks for nearby residents.
6. The force of an explosion can cause extensive structural damage to the plant and surrounding buildings. Debris and shrapnel can be propelled over large distances, causing further destruction and injury.

Texas Plant Explosion FAQ

You may have many questions about plant explosions, especially when you see news reports about a new incident. Texas frequently experiences plant explosions due to its numerous petroleum product and chemical manufacturing facilities. Below are some common questions and answers provided by our Texas personal injury lawyer.

What Are the Risks in Your Community?

Understanding Local Risks

• Know if there are chemical plants or oil refineries nearby. Living within a few miles of these facilities can put you at risk during an explosion.
• Workers inside the facility and nearby residents are most at risk of injuries or property damage.

Emergency Alerts

• Be aware of local emergency personnel using loudspeakers or other alert systems to inform you of hazards.
• Check local news if you see, hear, or feel an explosion, and follow guidance from emergency personnel and municipal leaders.

What Should You Do If an Explosion Occurs?

Have a Plan

• Create an emergency plan similar to a fire escape plan, especially if you have children.
• Depending on the situation and damage, decide whether to stay indoors or evacuate if your home’s structural integrity is compromised.

Should You Clean the Debris?

Handling Debris

• Listen to local officials about handling debris and listen to the official guidance.
• If debris or air is contaminated by chemicals, allow hazmat safety experts to handle the cleanup.

Do You Need Medical Care?

Seek Immediate Help

• If you or a loved one is injured, call 9-1-1 and seek medical care immediately.
• Continue all recommended medical treatments until fully recovered.

How Do You Report Damage?

Reporting Process

• Report any damage to your home to your insurance carrier and local emergency personnel.
• Ensure police and fire officials document the damage. This report will be crucial for your insurance claim.
• Your insurance carrier will likely pursue a claim against the plant or refinery owners for compensation to repair your home.

We Represents Industrial Plant Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in an industrial plant accident, don’t navigate the legal complexities alone. Call Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law at 888-222-9746 today for for a FREE consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. We are here to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.