Skip to Content

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 99 people lost their lives in 2019 due to explosions in the workplace. While this figure represents a 14 percent decrease over the previous year, it’s still a substantial number. Many of these accidents are preventable and arise from the negligence of another individual or entity. Those injured in such an accident should reach out to an experienced West Palm Beach gas explosion attorney as soon as possible to learn more about their legal rights.

Gas Explosion Injuries

Gas explosions are a danger to anyone around them. Being involved in or near a gas explosion can lead to many severe and sometimes even fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries from Florida gas explosions include:

Burn Injuries

Explosions have the potential to create a significant amount of heat, creating the potential for burn injuries. Burns can range from first-degree, which may only require relatively minor at-home treatment measures, to third-degree, which may require more intense treatment in the form of skin grafts or other medical procedures. The extent of a burn injury depends heavily on the size of the explosion, as well as the victim’s location at the time it occurred.

Head Trauma

Besides generating much heat, gas explosions also have the potential to release energy in the form of a blast wave. Depending on the size of an explosion, blast waves can result in severe head trauma to those in the surrounding area. These types of injuries can include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Inner ear injuries
  • Punctured retinas

Puncture Wounds and Impact Injuries

Explosions have the potential to send various size debris flying at high speeds in all directions from the blast zone. Depending on the type of debris and how fast they travel, it can increase the danger that the blast itself presents. Debris that is sharp or pointed can cause severe puncture wounds or lacerations. Debris that is blunt and heavier may cause blunt force trauma injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding, or even fatal injuries.

Injuries that arise from gas explosions are often severe and extremely costly. However, victims shouldn’t have to bear the burden of paying for their injuries. The person or party liable for the accident should be held accountable for the damages they caused. Pursing an injury claim with the help of a well-versed West Palm Beach gas explosion lawyer is often the most effective way to accomplish this. 

Steps to Take After a Gas Explosion

Experiencing a gas explosion and the resulting injuries can be highly traumatic and stressful. Unfortunately, accident victims often have more to deal with than their physical and emotional injuries. They often find themselves at a loss for what to do in the face of mounting medical expenses and being unable to return to work and earn their paycheck. Each gas explosion claim is different; however, the following steps can help in most cases.

 

1. Seek Medical Care

You should always prioritize your immediate medical care. This can be important for several different reasons. First, some injuries, such as head trauma, might not be readily apparent. Seeking a doctor’s care right away can help identify these injuries and prevent them from becoming any worse. Second, recovering compensation for your injuries will depend upon your ability to prove that your injuries resulted from the gas explosion you were involved in. Seeking medical attention quickly can make this link between your injuries and the accident stronger.

2. Report the Explosion and Your Injuries

If you are involved in or impacted by a gas explosion while on the job, report it to your supervisor. Then follow the company guidelines regarding your next steps. Some laws and regulations could prevent you from obtaining certain types of compensation if you don’t tell your employer as soon as possible that you have suffered injuries in an accident. Give the basic details of what happened and when it happened.

3. Document the Accident

Initially, after the explosion, it can be challenging to determine what evidence or facts may nor may not be critical in your case. It’s much better to be overprepared than underprepared when it comes to protecting your legal rights. If possible, collect evidence about the explosion, such as photos, videos, or witness contact information. You will also eventually need documents such as medical records, medical bills, and pay stubs to verify how much you are paid. Your West Palm Beach gas explosion lawyer can help you collect all the necessary evidence and documents you will need.

4. Contact a West Palm Beach Gas Explosion Attorney

Unfortunately, recovering compensation for your injuries after a Florida gas explosion isn’t a simple process. However, hiring a skilled West Palm Beach gas explosion lawyer can make this difficult time of life and complex process a lot easier. An experienced attorney can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries as they understand the actual value of your claim and can draft persuasive arguments to help you pursue it.

5. Continue to Follow Medical Advice

Don’t stop following your doctor’s medical advice in the weeks and months that follow your injuries. It’s vital to your claim that you continue to get the medical tests and treatments recommend by your doctor and limit your activities if they say to do so. Not adhering to this advice can decrease the value of your claim as it makes it seem as if you don’t have injuries or that they aren’t as severe.  

 

Reach Out to an Experienced West Palm Beach Gas Explosion Attorney Today

Navigating the process of a gas explosion is highly stressful, but there is help available. The West Palm Beach gas explosion lawyers at the Iscoe Law Firm have the experience and resources necessary to help you with your case. In fact, because we know that gas explosions and injuries can occur at any time, we are available to take your call 365 days a year, 24/7. Call us today at 800 800-6500 to schedule your complimentary case review. 

 

Skip to content
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.