Catastrophic explosion accidents often occur when combustible fuel, such as gasoline, oil, propane or natural gas, or combustible particulate matter is concentrated in an enclosed space and then ignited.
While explosions typically have easily identifiable consequences — burns, brain injuries, broken bones and even death — it is still important to have an accomplished Oakland explosion injury attorney on your side when filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Issues, such as liability, comparative fault, damages and the cost of future health care needs, can make these cases very complex. Only an experienced attorney can effectively guide you to a successful outcome.
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, our team has decades of experience, and focuses on burn and explosion injury cases, as well as other complicated personal injury matters. Led by our partners and their more than 60 combined years of experience, we have reached many successful outcomes and recovered in excess of $200 million for clients throughout California.
If your explosion injury case involves a government entity, it is especially vital to speak with our lawyers right away. Any claims against California government entities must be brought within six months of an accident, or else you claim will be barred forever.
Call Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, today at 800-652-6137 to learn about your legal options in a free consultation.
Types Of Explosion Injuries
Explosion injuries, which are also referred to as blast injuries, are put into four designations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as shown below.
| Type Of Injury | Examples |
| Primary: caused by the blast wave from the explosion hitting the body | Pulmonary damage, air embolism, damage to internal organs, destruction of the tympanic membrane and other structures in the ear |
| Secondary: caused by debris and projectiles launched by the blast | Blunt or piercing trauma, fragmentation injuries |
| Tertiary: caused when someone is thrown or displaced by the force of the blast | Fractures, some blunt or piercing trauma (although less than in secondary injuries) |
| Quaternary: caused by all other damage from the explosion such as damage to nearby structures to collapse on victims | Burns, toxic exposure, asphyxia, crush injuries |
Industries Most Susceptible To Explosion Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that there are specific industries that are especially susceptible to explosion accidents. These include:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Construction
- Tire and rubber manufacturing
- Metal processing
- Fossil fuel power generation
- Chemical manufacturers
- Food processing (sugar, tobacco, grain)
- Fertilizer manufacturers
Additionally, explosions and burns are constant dangers for those who work at any of California’s oil refineries, or who transport fuel of any kind.
Contact The Berkeley Burn Injury Attorneys At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP
Schedule a free initial consultation at 800-652-6137 or through our online form.