Houston Explosion Injury Lawyer
Legally Reviewed By: Jud WaltmanWhat produces explosions in the Houston area?
Common Injuries Resulting from Explosions in Houston
Damages for Explosion Injuries in Houston
How can a Houston explosion injury lawyer help me?
Houston Explosion Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions
Consult with a Houston Explosion Injury Attorney at the Lanier Law Firm
Explosions happen in seconds, but the repercussions can last a lifetime. Experiencing an explosion can mean life-altering injuries and mounting medical bills. Fortunately, you may have legal options.
The Lanier Law Firm has extensive experience helping victims of explosions in the Houston area. We have the skills and resources to determine liability, build your case, and pursue financial recovery for your losses.
The team at the Lanier Law Firm is ready to hear your story.
What produces explosions in the Houston area?
Unfortunately, explosions are common in Texas. Many environments and areas create a higher likelihood of explosions.
Below are some of the most common types of explosions our firm handles.
Chemical Explosions
Certain industries use hazardous chemicals every single day, including drug manufacturers and laboratories. These chemicals could easily produce significant explosions.
There are numerous hazardous chemicals, but the most dangerous include:
Some of the reasons chemical explosions occur include the following:
- Improper storage or transportation
- Human error
- Insufficient worker training
- Malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery
Many chemicals are inherently dangerous. Make one mistake, and the result can be catastrophic.
Natural Gas Explosions
Natural gas pipelines are all over Texas in businesses and residences. Explosions from natural gas are often a result of:
- Old or outdated pipelines
- Improperly maintained pipelines
- Poor installation
- Damaged pipelines
- Gas leaks
Natural gas explosions usually happen without warning, so destruction and injuries are inevitable.
Electrical Explosions
Electrical explosions commonly occur due to a high-energy arc flash, also known as an electric flash. The light and heat produced cause a rapid rise in temperature and pressure between electrical conductors, producing an explosion.
Those working with or around high-voltage electricity, including electricians and construction workers, are at the highest risk for injuries resulting from electrical explosions.
Oil Explosions
Oil rigs are everywhere in Texas. Oil is highly flammable, and oil spills can result in explosions. Those working on oil rigs or in the surrounding area are at risk of facing extensive injuries from an oil explosion.
Common Injuries Resulting from Explosions in Houston
Explosion injuries, also called blast injuries, encompass trauma to the body from direct or indirect exposure to an explosion.
Injuries from explosions can be particularly severe. The injury a victim experiences typically depends on the type and proximity of the explosion.
Experts classify explosion injuries into four categories: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary injuries.
Primary Injuries
Primary injuries happen as the explosion moves through the body, causing internal harm. These injuries include:
- Blast lung: a type of trauma in the respiratory system resulting in a persistent
- cough and chest pain
- Ear damage: causing trauma to the inner/middle ear
- Abdominal injuries: producing pain, nausea, vomiting, and hemorrhaging in the
- stomach
- Eye injuries: causing pain, swelling, bleeding, or blindness
- Head injuries: caused by blunt force trauma
- Injuries to the heart
Some primary injuries are not immediately evident after the blast and may take some time to surface.
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Secondary Injuries
Secondary injuries occur as a result of flying debris and shrapnel caused by the explosion. They include:
- Cuts
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries
- Penetrating injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Secondary injuries can lead to more severe results, like amputations.
Tertiary Injuries
Tertiary injuries occur when the blast from an explosion throws a person off their feet. They often include:
- Blunt force trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractured and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
Tertiary injuries can occur to any part of the body.
Quaternary Injuries
Quaternary injuries are injuries that don’t fall within any of the other three categories. They include explosion-related illnesses or diseases, such as the following:
- Angina
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Smoke inhalation
- Cancer
Explosions can also exacerbate already-existing medical conditions, like respiratory or heart-related illnesses.
Injuries resulting from explosions often require extensive medical treatment. In the worst cases, explosions result in the victim’s death.
If you’ve sustained injuries after an explosion, consult with a Houston explosion injury attorney as soon as possible.
Liability for Explosions
Determining liability for an explosion can be one of the trickiest parts of a case.
Every explosion case is different. The party responsible for your injuries depends on the cause and location of the incident. In some situations, more than one party might be at fault.
Many individuals or entities may hold some responsibility for your explosion accident, including:
- The property owner
- A product or equipment manufacturer
- Your employer
- A third-party agency or contractor
Your Houston explosion injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to help decide what caused your accident and who could be responsible.
Taking legal action can not only help you recover monetarily but also hold the responsible party accountable for their actions or inactions.
Damages for Explosion Injuries in Houston
Explosion accidents often result in mounting medical bills and lost wages, among other financial stresses. Damages can help you recover compensation to help relieve some of the pressure.
Compensation for an explosion often depends on your circumstances and other factors. Your damages can either be economic, meaning they are easily proven and calculated, or noneconomic, representing intangible losses.
Damages for explosion injuries can include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Additionally, some plaintiffs are eligible to receive punitive damages. A judge awards punitive damages when a defendant’s actions are beyond simple negligence; their actions may have been malicious, fraudulent, or grossly negligent.
Punitive damages are not common. They serve to punish defendants for their wrongdoing and deter anyone from acting in such a manner in the future.
Calculating your damages is a critical portion of your case. You want to ensure you’re getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. A Houston explosion injury attorney can weigh the important factors to help determine the value of your case and work tirelessly to get you the fairest possible settlement.
How can a Houston explosion injury lawyer help me?
When you experience an explosion accident, you need high-quality legal assistance. A Houston explosion injury attorney can provide the guidance you need to put you on the road to resolution.
Explosion injury cases can be particularly complex and challenging. Your explosion injury lawyer will tackle the most important tasks for your case, including:
- Investigating the explosion
- Determining the cause
- Deciding who is at fault
- Calculating your damages
- Engaging in settlement negotiations
Your attorney has one main goal: to get you the financial recovery you deserve after experiencing a traumatic and life-changing explosion accident.
You can trust your attorney to do whatever is necessary to get you the most favorable outcome, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery.
Houston Explosion Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a Houston explosion injury lawyer?
Ideally, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you are able after your accident. These cases are time sensitive, and the sooner you consult with a lawyer, the sooner they can begin working on your case.
An attorney can also answer your questions and address your concerns, giving you much-needed peace of mind.
How long do I have to take legal action after suffering injuries in an explosion?
Statutes of limitations exist to control the number of times plaintiffs have to file their lawsuits.
Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the explosion to file your claim.
If you don’t file your lawsuit within two years, you risk losing your right to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Even if you file your claim, upon noticing the expiration of time, a judge can dismiss your case entirely.
To ensure that you meet important time limits, you should talk to a Houston explosion injury attorney right after your accident.
Will my case go to court?
Not necessarily. While many believe going to court is the only way you’ll get fair compensation, that is not the case.
Your Houston explosion injury lawyer will engage in settlement negotiations with the defense in an attempt to settle the case without going to trial. Trials can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for everyone involved. Settling outside of court benefits both sides.
If your case does end up going to court, it’s usually because:
- The other side’s settlement offer is way too low
- The opposing party isn’t willing to settle at all
- Your attorney feels you have a good chance of winning and that going to trial is the best option
Going to trial never guarantees you will get a good outcome, but if your explosion injury lawyer feels it’s the right move, you can trust their judgment.
Consult with a Houston Explosion Injury Attorney at the Lanier Law Firm
Since 1990, the Lanier Law Firm has committed to helping clients injured in the Houston area. We believe in offering our clients not only top-quality legal representation but also care, compassion, and kindness.
Whether your case settles outside the courtroom or goes to trial, you can feel confident knowing you are in the best hands. Our attorneys have vast trial experience and never back down from a challenge.
When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our qualified attorneys.
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