Houston Explosion Injury Lawyer

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:

Mercury

Nitrogen

Titanium

Nitroglycerin

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  • Old or outdated pipelines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.

Call 800-723-3216 now to see if our personal injury law firm can pursue compensation for you and your family. Consultations are free.

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.

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.

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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 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.

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.

Headshot of Judson A. Waltman is a Lanier Law Firm Managing Attorney for product liability, personal injury and maritime law.
Judson A. Waltman
Managing Attorney

Judson A. Waltman specializes in personal injury, product liability, and maritime law. He secured one of the largest verdicts in Ward County, Texas, for an injured oilfield worker and a $2 million verdict for a Central Texas worker. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).

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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.

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Lawrence P. Wilson

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Senior Attorney
Lawrence P. Wilson specializes in personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and certain maritime matters. He recently settled a $17.5 million personal injury case and secured a favorable verdict in Schwab v. Ford Motor Company. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer (2012-2021) and named to Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers.

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Alex Abston specializes in pharmaceutical liability, product liability, and mass torts. She was part of the trial team that obtained one of the first federal jury verdicts in MDL 2804, In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Honors include Lawdragon 500 Next Generation (2024) and Texas’ Top 40 Under 40 (2021-2024), among others.

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Alex Brown specializes in business litigation, handling complex disputes in federal, state, and international forums. He led trial teams to secure a $9 billion jury award in the Actos case. Recent honors include Best Lawyers (2024-2025) and Lawdragon 500 (2025), among others.

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Benjamin T. Major specializes in issues and appeals, helping preserve multi-billion dollar judgments and secure favorable settlements. Notable achievements include preserving a tort judgment for ovarian cancer victims and defeating motions in antitrust and false claims litigation. Recognized as a Texas Rising Star (2018-2020), among others.

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Case A. Dam specializes in asbestos exposure, representing clients with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and related cancers. He has served veterans, automotive mechanics, and workers in various industries. Recognized in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, among others.

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Darron E. Berquist specializes in asbestos exposure and product liability. He was part of the team that secured a $4.69 billion jury verdict in Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson, linking asbestos in talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Mass Tort and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).

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David L. Rosenband specializes in pharmaceutical liability, personal injury, and product liability. He served as Liaison Counsel in the New York Bextra/Celebrex litigation and helped secure a $9 million verdict in the NJ Accutane case. Recognized for his work in MDLs and state court litigations.

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Evan M. Janush oversees the firm’s pharmaceutical and product liability mass tort litigation in New York. He served on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in MDL 2804 and was part of the trial team in the Vioxx cases. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions (2024-2025) and Lawdragon 500 (2020).

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Judson A. Waltman

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Judson A. Waltman specializes in personal injury, product liability, and maritime law. He secured one of the largest verdicts in Ward County, Texas, for an injured oilfield worker and a $2 million verdict for a Central Texas worker. Recognized by Best Lawyers for Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation (2024-2025).

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Kevin LaMarca specializes in asbestos exposure, personal injury, and product liability. He secured multiple seven-figure settlements, including $2.25 million for a deceased papermill worker’s family. Recognized as a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, Kevin represents clients across the country in both state and federal courts.

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Manny Cabrera specializes in asbestos exposure and catastrophic injury cases. He has represented clients in asbestos-related matters and personal injury, as well as trucking and premises liability cases. Honored as a National Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff Top 40 Under 40.

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Maura Kolb leads the Asbestos Resolution Team, securing millions for clients annually. She was part of the team that won a $258 million Vioxx verdict and has coordinated BP Gulf Oil Spill settlements. Recognized by Lawdragon 500 (2024), Maura serves on several national asbestos trust advisory committees.

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Megan Waida specializes in asbestos exposure and appellate cases. Named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 (2018-2021), Megan advocates for asbestos victims and has a strong background in complex litigation.

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Michael A. Akselrud specializes in personal injury, business litigation, and product liability. He was part of the trial team that secured a $4.69 billion verdict in the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder case. Recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star (2016) and named to LawDragon 500 (2020).

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Michelle Greene specializes in pharmaceutical and product liability, with a focus on toxic torts. She represented clients in AFFF and PFAS contamination cases. Recognized by Best Lawyers as “”Ones to Watch”” (2024-2025) and listed in Lawdragon’s Next Generation (2025) for Plaintiff Litigation.

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Patrice McKinney specializes in personal injury, product liability, and FELA cases, with a focus on railroad workers injured on the job, car and trucking collisions, and oilfield injuries. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer (2017-2024) and Best Lawyers (2024-2025) for Personal Injury.

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Rachel Lanier specializes in pharmaceutical and product liability, helping secure the $4.6 billion verdict in Ingham v. Johnson & Johnson. Recognized by Best Lawyers (2024-2025) for Mass Tort and Personal Injury, Rachel leads the firm’s social media addiction lawsuits and represents clients in high-profile MDLs.

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Rebecca Phillips specializes in pharmaceutical liability, business litigation, and appeals. Co-lead counsel in the Bard Implant litigation, she also helped secure billions in opioid recovery for Texas. Recent honors include Super Lawyers Rising Star and Lawdragon 500 (2024-2025), among others.

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Sam E. Taylor is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law, with over 30 years of experience. He has tried over 50 civil jury trials, including mesothelioma and wrongful death cases. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2008, Sam holds an AV Preeminent Rating for 25+ years.

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Zeke DeRose specializes in business litigation, antitrust, and product liability. He is part of the legal team in an antitrust case against Google and represents the State of Arkansas in litigation against Meta. Recognized by Lawdragon 500 (2025) and Best Lawyers (2025), Zeke is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

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Catherine Heacox specializes in pharmaceutical liability, personal injury, and product liability. Recognized by Super Lawyers as New York Metro Super Lawyer since 2013, Catherine has extensive experience in MDL and mass tort litigation.

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Richard Meadow’s broad legal experience spans multiple practice areas and jurisdictions. He is recognized in Best Lawyers 2025 for his work in Mass Tort Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation. With over three decades of experience, Richard has dedicated his career to championing the rights of injured individuals.