An explosion at a Texas steel mill is a catastrophic event that is devastating to both workers at the mill and nearby residents. The injuries sustained could be horrific, resulting in long-term adverse effects for the injured party and their family. These accidents can also be fatal.
What makes this even worse is the fact that explosions are often caused by factors that could have been prevented had proper care and precautions been taken. They are, all too often, caused by owners and managers who fail to take the necessary steps to protect their workers, forcing workers to use outdated equipment, failing to take recommended safety measures, and cutting corners to prioritize profit over safety. At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., our Texas lawyers for steel mill explosion injuries and death understand the difficulty you are going through and will treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve. Call (817) 476-1797 to schedule a free consultation on your potential case.
Potential Injuries in Texas Steel Mill Explosions
Explosions give rise to many types of injuries to workers at the site as well as people living or walking near the incident area, such as the following:
- Severe burns
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Smoke inhalation injuries
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- Wrongful death
Sometimes, which broader type of injury you suffered will affect your case.
Long-Term Injuries
Some injuries are not readily apparent because they are internal or psychological. Post-traumatic stress syndrome and brain injuries, for instance, are not easily diagnosed. If you experienced the trauma of a horrific explosion, then you should also seek psychological counseling.
Secondary Blast Injuries
Flying or falling debris and other objects can result in secondary blast injuries. The injuries employees sustain from flying debris range from minor to severe. Objects can become embedded in the body or sever a limb. Likewise, an employee thrown by the blast into a stationary object might suffer serious internal injuries or fractures. Additionally, explosions produce smoke and fumes that can damage the lungs.
Liability for Steel Mill Explosions in Texas
As you may be aware, Texas employees are not required to use workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee who suffers an on-the-job injury is not covered by workers’ compensation, then the worker has a right to file a lawsuit against the employer to receive fair payment for injuries.
When an injured person is covered by workers’ compensation, they do not have to prove that the employer was negligent to get compensation for their injuries. However, if you opt out of workers’ compensation, you can collect additional forms of damages if the case is successful. For example, you may be able to collect payment for permanent disability, lost future income, lost companionship of a deceased worker, and pain and suffering—all of which are not provided through the workers’ compensation system.
There are also other situations where the company you work for or another party can be sued for damages:
Intentional Harm
If an employer intentionally caused an employee’s injuries, the employee has the right to file a personal injury claim. Deliberately igniting an explosion to destroy the steel mill would not only open an employer up to criminal charges, it would also make them liable for any injuries or deaths caused by the blast.
Defective Product Injuries
Despite the safety measures and the best management practices for steel mills, explosions can occur because of malfunctioning or defective equipment. The manufacturer could be held liable for injuries and damages the defect causes. Employers and manufacturers could both be responsible if the equipment presented known risks and either the risks were not minimized or the employees were not warned of the risk
Third-Party Injuries
Injured employees might be able to name multiple parties in a civil lawsuit. Many people at a steel mill could be potentially responsible for an explosion and the injuries it causes. Our experienced Texas steel mill explosion attorneys will thoroughly review the conduct and decisions of engineers, contractors, project managers, architects, drivers, or others involved in the operation and maintenance of the steel mill.
Proving Fault in a Steel Mill Explosion Case in Texas
Once a plaintiff has established the existence of a legal duty, they must show the defendant did not fulfill that duty. Generally, a duty is considered breached if the defendant failed to act reasonably, thus causing the accident. In this kind of case, causation means that there must be a link between the defendant’s actions and the resulting injury.
Finally, if duty and causation have been proven, the plaintiff must also prove that they suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence. Damages can include lost wages and medical costs, but also pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
Damages for Steel Mill Explosion Injury Cases in Texas
There are several likely damages that accompany severe injuries sustained in a steel mill explosion, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Lost enjoyment in life
- The costs of physical or occupational therapy
- The costs of psychological therapy
Furthermore, if you lost a relative in the explosion, you could be entitled to additional damages. These could include lost companionship, lost inheritance, and funeral expenses. If the accident was the direct result of negligence, you might also be entitled to punitive damages.
Call Our Texas Attorney for Steel Mill Injuries and Wrongful Death
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a steel mill explosion, contact our Texas attorney for steel mill explosion injuries and death to discuss your case. At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., we have helped thousands of injury victims and will treat you and your case with the attention it deserves. Call (817) 476-1797 to schedule a free consultation.