Fires and explosions often result in devastating pain and disfigurement, extensive property damage, and even death. Often fires and explosions are the result of human error.
If you or a family member suffered injuries or losses as a result of a fire or explosion accident, you should immediately seek help from an experienced Houston, TX Fire and Explosion Accident Lawyer. The top-rated Houston, fire and explosion attorneys at Hernandez Sunosky, LLP can investigate the cause of the fire or explosion and advise you on how to seek compensation from those responsible for your injuries and losses.
Who Is Typically Responsible For A Fire Or Explosion Accident?
Determining liability for a fire or explosion is often a difficult matter. Parties which you may hold responsible for injuries or losses caused by a fire or explosion accident may include:
- Landlord
- Contractor
- Subcontractor
- Seller of any defective material
- Maintenance Company
- Installation Company
- Construction Company
- Gas Company
- Propane Company
- Manufacturers of defective products
What Are Common Causes Of Fires And Explosions?
Fires and explosions in Houston, TX can happen for a number of reasons. The following are some common causes:
- Faulty wiring
- Insufficient maintenance
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Improper storage of flammable liquids
- Improper training and oversight
- Hazardous electrical and gas equipment
- Smoking in hazardous areas
Determining the cause of a fire or explosion is critical to identify who is responsible for the catastrophic event. You should contact an experienced Houston, TX Fire and Explosion Accident Lawyer who will work with experts and skilled investigators to uncover the truth of what happened. Our goal at Hernandez Sunosky, LLP is to explore the cause of the fire or explosion to establish fault and liability so that you can recover full monetary compensation for your injuries and losses.
Some Common Locations Of Fire And Explosions
Fires and explosions can happen anywhere, such as:
- Apartment complexes
- Condominiums
- Mobile Homes
- Private Homes
- Automobiles
- Airplanes
- Construction sites
- Commercial, retail, and restaurant businesses
- Public utilities (such as a gas company)
- Chemical and refinery plants
What Are The Types Of Explosions That Cause Injuries?
There are several different types of explosions that can cause injuries. Explosions that commonly result in serious injuries include:
- Chemical Explosions
- Mechanical Explosions
- Electrical Explosions
- Nuclear Explosions
What Are The Common Types Of Fire Accident Injuries?
Fires can lead to catastrophic injuries that can severely affect your quality of life, and even result in death. Common injuries seen in fire accidents include:
- Second and Third-Degree burns
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
- Eye injuries
- Ear injuries
- Amputations
- Infections
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
What Are The Common Types Of Explosion Accident Injuries?
Explosives are categorized as high-order explosives or low-order explosives. High-order explosives have a strong supersonic pressure wave, known as the blast wave or shock wave. Low-order explosions have a subsonic explosion and lack the high-order explosive blast wave. Regardless of the type of explosion, blast injuries are classified into one of four types. Each category of blast injuries contains life-threatening injuries.
- Primary Blast Injuries
Primary blast injuries typically occur when the victim is in close proximity to the initial explosion. The injuries are caused by the shock waves produced by the explosion.
- Secondary Blast Injuries
Secondary blast injuries are caused by flying debris from the explosion.
- Tertiary Blast Injuries
Tertiary blast injuries are caused by the force of air displaced by the blast. The victim can be thrown around by the blast wind causing a variety of serious and traumatic injuries.
- Quaternary Blast Injuries
Quaternary blast injuries cover all other injuries not included in the first three blast injury categories. Some of the injuries a victim could suffer in addition to primary, secondary, and tertiary blast injuries include severe burns, respiratory injuries, and crush injuries.
What Are Some Of The Major Houston, TX Industrial Fires And Explosions?
Fire and explosions frequently occur in the industrial or construction setting. Houston, TX has experienced several devastating fires and explosions, including:
On April 16, 1947, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions occurred at the Texas City port, killing hundreds of people, including 28 members of the Texas City Fire Department.
On October 19, 1971, a Missouri Pacific Railroad train derailed on a track causing a tank car containing vinyl chloride to explode. As firefighters were fighting the fire, a second tank car containing butadiene exploded.
On Oct. 23, 1989, a huge explosion occurred after a valve failed, killing 23 people and injuring 100 others.
On Oct. 20, 1994, after rising waters ruptured a pipeline, gasoline from a 40-inch pipe ignited, sending flames racing down the river, setting fire to everything in its path. Houses, mobile homes and cars along the banks of the river exploded and caught fire.
On March 23, 2005, a hydrocarbon vapor cloud ignited and exploded at the ISOM isomerization process unit at BP’s Texas City Refinery, killing 15 workers and injuring 180 others.
On March 17, 2019, a massive tank fire erupted at the Intercontinental Terminal Company’s facility in Deer Park, Texas.
On April 2, 2019, a massive explosion occurred at the KMCO facility in Crosby, Texas killing one person and injuring several others.
Houston Industrial Fire & Explosion Attorneys Are Available In Your Time Of Need
Our experienced industrial fire and explosion lawyers are available 24/7. If you’re facing an injury from a fire or explosion accident, then contact our personal injury attorneys today.