Monroe Plant Explosion Lawyer

Plant Explosion Attorney in Monroe, LA

When disaster strikes in the form of an industrial accident, your life can quickly become chaotic. A Monroe plant explosion lawyer can help you understand what happened and work toward pursuing the financial recovery you deserve. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our industrial accident attorneys focus their legal skills and hearts toward representing individuals and families affected by catastrophic plant explosion cases.

Louisiana is home to several industrial plants, especially here in Monroe and the surrounding areas, where manufacturing, chemical production, and energy production form a major part of the economy. Despite the benefits these plants offer, they unfortunately create serious risks for workers and their families when companies prioritize profits over safety.

Hire a Plant Explosion Lawyer

Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates is proud to serve clients throughout Louisiana from our Monroe office. Led by Attorney Jacqueline Scott, our legal team is ready to guide you through the legal process. Attorney Scott has been practicing law for more than 35 years.

Not only is she a creative and knowledgeable strategist, but her experience as a former judicial law clerk, probation officer, and legal instructor provides her and the team at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates with the tools you need to confidently pursue your claim.

Serving the community near the Ouachita Parish Courthouse at 301 South Grand Street in Monroe, LA 71201, Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates is committed to representing you, your family, and your neighbors.

Industrial Risks in Louisiana

Factories and refineries are designed to handle extreme heat, high pressure, and volatile substances every day. When safety procedures are followed and maintained, these facilities can function like well-oiled machines. However, when equipment fails or safety rules are skipped, disaster can happen in the blink of an eye.

Chemical reactions can trigger explosions. Gas leaks put workers at risk. Faulty machinery can blow up. Even electricity can be the source of an explosion if not handled correctly.

In some situations, there may be nothing that could have prevented a plant explosion. However, in many cases, they are completely avoidable if companies follow safety regulations and keep equipment maintained. The real victims of corporate negligence are the men and women on the job.

The Impact of a Plant Explosion

Plant explosions are some of the most severe types of personal injury claims. An explosion at a factory can quickly send debris flying, causing damage to employees, neighboring buildings, and the environment.

Individuals can suffer from serious burns, respiratory issues, traumatic brain injury, and even death. These injuries can change your life overnight. Rather than making a full recovery, many people spend months or years rehabilitating from their injuries. They also must cope with the mental trauma they experienced during the accident and the stress of knowing they may never be the same.

If a family member is killed in an explosion, spouses and children are often left with emotional trauma and financial strain. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workplace explosions and fires resulted in 104 fatal injuries. Of them, 17 worked in construction, and 87 worked in the private sector.

Legal Options and Plant Explosion Laws

The first step you take after an industrial explosion depends on who you are. If you were employed by the company at the time of the accident, you’ll likely be covered by workers’ compensation. This allows injured employees to recover coverage for medical bills and a portion of lost wages without proving fault.

However, workers’ compensation may not be sufficient, as it typically mainly covers a portion of lost wages. Many explosions are caused by negligence. When that negligence is proved, injured workers may be able to file a personal injury claim. In some cases, this could mean filing a claim against a third party whose negligence caused or contributed to the explosion.

Contractors, visitors, and residents typically file civil claims against the company. While negligence will have to be proved in court, there are more types of compensation available in a civil claim.

Proving Liability in Plant Explosions

Assigning fault to an industrial explosion can be complicated. These accidents typically involve many different employees and contractors. To pursue your case, your Monroe plant explosion attorney will typically have to prove that a party:

• Owed you a duty of care
• Breached that duty of care
• Caused the explosion

Part of our work will involve reviewing the company’s safety records, maintenance schedules, employee training programs, and federal violations. If we suspect that outside contractors caused or contributed to your injuries, we can investigate their records as well.

Common Causes of Plant Explosions

Industrial explosions don’t just happen. While every accident is different, most plant explosions are caused by preventable errors. Common causes of explosions include:

• Poorly maintained equipment
• Failed or outdated equipment
• Poor employee training
• Gas leaks
• Chemical spills
• Electrical issues
• Hazardous material storage
• Federal regulation violations

Negligence can come into play when companies ignore or bypass safety regulations.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Feeling okay after an explosion doesn’t mean you haven’t experienced injuries. In fact, seeking medical attention after an industrial accident is one of the most important steps you can take. Many injuries require time to develop. This is especially true of internal injuries and issues caused by inhaling dangerous chemicals. Head injuries can also appear days or weeks after the accident.

You should also seek medical attention to document your injuries. Delaying medical attention could potentially jeopardize the link between your injuries and the plant explosion.

Compensation in Plant Explosion Cases

Victims of plant explosions can easily face damages reaching hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars. Between medical treatments, lost income, and the need for continuing care, the costs can mount up very quickly. Some damages you may be entitled to compensation for include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Loss of wages/income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life

If a loved one has been killed in a plant explosion, you may be eligible for wrongful death compensation. This can include reimbursement for funeral costs, lost income from your loved one’s paycheck, and loss of companionship.

Louisiana Plant Explosion Lawyer

Deciding to hire a plant explosion lawyer is one of the most significant decisions you can make after being affected by an industrial accident. Dealing with these claims often means going up against major corporations and insurance providers, all focused on minimizing payouts.

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we can investigate every avenue of the explosion and work to recover every penny you’re owed, whether that be through an insurance settlement or a court trial. Contact us today for a consultation.