Any type of workplace accident can lead to catastrophic or serious injury, but fires and explosions are among the most devastating. Victims of an explosion or fire face life-changing financial, psychological, and physical effects. While these types of accidents are less common than other work-related accidents, they are among the most serious with the potential to kill and seriously injure many employees.
At Work Injury Rights, we understand the devastating nature of injuries sustained in an explosion or fire. The last thing you should be worried about is a long fight with an insurance company when you have medical bills and living expenses that must be paid now, all while you are unable to work. Our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.
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What Causes Workplace Fires and Explosions in Florida?
According to OSHA, more than 5,000 workers are injured and 200 are killed every year in explosions and fires. Among construction fires and explosions, about one-quarter of fatalities occurred in incidents that killed multiple people.
A fire or explosion at a construction site or industrial workplace can begin as a single spark or as dust and quickly set off a major explosion that injures many. Some of the most common causes of workplace fires and explosions include:
- Blasting agents
- Liquified petroleum gas
- Electrical malfunction
- Temporary heating device
- Chemical tanks
- Combustible liquids
- Compressed gas containers
Incidents responsible for the most explosion and fire-related workplace fatalities are fires, chemical explosions, arc-flashes, and explosions of pressurized containers. Gas explosions, chemical spills, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in tools, and even cigarette smoking may also be the cause of a massive fire or explosion.
Workers’ Compensation for Fires and Explosions
A fire or explosion at a construction site or industrial facility generally prompts a thorough investigation to determine the cause. However, injured workers do not need to prove their employer was at fault to recover workers’ compensation. In fact, workers who contributed to the accident are still eligible for benefits.
After a workplace explosion or fire, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits. After filing a workers’ comp claim, you can receive medical benefits to cover the medical costs associated with your injuries as well as benefits for your lost wages. If you are left disabled and unable to return to work, you are also entitled to short- or long-term disability benefits.
However, recovering the benefits you deserve can be challenging, especially when your injuries are very serious and costly for the insurance carrier. Your employer and their insurance carrier get to choose the doctor you see who will ultimately decide when you are recovered, when and if you can return to work, and the degree of any disability you are left with.
This makes it important to work with an experienced Florida workers’ compensation injury lawyer to be an advocate fighting for you. At Work Injury Rights, we have decades of experience representing injured workers in their fight against the for-profit insurance company for the benefits they deserve.
Contact Work Injury Rights for a Free Case Review
Explosions or fires in the workplace can cause severe injuries. The last thing you should be dealing with while you are injured and unable to work is a lengthy and stressful fight for the benefits you deserve. Work Injury Rights is here to help you file your workers’ compensation claim, build evidence about the severity of your injury, and represent you if your claim is denied.
Contact us today at 954-833-5226 to schedule your free case evaluation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida who will fight for you.
