Chemical plants are hazardous and must be maintained with the utmost vigilance for safety. Regardless of protocols, incidents and injuries can still occur. The impact of a small error causing an explosion affects workers, nearby residents, and innocent bystanders. Talking with a New Orleans chemical plant explosion lawyer is an ideal first step after experiencing such an event.
With over 1,400 five–star reviews, Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers has built a reputation for standing by our clients during some of their most difficult times.
Each explosion leaves behind challenges, from serious health issues to emotional trauma that lingers long after the event. Having a New Orleans chemical plant injury lawyer can make a difference as you begin to work toward support and justice.
The Process of Filing a Lawsuit After a Chemical Plant Explosion
When you are physically and emotionally wrecked from an explosion’s impact, the first step involves seeking medical attention and documenting your injuries. Your health and well-being must come first. Next, it may be in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans for assistance with your claim.
In many cases, the plant operators or companies handling hazardous materials may be held accountable, especially if negligence or safety violations contributed to the incident. One major aspect about us is that our Louisiana injury attorneys advocate for victims and will help ensure your voice is heard in the legal process.
Statute of Limitations to File a Lawsuit
Louisiana’s statute of limitations has changed. With the exception of product liability, a victim has a two-year statute of limitations. The time frame begins on the date of injury, but this statute only applies to claims that arise after July 1, 2024.
This plaintiff forward regulation helps the victim seek recovery for the damages they incurred by a third party’s negligence. While you are recovering, let a New Orleans chemical plant explosion attorney come up with the strategy necessary that will aim to collect lost wages, put food back on your table, and give you back some life that was lost due to the negligence at the chemical plant.
We know these types of injuries last more than a short stint in the hospital. They can have lifetime consequences that you and your family should not have to bear alone. With over 30 years of experience in reclaiming losses from families who have suffered great loss, let us help you get back to a starting point to navigate your new reality.
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504-500-1111Trial Vs. Settlement Negotiations in Chemical Plant Explosion Cases
Insurance companies rarely want to go to trial. It is too costly and sometimes risky, as a jury may see the evidence differently from what the defense or the plaintiff team wishes. A trial also does not guarantee a victim lesser or greater compensation.
Settlement Negotiations
Instead, when seeking justice after a chemical plant explosion, many cases often move toward settlement negotiations. You should approach these negotiations clearly, understanding your rights and what you need to recover with a lawyer as your representative.
Having a legal representative who has experienced defendant strategies before can make a significant difference in these negotiations. Legal professionals can assess the full scope of damages, from immediate medical expenses to future healthcare needs and even emotional suffering.
They can help ensure any settlement offer accounts for the full extent of your injuries and losses, not just the immediate impacts.
When to Accept a Settlement Offer
Accepting a settlement should only be done if it truly meets your needs—both now and in the future. Once a settlement is agreed upon, you will not be able to pursue additional compensation later.
One of the benefits of a New Orleans personal injury lawyer is that we can evaluate any proposed settlement to ensure that it is fair and accurately represents your losses.
Common Causes of Chemical Plant Explosions
Chemical plants are notoriously hazardous, leading to strict regulations in the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and OSHA Guidelines. These guidelines provide numerous documents on proper hazard communication, adequate training, and accurate labeling. However, safety measures are rendered ineffective if people fail to adhere to them.
Workplace negligence in the chemical industry can lead to horrific fires and explosions. An analysis of chemical incidents over a 3-year period reported 825 preventable spills, explosions, fires, and exposures. The most common causes of chemical plant explosions involve:
- Defective machinery
- Chemical combustible dust
- Improper maintenance of machinery
- Improper storing of chemicals
- Inadequate or lack of training
- Mishandling of chemicals
- Chemical impurities
- Improper warning labels
- Cooling tower failures
- Emergency shut-off failures
Equipment failures and human error are responsible for the majority of chemical incidents. Our chemical plant explosion lawyer in New Orleans recognized the severity of these accidents and the devastating injuries they caused. At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting your rights and best interests.
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504-500-1111Injuries Most Associated with Chemical Plant Explosions
Chemical plant explosions cause severe and catastrophic injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 107 people lost their lives in workplace explosions and fires in the last reporting year. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with chemical plant explosions:
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Broken bones and fractures
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Vision and hearing loss
- Damaged lungs from toxic fumes
- Spinal cord damage
If you have lost a loved one in a chemical plant explosion, a compassionate New Orleans wrongful death lawyer may be able to help. Our highly skilled attorneys can examine the details of your case and help hold the responsible party accountable on behalf of your loved one. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves.
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504-500-1111Your Recovery Matters – a New Orleans Chemical Plant Explosion Attorney is Here to Help
We are here to support you through every step of the process, offering compassionate guidance and a commitment to securing the justice you deserve. We also do not accept any money until we reach our goal for you.
Reach out to Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers to discuss your options, and let a chemical plant explosion attorney in New Orleans help you find a way forward with confidence and care.
