Gas Pipeline Explosions Continue to Injure Workers

A recent gas line explosion in Illinois left one utility worker injured and another in critical condition. Two dozen families were also displaced due to the extensive damage to the townhome complex. The explosion, which completely demolished two units and caused severe structural damage to another of the five-unit complex, caused minor injuries to one of the gas workers, who was treated at a local hospital and released while the other utility worker suffered critical injuries.

The Illinois explosion is the latest in what seems to be a dangerous trend. A similar incident in San Bruno, California occurred in 2010, killing eight and drawing the public’s attention to the problem of gas pipeline leaks across the United States. The California incident created a great deal of scrutiny within the industry, as the owner of the pipeline was found guilty of five counts of safety violations and one for obstructing an investigation. The company has been ordered to pay more than $1.7 billion in fines and restitution.

Tragic and sudden incidents like these remind us all that horrific accidents await on seemingly normal work days when nothing out of the ordinary is expected. Sometimes, no amount of training and preparation can stave off a horrific workplace accident. If you have suffered a workplace accident and were injured as a result, workers’ compensation may not be enough. This is especially true if your injuries were caused by the direct actions or gross negligence of another party.

While fires and explosions are rare, they are often deadly or cause traumatic and lasting injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, three percent of workplace fatalities are caused by fire and explosion. Serious burns can cause permanent disfigurement and physical disabilities that result in an inability to work. Third degree burns to the hands or face may severely impact an employee’s ability to perform the work he or she once did, or to work at all in the future again. Permanent total or permanent partial disability benefits may be possible to attain in such circumstances. Surgeries and future medical care for burn victims who have suffered burns on large percentages of their bodies can be incredibly expensive and time intensive.

At Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, LLP, we help reduce the stress of managing your workplace injury claim. We will assist you in exploring your available options and will work with you in obtaining the full compensation you deserve. Call an experienced San Jose workplace injury attorney and get the guidance you need. Call (408) 289-1417 for a confidential consultation today.

• More than 2 dozen displaced after Romeoville townhome explosion
• PG&E is found guilty of obstructing investigators after deadly 2010 pipeline blast
• Fatal work injuries