Practice Areas

Industrial / Chemical Explosion Accidents

If you’re a victim of an industrial or chemical explosion accident, the number one thing you should remember is that neither you nor any member of your family should sign any document presented by the company involved or their insurance company.

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Do's & Don'ts

If you or a member of your family are ever involved in an industrial or chemical accident, it is important that you DO NOT sign anything and contact us as soon as possible. These types of cases can be catastrophic, complicated, and usually result in the corporation and their insurance companies joining forces in their own defense. You could easily become intimidated or overwhelmed by these circumstances. However, the following list of Do’s and Don’ts will help you make sound decisions should you or a family member become involved in such an accident.

What to Do In Case Of Industrial, Chemical Or Explosive Accident:

Seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.

If possible, photograph or video surroundings and anything that may have caused or played a role in
the accident.

When appropriate, call the police or governmental authorities to investigate.

  • Never be talked out of calling the authorities. An official written report may be crucial to your case.
  • Give the police or authorities full cooperation and an accurate account of what happened.
  • List for police or the authorities all symptoms of injury you may be feeling, no matter how slight.
  • Listen to what other persons involved in the accident or incident tell authorities.
  • Ask authorities about fault under law or regulations which apply to the accident or incident.
  • Cooperate fully and completely with any request made by the authorities, and always be courteous.

If in pain, report your condition to authorities and request an ambulance if the injury appears to be
serious.

Give the EMT’s a full, accurate report of symptoms. Cooperate fully with their examination and
treatment plan.

Only discuss your case with necessary parties such as your spouse, doctor, attorney, and your
insurance agent. You should tell your insurance agent only what is absolutely necessary to give him/her
notice of the accident and injury.

  • Insurance adjusters who want recorded statements are not necessary and you should never give such a
    statement.

If symptoms last several hours, go to your family doctor or emergency room.

  • Report how the accident occurred and give a full, accurate account of symptoms, but never
    exaggerate.
  • Submit as necessary to exams, x-rays, and advice of the treating doctor. If recommended or if
    symptoms continue, see a specialist.
  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations (to the letter).
  • Ask your doctor questions. Have a complete understanding of your injuries and treatment.

Attempt to get names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses.

  • Give this information to the investigating officer or governmental authority. Keep a copy.
 

Call a family member or friend to the scene of the incident, to lend assistance and to act as a witness.

Never attempt to drive, operate heavy machinery, or work at heights if you are dazed, injured, or on
strong medications.

Report the accident to your insurance company.

  • Get a copy of the accident report for them and check it for accuracy.
  • If the report is inaccurate, call the investigating officer or governmental authority and question him on
    it. You have a right to do this. Ask him to correct the report.
  • If you have applicable insurance coverage, insist that your company investigate the accident/injury and
    appraise and/or repair any damage done to your property. (They will be reimbursed by the other, responsible party’s insurance.)

If your injuries/symptoms persist for more than a few days, consult an attorney.

  • Be sure the attorney is a personal injury specialist in this area. Ask about his experience!
  • Write down all questions you may have about the accident prior to the interview.
  • Learn all you can about your rights in such a legal case.
  • Ask what fees and expenses you will be required to pay, what the attorney thinks the case should be
    valued, and what he feels he can do for you in recovery.
  • Don’t hesitate to interview several attorneys and compare their responses.

Get property damage estimates on any damaged equipment or property from the accident if you
have appropriate coverage to repair such damages. Give these estimates to your attorney or to the
negligent party’s insurance company if you don’t have an attorney.

  • Get the name of the responsible party’s insurance carrier and ask them to repair your damaged
    property.

Try to get the responsible party’s insurer to pay for your medical bills without signing releases. By
doing so, the other insurance company will be admitting fault.

 

Never sign any releases until you are fully prepared to settle your case.

  • The only exception is when your attorney advises you to do so for a particular and important reason.

Keep a written daily diary of the aftermath of the accident.

  • List all that happened in the accident and initial medical exams.
  • Follow your progress and the problems caused in everyday life by your injuries.
    (This will prove invaluable at your trial, which may be much later.)

Obtain the following documentation for yourself and/or your attorney:

  • Copies of all medical bills resulting from the accident.
  • A list of which bills have been paid and which have not.
  • A list of mileages to and from all healthcare providers.
  • Copies of all doctors’ medical reports and dictations in your medical file.
  • Copies of all admit and emergency room records of all hospitals treating you for the accident.
  • Copies of radiology reports on tests given to you, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or myelograms.
  • Copies of all statements given by any witnesses to any aspect of the accident.
  • Copies of your wage records or income tax returns to show the impact of the accident on your income.
  • Any photographs or videos of the injuries, accident scene, vehicles, equipment, property, or any other
    aspect of the case.
  • Copies of your insurance policies.
  • Copies of property damage estimates on your vehicle.
  • A copy of the accident report filed by the police or governmental authorities.

What Not to Do In Case Of Industrial, Chemical Or Explosive Accident:

  • Don’t be talked into not calling the police or governmental authorities.
  • Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
  • Don’t sign releases or checks with release language printed on them.
  • Don’t settle your case unless your symptoms are completely gone.
  • Don’t settle your case unless you have spoken to an attorney, have had your rights explained to you, and your questions answered.
  • Don’t discuss any aspects of your case with unnecessary persons.
  • Don’t do anything just because they say you "have to”
  • Don’t consider settling your case until all symptoms have disappeared and you’re back to normal.
  • Never admit blame or responsibility for the accident.