Free Case Evaluation
Who Will Look Out for You if You Are Injured on the Job by a Fire or Explosion?
You need an experienced South Carolina construction accident attorney to pursue justice
The South Carolina construction accident lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, have represented victims of some of the most horrific construction accidents in the state. Consequently, we understand that the destructive nature of fires and explosions adds to the difficulty of fixing legal accountability. We work closely with investigators, forensic specialists, and accident re-constructionists to determine the most likely cause of the accident and to identify the company or contractor whose employees caused it. This is critical, for while workers’ compensation insurance will cover your injuries, it is not your only option if your injuries were caused by the negligence of a coworker. You may also be able to pursue a third party claim if the fire or explosion was caused by a company or contractor other than your employer.
Free Case Evaluation
Causes of fires and explosions on job sites
According to statistics released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2013, fire and explosions account for approximately three percent of workplace fatalities. Chemical explosions, fires, pressurized container explosions, and arc flashes/blasts are the major sources of fire and explosion fatalities among construction workers. OSHA finds that fires and explosions are generally caused by:
- Flammable and combustible cleaning solvents such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), mineral spirits, and diesel fuel or oil
- Liquids with high flash points (greater than 100°F), when applied as a fine mist
- Liquids with low flash point (less than 100°F) when used at all
- Airborne particles or dust
- Hydrogen gas generated during cleaning processes, such as acid washes
- Reactive cargos such as iron-ore, fertilizers, or incompatible chemicals
How can you tell who is responsible for my injury, and why does it matter?
Even if you or one of your fellow employees caused the accident and you are covered only by workers’ compensation, the attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, can help you. You should know, however, that workers’ compensation is not necessarily your only option even when the negligence of one of your coworkers caused your injuries. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, can explore those options with you. If workers’ compensation is your best or only option, can see you through the application and appeals processes, arrange independent medical evaluations of your injuries, and assist you if your employer’s insurance carrier pressures you to settle your claim prematurely or to return to work before you are fully recovered.
If a third-party is at fault, such an equipment manufacturer or independent contractor, we may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may make more sense to file a lawsuit rather than pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Let a qualified South Carolina construction accident attorney at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, review the facts of your claim and help determine the best course of action.
Skilled South Carolina attorneys protecting your rights after a construction accident
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, is widely known as a team of no-nonsense South Carolina construction accident lawyers committed to obtaining fair settlements for individuals and families. If you have been injured or have suffered the loss of a loved one in a fire or explosion at a construction site, let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, today. Call 803-327-7800 and schedule a free case evaluation by an experienced South Carolina construction accident attorney, or fill out our contact form from any device. We proudly serve people throughout the state from offices in Columbia, Anderson, Rock Hill, Sumter, and Georgetown.