Minneapolis Lawyer for Penetrating or Blunt-Force Trauma from Explosion Accidents

When an explosion happens, it can change a person’s life instantly. The resulting injuries can be debilitating and require extensive medical treatment. It can often take a person a long time to recover from such injuries. Often, they face permanent disability as a result.

If you have been hurt in an explosion accident that was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. Call (612) 334-3444 to speak with a Minneapolis explosion accident lawyer from Robert Wilson & Associates about your case. We can help you navigate this devastating time as you work to move forward with your life.

What Is an Explosion?

An explosion is also called a blast, and it is one of the most damaging of accidents. This is due to the large amount of force that is generated and the large area that an explosion can impact. The injuries caused by an explosion accident can be severe and debilitating, impacting many individuals at the same time.

When an explosion occurs, the resulting mechanisms that cause injury are classified into four categories:

• Primary blast injury — due to the blast wave that results from high-order explosives such as TNT, dynamite, and C-4
• Secondary blast injury — resulting from flying debris or shrapnel
• Tertiary blast injury — resulting from a person being physically thrown by the blast wind
• Quaternary blast injury — all other injuries, such as burns, breathing problems, and complications of existing injuries

An explosion can occur nearly anywhere. For example, a natural gas explosion can happen in any home or business that uses natural gas for fuel or heat. An explosion can also occur in a workplace, such as an oil refinery or a factory.

Explosions can result where there are pipelines or propane tanks. In addition, chemicals can cause explosions as well. Chemical explosions might occur when the chemicals are not properly stored or handled.

Explosions are typically preventable. They are often the result of someone’s failure to take appropriate safety precautions. Examples may include failing to:

• Train employees
• Perform regular inspections
• Ensure proper equipment maintenance is undertaken

How Does an Explosion Accident Cause Penetrating or Blunt-Force Trauma?

The most common injuries following an explosion are penetrating or blunt-force trauma. These are considered secondary blast injuries since they are usually caused by shrapnel or flying debris. Both injury types can affect any part of the body.

Penetrating trauma is caused by a sharp object that breaks the skin. This type of injury is generally classified into one of three types:

• Puncture wound — the skin is broken, but the body cavity is not impacted
• Penetrating wound — the sharp object creates an open wound in the body cavity
• Perforating wound — the wound extends through the body with an entry and exit point, like some wounds caused by bullets

Blunt-force trauma is caused by impact with an object that isn’t sharp. There may be a combination of forces involved, including:

• Acceleration and deceleration — when the object increases or decreases in speed
• Shearing — when tissues or organs stretch due to opposing forces
• Crushing pressure — when the force causes compression

Blunt-force trauma is classified into one of four types:

• Contusion — this is the medical term for a bruise
• Abrasion — when layers of the skin are scraped away
• Laceration — when the skin is torn, creating an open wound
• Fracture — when a bone is broken, whether partially or completely

Blunt-force trauma can also impact organs. This may result in hemorrhage, which is when blood vessels are damaged, causing blood loss.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

You may be tempted to think you can save money by not hiring a lawyer. However, the opposite is usually true. An experienced attorney will be able to pursue the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

The process of pursuing compensation after an explosion accident is complex. There will be a substantial amount of documentation and evidence to be collected. An investigation will be performed to determine what happened during the accident. Your attorney will determine who was at fault based on their analysis of the evidence.

Insurance companies will likely be involved. They will usually look for ways to pay as little as they can to injured victims. Insurance companies are known for making lowball settlement offers. They are hoping that you are eager to settle and desperate enough to accept less than you’re due. This may occur when an individual without a lawyer is unaware of all the components of compensation they could be eligible for. These can include:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Pain and suffering

Your attorney will handle all negotiations for you. Most personal injury cases are settled before they go to trial. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your lawyer will go to court to fight for you.

Why Should I Choose Robert Wilson & Associates?

We have served injured people in Minnesota for more than 30 years. Our reputation is built on customer service, dedication, and attention to detail. We treat each client like family.

Our track record speaks for itself. We know how to get results for our clients. For this reason, they gladly share testimonials about their experiences working with Robert Wilson & Associates. You can trust that we will bring the same level of tenacity to your case that we use for all our clients.

You will be able to reach us when you have a question or concern. We respond to all communications swiftly to keep you updated on your case, whether by phone call, email, or text message.

Call Robert Wilson & Associates Today

If you have been injured in an explosion accident in Minneapolis that was not your fault, you might be entitled to financial compensation. You should discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Contact us now at (612) 334-3444 to speak with a Robert Wilson & Associates attorney. We are prepared to schedule a confidential consultation to assess your case.