Illinois Chemical Plant Explosion Attorneys

Chemical Plant Explosion Lawyers

At Collins Law, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been harmed by a chemical explosion at a plant in their neighborhood. That includes filing a class action on behalf of thousands of residents impacted by an explosion at an Illinois chemical plant. That disaster resulted in thousands of residents being evacuated due to a fire that raged for days and a toxic plume of smoke that deposited debris in yards and affected air quality for miles. We settled that case for our clients for a record-setting $94.5 million.

Our chemical explosion attorneys are currently representing clients in a class action case against BioLabs for a fire at their facility in Georgia. That fire produced a toxic chemical cloud that forced 17,000 nearby residents to evacuate.

Chemical plants handle highly volatile and dangerous substances. When a plant fails to follow appropriate safety protocols, the risk of a catastrophic explosion increases significantly. These disasters can cause widespread destruction, injuring workers, nearby residents, and first responders while simultaneously causing property damage and long-term environmental damage.

Chemical Plant Explosions: Causes & Liability

Chemical plant explosions typically stem from one of the following causes:

• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery can ignite flammable chemicals. Maintaining equipment in working order is the responsibility of the facility.
• Human Error: Inadequate training or negligence can lead to accidents.
• Improper Chemical Storage: Failure to store volatile substances correctly can cause dangerous chemical reactions that can lead to fires or explosions. It is incumbent on the facility to know how to store chemicals safely.
• Regulatory Violations: Chemical plants are subject to strict safety regulations. Ignoring these regulations can lead to deadly accidents. In some cases, the company involved has been fined for multiple violations in the past.
• Fires and Gas Leaks: Uncontrolled fires or gas leaks can lead to powerful explosions. Which is why it is so critical to have fire safety inspections and equipment at chemical plants.

When a chemical plant explosion occurs, liability may fall on multiple parties, including:

• The chemical plant owner
• Equipment manufacturers
• Third-party contractors
• Regulatory agencies that failed to enforce safety measures

The Effects of a Chemical Plant Explosion

A chemical plant explosion can have devastating short- and long-term effects, including:

• Structural damage to the facility, as well as to nearby buildings and houses
• Severe injuries or fatalities among workers and neighboring residents
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Long-term environmental contamination

Chemical Plant Explosion Injuries

Direct Injuries to Workers - Victims of chemical plant explosions often suffer from severe injuries, such as:

• Burns (first-degree to third-degree)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Lung damage from inhaling toxic fumes
• Hearing loss due to the force of the explosion

Indirect Injuries to Neighbors - Even individuals who are not directly involved in the explosion may suffer indirect injuries, including:

• Injuries from falling debris.
• Car accidents caused by the blast’s shockwave.
• Aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions--such as asthma--due to compromised air quality

Chemical Explosions’ Toxic Effects on Neighborhoods and the Environment

Residents living near a chemical plant may face devastating consequences from an explosion, including:

• Structural damage to homes and businesses
• Forced evacuations and displacement
• Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals in the air
• Toxic contamination of drinking water
• Toxic contaminants and debris in the soil on your property

What Damages Are Available for Injured Workers?

Workers injured in a chemical plant explosion may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including future medical costs)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Permanent disability benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death claims for surviving family members

To file a claim for your injuries you will need to hire a lawyer. Our experienced chemical explosion attorneys will file your claim in a timely manner, compile the evidence necessary to win your case, pursue all available insurance policies, and negotiate a generous settlement or go to court if necessary. The bottom line: we will fight to get you the best compensation possible.

What Damages Are Available for Neighborhood Residents?

Residents affected by a chemical plant explosion may be entitled to compensation for:

• Property damage and cleanup costs
• Medical treatment for injuries and chemical exposure
• Loss of use of property
• Punitive damages against negligent parties

If you were forced to evacuate due to a chemical explosion, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Temporary housing and relocation costs
• Lost wages and loss of business revenue

To seek compensation, you will need to hire an experienced chemical explosion lawyer to file a claim for you. That is where we come in. We will build your case from the ground up and fight for your legal rights to compensation. Most importantly: we know how to win these cases.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Chemical Blast

If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a chemical plant explosion, take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. While most injuries are immediately apparent, some may not be—concussions for example. Err on the side of caution and get medical attention.
2. Document everything. Take photos, record symptoms, and gather witness statements.
3. Report the incident. Notify local authorities about the explosion.
4. Avoid signing any settlement offers. Insurance companies may offer low settlements that don’t cover your long-term needs. Don’t sign away your legal rights.
5. Consult an experienced attorney. An experienced chemical explosion attorney will help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Have You Been Impacted? Talk to a Chemical Plant Explosion Attorney Today

At Collins Law, we understand the devastating impact a chemical plant explosion can have on victims and their families. Our experienced environmental attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by a chemical plant explosion—whether by injuries, property damage, toxic exposure, or an evacuation--contact us for a free consultation. You have nothing to lose. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our online form to get started on your case.