Explosion-Related Injuries and Fatalities

Explosions are sudden and devastating events that often result in severe injuries and fatalities. In Florida, victims face not only physical and psychological trauma but also significant financial burdens. At Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman, our attorneys specialize in these complex cases, ensuring victims receive comprehensive legal guidance and compensation.

Understanding Different Types of Explosions

Our firm handles a wide array of explosion incidents, each with unique challenges:

Gas Explosions: Commonly occurring in both residential and commercial settings, these explosions are often due to issues related to the mishandling of gaseous and liquid fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, propane and commercial welding and cutting gases. These incidents can result from:

• Gasoline Leaks: Often due to poorly maintained or improperly installed fuel systems in vehicles or fuel storage areas, leading to leaks that can ignite under the right conditions.
• Fuel Line Ruptures: These can occur in automotive or industrial settings due to defective design, aging infrastructure, corrosion, or mechanical damage, leading to significant leaks and the potential for explosive incidents.
• Faulty Fuel Appliances: Malfunctions in devices that utilize gasoline or other liquid fuels, such as generators, lawn mowers, or heaters, can lead to uncontrolled fuel release and ignition.
• Improper Fuel Storage: Incorrect storage methods or mishandling of gasoline and other volatile fuels can lead to dangerous vapor accumulation and potential explosions, particularly in enclosed spaces.

Chemical Plant Explosions: These occur due to mishandling of chemicals or unsafe storage practices, leading to industrial accidents or secondary explosions. These incidents can result from:

• Improper Handling of Chemicals: Often due to inadequate training or negligence, leading to dangerous chemical interactions.
• Unsafe Storage Practices: Incorrect or non-compliant storage methods that can cause chemical reactions.
• Secondary Explosions: Initial chemical reactions that may trigger further explosive events.

Battery Explosions: Increasingly common with the rise of lithium-ion batteries in consumer products and electronics, these can result from design defects or improper disposal. These incidents can result from:

• Design Defects: Flaws in the battery design that may lead to overheating and combustion.
• Improper Disposal: Disposing of batteries in a manner that leads to short-circuiting or overheating.
• Overcharging: Using non-compatible chargers can cause excessive heat and lead to explosions.

Defective Product Explosions: Failures in consumer products like industrial ovens or automotive airbag systems can lead to catastrophic outcomes. These incidents can result from:

• Industrial Equipment Failure: Malfunctions in high-pressure equipment like boilers or ovens.
• Automotive Failures: Defects in automotive components like fuel systems and airbags.

Electrical Explosions: Caused by malfunctions in transformers or poor electrical wiring, these can result in significant property damage and personal injury. These incidents can result from:

• Transformer Malfunctions: Failures in electrical transformers that can lead to explosions.
• Poor Wiring: Outdated or improperly installed wiring that can ignite fires.

Construction Site Explosions: Risks include mishandling of explosives and unsafe accumulation of gases. These incidents can result from:

• Mishandling of Explosives: Improper use or handling of explosives on construction or mining sites.
• Unsafe Gas Accumulations: Accumulation of flammable gases in inadequately ventilated areas.

Fireworks Accidents: Particularly in large-scale displays such as city or state fairs, mishaps can occur due to professional display malfunctions, defective products, improper handling, and regulatory non-compliance. These incidents can result from:

• Professional Display Malfunctions: Errors in the set-up or execution of large-scale fireworks displays.
• Defective Products: Manufacturing defects in fireworks that lead to unexpected detonations.
• Improper Handling: Lack of adherence to safety protocols during fireworks setup and execution.

Pipeline Explosions: Critical infrastructure failures can result from poor maintenance or accidental damage during routine operations. These incidents can result from:

• Maintenance Failures: Neglect in the regular inspection and upkeep of pipelines.
• Accidental Damage: Damage from excavation work or other activities that compromise pipeline integrity.

Workplace Explosions: Common in industrial settings where flammable materials or vapors are present. These incidents can result from:

• Flammable Materials: Presence of flammable materials that can ignite under certain conditions.
• Equipment Failures: Malfunctioning machinery that can spark and ignite vapors or dust.

Vehicle Explosions: Often caused by defective fuel systems or battery malfunctions, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles. These incidents can result from:

• Fuel System Defects: Issues in the design or maintenance of vehicle fuel systems.
• Battery Malfunctions: Failures in the management systems of batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, leading to thermal runaway and explosions.

Why Legal Expertise Matters in Explosion Cases

Explosion cases are inherently complex, often involving multiple liable parties. Our team provides expert legal services to navigate these challenges effectively:

• Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the explosion and identify any safety protocol failures or equipment malfunctions.
• Identifying Responsible Parties: We hold all negligent parties accountable, from manufacturers to property owners.
• Establishing Liability and Causation: We focus on proving negligence directly caused the explosion and your injuries.
• Securing Compensation: Our goal is to obtain maximum compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our Related Cases

Ben J. Whitman Secures $25 Million Partial Settlement in Tragic Wrongful Death Case

Partner Ben J. Whitman secured a $25 million partial settlement in a complex wrongful death case involving motor vehicle negligence, professional negligence regarding commercial premises design, and product liability related to failed safety equipment. The settlements compensate the family for their pain and suffering and allow them to continue litigation against other parties.

Clark Fountain Obtains Over $30.5M Jury Verdict Against Chinese Manufacturer for Victim of Oven Explosion

Attorneys Shana P. Nogues and Julie H. Littky-Rubin won a $30.5 million jury verdict against Sinton Technology Limited after a defective oven exploded at a Florida coffee factory, causing severe injuries to their client. The verdict came after the firm proved the oven’s electrical control panel was defective, and the manufacturer failed to ensure its safety.

Clark Fountain Obtains Significant Confidential Settlement for Young Man’s Family Following Tragic Vehicle Fire

The legal team at Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman, led by Don Fountain, Julie Littky-Rubin, and Daniel Walker, secured a substantial settlement for a family whose son died in a vehicle fire. The 2017 accident occurred when the young man’s car was rear-ended, igniting the fuel tank. The attorneys revealed design defects in the vehicle’s fuel system, emphasizing the manufacturer’s negligence. The settlement not only provided justice for the family but also stressed the need for higher safety standards in the automotive industry. 

Attorneys Dan Walker and Don Fountain Obtain Confidential Settlement Against Auto Manufacturer After Vehicle Fire Claims Life of Man

Daniel D. Walker and Don Fountain secured a confidential settlement from an auto manufacturer after a vehicle fire resulted in a man’s death. They overcame evidence challenges due to fire damage and successfully identified the vehicle defect that caused the fire, leading to the settlement.

Choose Clark Fountain

If you or a loved one has been impacted by an explosion, trust a firm with a proven track record of securing justice. With over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements and a deep commitment to client service, we are poised to help you recover and rebuild. Located in Palm Beach Gardens, we serve clients throughout Florida and across the United States through co-counsel partnerships.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Let us navigate the legal challenges of your case with the precision and dedication that marks our firm as a leader in personal injury law. Contact Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman today to discuss your options and how we can assist in pursuing the compensation you need to move forward from this traumatic experience.