What To Do If You Have Been Affected by a New York Factory Explosion
In the wake of a plant explosion, shock, sadness, and confusion can deeply affect everyone involved as they search for answers as to why this accident happened. However, workers who have survived with serious injuries and those who have lost loved ones in the incident will be focused on understanding and attempting to cope with their losses.
While getting needed medical care should be everyone's top priority after an accident, finding skilled legal representation in the days and weeks following an incident can be just as important. However, many are left unsure of their legal rights and the best course of action they can take after being harmed or losing someone in an explosion.
If you are struggling with such decisions and are unsure of what is right for you, call the NY plant explosion lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. We offer no-cost consultations that provide people with deeper legal insight and understanding concerning both their losses and rights as New York citizens. Consultations are offered to all who call (212) 986-7353.
The Devastation of an Explosion in New York
No one expects to be caught up in such a horrific accident, but some industrial workplaces are much more likely to suffer an explosion. These accidents are often the result of dangerous gases building up over time within a confined space or accidents igniting flammable gas or liquid. While these hazards are clearly marked when business owners and employees properly follow regulations, mistakes can still jeopardize the entire workplace. Additionally, the mishandling of these hazardous materials by negligent or untrained workers can lead to such explosions.
Unlike workplace fires, which can still cause great devastation, explosions can occur with little warning and quickly engulf entire buildings. Often, those who are not near the source of the explosion will still be affected by the incident.
Compensation for Injured Workers in NY
Survivors of plant explosions are often left with burns ranging up to the third degree; deep cuts and broken bones from flying shrapnel; organ damage from the impact of the blast; and many more losses. Workers will have a long road back to recovery, with many never completely reaching their former physical capabilities again.
Benefits from workers' compensation will pay for all past and future medical procedures that are required after being injured during an on-the-job explosion. While proving that the accident occurred while on the job may be simple, a worker will need to completely document his or her injuries and the costs associated with them.
Compensation for Family of the Deceased
Unfortunately, these types of incidents often result in the deaths of workers due to their severe and sudden nature. Workers' compensation benefits are available for the deceased worker's spouse and children under the age of 18. These parties are entitled to receive weekly cash benefits that are equal to two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage during the year prior to the accident.
If the deceased worker has no surviving children, grandchildren, spouse, brother, or sister, then his or her parents or grandparents can be paid compensation. This payment can be up to $50,000, but every case is different.
Additionally, funeral expenses can be paid for the deceased worker. This total can range up to $6,000 in Metropolitan New York counties and $5,000 in all other counties within the state, but again, the circumstances vary.
Finding the Strength to Move Forward
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a plant explosion, get in touch with the legal team at Wingate, Russotti, Shaprio & Halperin, LLP. Our New York industrial explosion attorneys understand that no amount of money can eliminate the trauma of an accident or the devastation of losing a loved one, but this compensation can helped survivors and family members have the support they need in order to properly cope with their losses. Call (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation from our legal team so that you better understand how you can recover from your losses.