Explosions are extremely dangerous and can result in death or injury. By definition, an explosion is a rapid increase in volume and a release of energy in an extreme manner. Most explosions generate high temperature and will cause the release of gases into the air. Explosions can fall into two broad categories: supersonic and subsonic. Supersonic explosions are created by high explosives and travel through shock waves. Subsonic explosives react through a slow burning process called deflagration. Both types of explosions can be seriously damaging. Workers at industrial sites or those who work near flammable fuel sources are at a heightened risk of injury resulting from these explosions.

Chemical Explosions

Chemical explosions are common, especially in regards to plant explosions where the liquids or gases are manufactured or mixed. Most of the time, these explosions occur when there is rapid oxidation that produces large amounts of hot gas.

In addition to primary chemical explosives, there are secondary explosives and tertiary explosives. Secondary explosives are less sensitive than primary explosives are and require more energy. TNT and RDX are both considered secondary explosives. Tertiary explosives involve blasting agents are often used in large-scale mining and construction operations but have also been used in terrorist attacks.

Electrical Explosions

Some explosions can happen when a high current electrical fault reacts with metal or insulation materials. People who work with energized switchgear or are electricians need to be particularly careful of electrical arc hazards that can cause these shocking blasts. Electrical explosions often happen at power plants or wherever people are working with electric currents. These explosions can start a fire and produce sparks.

Propane / Petroleum Explosions

Propane explosions typically happen in tanks or pipelines. This is an extremely flammable gas that millions of Canadians use. When there is a leak in a propane tank or pipeline, an open flame can set off an explosion in an instant. Also, anyone who stores propane tanks in a basement or near a furnace or water heater should be cautious, as this could trigger one of these damaging explosions.

Petroleum explosions are also a very real danger in Canada, where there are about 21 million barrels of petroleum used as an energy source every day. Petroleum explosions can happen in vehicles, heaters, gas stations, electrical generators, oil refineries, and storage facilities.

Injuries Caused by Explosions

Explosion injuries are generally divided into four separate categories: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Any injury caused by an explosion may warrant compensation, so you should discuss your case with a Mississauga explosion injury attorney as soon as possible.

Primary Injuries

These injuries are caused by the over-pressurization wave hitting the body. In most cases, the gas-filled structures of the body like the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and middle ear are most affected, creating a painful pressure differential that causes internal damage.

Secondary Injuries

Secondary injuries are those that result from flying debris or fragments at the blast site.

Tertiary Injuries

Some individuals also suffer tertiary injuries. These injuries result from being thrown in an explosion due to the blast wind. Any part of the body can be affected by these injuries.

Quaternary Injuries

Finally, some individuals can be injured by quaternary injuries in an explosion. These involve all explosion-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases that are not covered in the first three categories. Most of the time quaternary injuries are those that result after the explosion occurs or the exacerbation of previously existing medical conditions.

Hire a Mississauga Explosion Injury Lawyer for Counsel Today

If you were injured in an explosion, whether on land or offshore, and believe that you deserve compensation for your injuries, talk to a Mississauga personal injury lawyer at the firm today. With the right attorney on your side, you can obtain the finances necessary to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. Explosions are serious. Oil rig explosions, fertilizer plant explosions, fuel tank explosions, and other blasts often happen because of an employee’s negligence or a supervisor’s failure to take precautions. With the assistance of our firm, you can seek just compensation and peace of mind knowing the proper parties are held accountable.

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