PORTLAND EXPLOSION & FIRE ACCIDENTS ATTORNEY

We Handle Explosion
& Fire Injury Cases in Portland and Throughout Oregon

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Accidents involving explosions or fires have the potential to cause widespread and severe injuries, making them some of the most dangerous accidents that can happen. While explosions are commonly associated with active military combat, they can occur in many other settings including industrial areas, construction sites, or even in your own home. Even explosions that were carefully planned and monitored can go awry and cause serious injuries.

In addition, fires can happen in a wide range of place for a wide range of reasons and almost anyone is at risk of being caught in a fire at some point. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost 1.3 million fires in the United States caused 15,775 injuries, 3,275 fatalities, and billions of dollars in property damage in a single year.

If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries in this type of incident, you should discuss the possibility of financial recovery with a highly experienced explosion and fire accident attorney at the Johnston Law Firm in Portland today.

Common Causes 
Of Explosions Or Fires

There are many different potential causes of both explosion and fire injuries, some of which include the following:

• Car or truck collisions;
• Demolition sites;
• Fireworks;
• Faulty appliances or electrical wiring;

• Fireplaces;
• Brush or trash fires;
• Homemade explosives;
• Arson;
• Wildfires;
• Mining operations;
• Firearms;
• Chemical reactions.

Of course, there are many other ways these accidents can occur and result in devastating and often life-changing injuries.

The Devastating 
Effects Of Burn Injuries

Both explosions and fires can result in very serious burn injuries–often, third-degree burns. Third-degree burns occur when the fire or heat damages all layers of the skin and may even have damaged some tissue below the skin including ligaments, muscle, or bone.

These burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment and, according to the American Burn Association (ABA), tens of thousands of people required extended hospitalization or stays in burn centers for long-term treatment of injuries. Such treatment can include skin grafts, infection control, surgeries, and much more.

Burns not only often cause extreme physical pain for victims but can result in scarring, disfigurement, and emotional issues. Burn victims often have their life significantly changed due to their injuries and may be left with permanent impairments or disabilities that keep them from working.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Common 
Blast Injuries

In addition to burn injuries, explosions can result in many other serious and life-changing injuries, including:

• Penetrating injuries and puncture wounds from debris and projectiles;
• Blunt trauma;
• Traumatic brain injury;
• Pulmonary damage;
• Eye and ear injuries;
• Internal hemorrhage;
• Amputations.

All of these injuries generally require emergency trauma care and a lengthy term of treatment. Many blast victims never fully recover from their injuries.

Holding Negligent 
Parties Liable For Your Losses

In many cases, an explosion or fire occurs because one or more parties acted in a negligent manner. Negligence can occur whether the explosion or fire was intentional or accidental. For example, if a neighbor tries to burn leaves in their yard and does not properly control the fire and it spreads, that neighbor will likely be found negligent and accountable for any injuries that occurred. Similarly, if a construction or mining company plans a blast as part of a project and something goes wrong that injures a worker or a passerby, the company may be deemed negligent if it failed to use proper care in planning or overseeing the explosion. In other cases, these incidents are completely accidental and unexpected and investigation is often required to determine the cause and to identify the negligent party. Once the responsible parties are identified, victims can seek compensation for their losses from that party.