Combustible Dust: An Explosive Work Hazard

There are many different industries that are at risk for combustible dust accidents. According to the Chemical Safety Board, between 2006 and 2017 there were more than 337 injuries and nearly seventy deaths that occurred in more than 110 combustible dust accidents.

Unfortunately, many facilities are negligent in the care of their materials, increasing the risk of combustible dust accidents and explosions. If you suffered serious injuries in a combustible dust explosion, you may be entitled to specific benefits and compensation. Get help from an experienced Alabama workers compensation lawyer at Thiry & Caddell when you call our office at (251) 662-9056.

What is Combustible Dust?

Combustible dust is any fine material that can explode when combined with air. In order for combustible dust explosions to be present, there must be oxygen, an ignition source, fuel, dispersion, and confinement. Combustible dust can stem from non-metallic inorganic materials, organic materials, and even metals. Although these materials may not typically be combustible on their own, under the right conditions, they may explode.

These most often occur when dust collects on equipment, rafters, ceilings, crevices, roofs, and more. In some cases, the dust may lie dormant for years until it becomes initially disturbed and explodes.

Common Injuries Caused by Combustible Dust Explosions

Combustible dust explosions have been known to cause life-threatening injuries and even death. Some of the more common types of injuries that victims of combustible dust accidents have endured include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain damage
• Head and back injuries
• Bone breaks and fractures
• Organ failure
• Internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Amputation

These are just a few of the more common types of injuries that people have suffered in combustible dust explosions. If you have suffered injury that was not listed above, you may still have the right to certain benefits and compensation. Contact our office to find out what legal options may be available to you.

Compensation for Victims of Combustible Dust Accidents

If you were injured in a combustible dust accident at work, you may have the right to workers compensation benefits. Under Alabama law, the majority of employers are required to provide their employees with workers compensation protection coverage. If you suffered devastating injuries in a combustible dust accident, you may be entitled to specific benefits.

To start, the insurance company will be required to cover all of your medical expenses as they relate to your injuries. All of your current medical expenses and any that you may incur in the future that relate to your combustible dust accident injuries should be covered by your employer’s workers compensation insurance provider.

You are also entitled to specific disability benefits. Here, you may be awarded up to 66 2/3% of your average weekly earnings. Usually, you can collect this until you are able to return to work. But depending on the type of injuries you sustained, there may be a maximum number of weeks allowable for you to collect benefits.

Finally, you also may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. Individuals who are seriously injured and combustible dust accidents may suffer lifelong disability or injury as a result of their accident. If you are unable to return to work in your previous field, then you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits which could enable you to find gainful employment in another industry.

Get Help from an Alabama Workers Compensation Attorney

Did you suffer critical injuries in a combustible dust accident? Are you unsure of how you are going to support yourself and your family during this difficult time in your life? If so, get help from an experienced Alabama workers compensation lawyer at Thiry & Caddell.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today to find out how to obtain the compensation and benefits that are rightfully yours. Complete our quick contact form or give our office a call at (251) 662-9056 to get started on your case.