In Pearsall, Texas, about fifty miles away from San Antonio, an explosion from an oil tank sent flames into the sky as clouds of smoke billowed from the disposal well site. The fire burned for over an hour and has left many to wonder what caused the fiery blaze that injured three people.
This question has proven difficult to answer, as the evidence is unclear as to what caused the oil tank to explode. One likely explanation is that workers were welding near storage tanks. Welding involves metals, high heat, and cutting, which sometimes emits sparks that can ignite flammable substances such as oil and gas.
The decision to weld near explosive substances has raised concerns among safety officials, including the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, which is the federal agency empowered to require employers to keep workplaces safe.
Legal Recourse for Injured Victims
When someone is injured on the job, that employee may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for assistance with medical bills, lost wages and other expenses while unable to work. If a third party, who is not the employer, is responsible for the individual’s injuries, the victim may be able to file a third-party liability claim for losses sustained as well.
An accident victim suffers pain, incurs expenses and is often out of work for an extended period of time. Recognizing this, the law allows injured individuals to recover for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and additional losses incurred as a result of another’s negligent behavior.
If you are an employee injured on the job, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Source:
- After Well Fire in Pearsall, Unanswered Questions Remain
