Workplace Fires and Explosion Injuries

Few workplace incidents are more terrifying—or more damaging—than fires and explosions. These events happen in an instant, often with no warning, and leave behind a trail of devastation. For injured workers and their families, the consequences are life-changing: severe burns, traumatic injuries, emotional trauma, and in some cases, permanent disability or death.

What makes these incidents especially tragic is that many are preventable. Fires and explosions rarely happen without warning signs. When employers ignore those signs, skip safety protocols, or cut corners on training and maintenance, workers pay the price. At Nix Patterson, we represent those workers. And we hold employers accountable when their failures lead to catastrophic harm.

How Nix Patterson Handles Fire and Explosion Cases with Precision and Power

Workplace fire and explosion cases are among the most complex injury claims a person can face. These incidents often involve multiple potential causes, competing expert opinions, and high-stakes litigation against powerful corporate defendants. At Nix Patterson, we are built to handle that challenge.

A Firm Designed for Serious Injury Litigation

We don’t handle minor accidents or workers’ comp paperwork. We take on the cases that other firms shy away from—the ones that require courtroom readiness, technical expertise, and deep investigative resources. Fires and explosions demand exactly that level of commitment.

From the moment we’re hired, we begin treating the case like it’s going to trial. We consult with fire origin experts, safety engineers, and medical specialists. We preserve evidence, track down witness statements, and review every layer of workplace safety procedures—or the lack thereof.

Experience in Complex, High-Stakes Cases

Our attorneys have successfully litigated cases involving industrial accidents, equipment failures, OSHA violations, and catastrophic injuries across the country. We understand how to uncover what really happened, challenge the narratives presented by employers and insurers, and present the truth in court.

This preparation does more than build strong cases—it sends a message. When defendants know we’re willing to take a fire or explosion case all the way to verdict, they take our clients seriously. And they know we won’t settle for less than what the injury demands.

What Causes Fires and Explosions in Work Environments

Fires and explosions in the workplace are rarely spontaneous. They are usually the final result of overlooked hazards, delayed maintenance, or systems that failed under pressure. Understanding the causes is the first step toward proving legal responsibility.

Flammable Materials and Gas Leaks

Many industries involve the use of flammable chemicals, fuel, or gases. When these materials are not properly labeled, stored, or contained, a small leak or spark can trigger a massive explosion. We’ve seen cases where workers were never warned about the presence of volatile substances, or where employers failed to install proper ventilation systems.

Electrical Hazards

Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and neglected maintenance of electrical systems are all common causes of workplace fires. In older facilities or fast-paced environments like warehouses and factories, these issues are often ignored until it’s too late.

Dust and Combustible Debris

Fine particles from wood, grain, metal, or plastic can become explosive when allowed to accumulate in the air. Without proper dust control systems and regular clean-up, a routine task like turning on a machine or flipping a switch can lead to disaster.

Equipment Failures

Heavy machinery and production equipment generate heat, friction, and sparks—all of which can become ignition sources if the machinery malfunctions or is used improperly. Fires caused by overheating, friction buildup, or mechanical sparks often trace back to poor maintenance or operator error due to a lack of training.

Inadequate Fire Safety Systems

Many employers skip fire suppression systems to save money or delay inspections that might uncover code violations. Missing sprinklers, non-functional alarms, and blocked emergency exits all increase the severity of a fire once it begins—and create serious legal exposure when people are hurt as a result.

Fires and explosions are almost always the result of something that should have been addressed beforehand. At Nix Patterson, we investigate how and why the danger was allowed to develop—and who is responsible for the consequences.

The Role of Employer Negligence in Preventable Disasters

Workplace fires and explosions often happen under management’s watch. They result from patterns of inattention, poor planning, or cost-cutting that put speed and profits ahead of worker safety. In these cases, employer negligence isn’t just a contributing factor—it’s the root cause.

Ignored OSHA Fire Safety Standards

Federal regulations require employers to implement and maintain fire prevention plans, conduct training, provide extinguishers and alarms, and maintain clear exit paths. When companies fail to meet these obligations, they are violating not just workplace best practices—but federal law.

We review inspection records, internal emails, and incident reports to determine whether management ignored its legal responsibilities. In many cases, we find that the very safeguards designed to prevent disaster were never in place—or had been neglected for years.

Skipped Inspections and Delayed Maintenance

We’ve handled cases where employers failed to inspect fire suppression systems, skipped scheduled equipment maintenance, or refused to address known electrical hazards. These are not accidents—they are choices. And when those choices put lives at risk, the law allows injured workers to take action.

Incomplete or Inadequate Emergency Planning

When a fire or explosion occurs, a well-executed emergency plan can save lives. But many workplaces don’t have one. Or worse—they have a plan on paper, but never train their employees or run drills. Workers are left confused, exits are blocked, and evacuation becomes chaos. That confusion leads to more injuries—and more liability.

At Nix Patterson, we expose these failures. We show juries how a lack of preparation turned a dangerous situation into a devastating one. And we hold employers accountable when they fail to protect the people who keep their operations running.

Industries and Job Sites at Highest Risk for Fire and Blast Incidents

Some workplaces carry higher risks than others—especially when flammable materials, heavy machinery, or complex industrial processes are involved. Fires and explosions can happen anywhere, but certain industries see them far more often, and the consequences are almost always severe.

Oil and Gas Facilities

Refineries, drilling platforms, and pipeline operations are among the most dangerous work environments in the country. The combination of combustible fuels, high-pressure systems, and constant mechanical activity creates a setting where even a minor error can trigger a major disaster. Fires and explosions in the oil and gas sector often lead to mass casualties and widespread damage—and they’re almost always preventable.

Chemical Plants

Chemical manufacturing and storage facilities deal with volatile substances that can ignite, react violently, or release toxic gases. Without rigorous controls and proper containment, a small leak or procedural misstep can turn into a devastating blast. Employees in these environments rely on their employers to follow safety protocols to the letter—yet violations are common, and injuries are often catastrophic.

Construction Sites

Construction workers regularly use torches, welding equipment, fuel-powered tools, and electrical systems—often in confined spaces or near flammable materials. Fires can erupt quickly when these elements are mishandled. Temporary structures, scattered tools, and limited fire suppression resources can make construction sites especially vulnerable during an emergency.

Food Processing and Agricultural Facilities

While less obvious, food processing plants often have environments ripe for fire or dust explosions. Grain dust, flour, sugar, and powdered milk are all combustible under the right conditions. When dust accumulates near heat sources or electrical systems—and ventilation is lacking—the result can be a powerful, fast-spreading blast.

Manufacturing Plants with Combustible Materials

Factories that produce or store materials like plastics, rubber, wood, or textiles must control ignition risks at every stage of production. When safety audits are skipped or equipment is left unchecked, these facilities can quickly become hazardous. Fires that begin with a single machine can spread through the entire building, putting dozens or even hundreds of workers at risk.

At Nix Patterson, we’ve handled fire and explosion cases across all of these industries. We understand the complex systems involved, and we know how to identify when and where the employer failed to keep people safe.

The Devastating Impact of Burn and Blast Injuries

Fires and explosions don’t leave minor injuries. When these events occur in the workplace, the people closest to the ignition point often suffer the most severe and life-altering harm. These are not injuries you recover from in a matter of weeks—they require long-term care, cause permanent physical changes, and come with overwhelming emotional consequences.

Common Injuries from Fires and Explosions

Burns are the most immediate and visible outcome. Third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of the skin, often requiring skin grafts and months of treatment. Fourth-degree burns go deeper—damaging muscles, tendons, and bones. These injuries often result in permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, and loss of mobility.

Explosions bring an additional layer of trauma. The force of a blast can cause:

• Traumatic amputations, either at the moment of impact or later due to severe tissue damage
• Lung injuries from inhaled smoke, chemicals, or superheated air
• Hearing loss or ear damage from the shockwave
• Head injuries and concussions from being thrown against walls or machinery

For many workers, the physical injuries are only the beginning. Fires and explosions are deeply traumatic events. Survivors may relive the moment over and over, experience night terrors, and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological toll is often just as serious as the physical damage—and it deserves just as much attention in a legal claim.

When Civil Lawsuits Are Possible After a Fire or Explosion

Workers’ compensation provides some relief after a workplace injury—but it’s rarely enough after a catastrophic fire or explosion. The system was built to avoid lawsuits, not to hold employers accountable. Fortunately, the law allows exceptions.

When You May Be Able to Sue

You may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit if:

• Your employer showed gross negligence, such as disabling safety systems or ignoring repeated complaints
• A third party was involved—like a contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer
• You work for a non-subscriber employer in Texas that opted out of the workers’ compensation system
• There is evidence of intentional safety violations or OSHA non-compliance that contributed to the incident

In these cases, you may be entitled to recover damages far beyond what workers’ comp offers—including full medical coverage, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

At Nix Patterson, we know how to build cases that fall outside the limits of workers’ compensation. We investigate the scene, identify who is responsible, and determine which legal path offers the best chance for real justice.

Using OSHA and Fire Code Violations to Prove Fault

Proving fault in a fire or explosion case requires evidence—and that evidence often starts with the employer’s own records. Federal and state regulations provide clear standards for fire prevention and workplace safety. When those standards are violated, the paper trail can be powerful.

The Role of OSHA Citations and Safety Violations

OSHA regulations cover everything from hazardous materials handling and ventilation requirements to emergency evacuation procedures and fire suppression systems. If an employer failed to meet these requirements, they may have violated federal law.

We obtain OSHA inspection reports, citation records, and enforcement actions to show where the employer fell short. In many cases, these records include detailed timelines, witness interviews, and internal acknowledgments of the risk—making them key evidence in civil court.

Fire Code Inspections and Local Standards

In addition to federal regulations, cities and states enforce their own fire codes. These codes cover issues like:

• Fire extinguisher placement
• Sprinkler system maintenance
• Exit signage and accessibility
• Electrical system inspections

If a facility failed a fire code inspection—or avoided one altogether—it may indicate that the employer knew about the danger and failed to act.

Nix Patterson uses these records to build compelling, evidence-based arguments that show how the injury could have been prevented—and who should be held responsible.

Recovering Full Compensation for Fire-Related Workplace Injuries

Workplace fires and explosions cause lasting damage—and full compensation must reflect that. Workers’ comp often falls short. A civil lawsuit offers the opportunity to recover the complete cost of what you’ve lost.

Emergency and Long-Term Medical Care

Burn victims often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing wound care. Blast injury survivors may face respiratory therapy, prosthetics, and long-term rehabilitation. We pursue compensation for:

• Hospital stays
• Surgical procedures
• Pain management
• In-home care and mobility aids
• Future medical needs based on expert evaluation

Reconstructive Surgery and Emotional Trauma

Reconstructive surgery is not cosmetic—it’s necessary for recovery. It helps restore function, ease pain, and improve quality of life. We also account for the emotional cost of disfigurement, trauma, and anxiety.

Many of our clients experience PTSD, depression, or isolation following a fire or explosion. These damages deserve legal recognition. We present expert testimony to ensure they are taken seriously in court.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

If you can’t return to work—or can’t return to the same job—we calculate lost income, lost promotions, and diminished earning capacity. We work with economists and vocational experts to quantify these losses in real, financial terms.

Punitive Damages for Extreme Misconduct

When an employer’s behavior is especially reckless—like falsifying safety records or ignoring prior explosions—we pursue punitive damages. These are designed to punish misconduct and send a message to others in the industry: safety shortcuts come with consequences.

Speak with a Workplace Fire and Explosion Attorney Today

If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a workplace fire or explosion, the path to justice begins with one conversation. You don’t have to figure it out alone. You don’t have to settle for what the insurance company offers. And you don’t have to accept a system that puts employers’ interests first.

At Nix Patterson, we fight for injured workers—and we don’t back down. We investigate thoroughly. We litigate aggressively. And we don’t charge a dime unless we win.

Our attorneys are trusted nationwide for handling catastrophic injury cases. We understand the laws. We know how to hold employers accountable. And we stand with our clients from the moment they call until the moment justice is served.

Contact Nix Patterson today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the next step.