Posted: November 16, 2016
A fuel transfer resulted in an explosion and injuries to a construction worker involved in the accident. The worker was taking steps to transfer fuel from an underground tank when the device apparently caught fire, which led to an explosion. The worker was being treated for first and second-degree burns to his arms and torso, according to local media reports.
The accident occurred around 9:25 a.m. on the morning of Wednesday, September 7. The location was at a transportation facility of the school district, in close proximity to H. Russel Swift School. Joseph Palmieri, a 29-year-old construction worker was cutting an underground tank when the explosion occurred. Palmieri was thrown approximately five feet by the blast, which also sent 30-foot flames into the sky.
Fortunately, none of the staff or students at the school were injured at the time. A second worker was also injured in the blast. Brian Cop, 31, of Beachwood was also injured in the crash and treated at the scene for minor injuries. The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are now investigating the accident.
Gasoline accidents
Accidents involving gasoline are a major source of burn injuries in the United States, according to the American Burn Association. In fact, gasoline-related burns account for as many as 13,000-15,000 emergency department visits every year in this country. Gasoline fires can be much more damaging than other types of fires since gasoline is highly explosive and destructive at even low-temperature levels. They often occur to employees working with the substance, who have families that rely on their income to survive.
When injuries occur as a result of a gasoline explosion, they can be extremely serious, affecting the victim’s ability to earn a living for their families. In many cases, the cause of the accident is not the fault of the victim, but the dangerous nature of the industry, coupled with possible negligence at the job site. In these situations, proving liability can determine who should be held responsible for the injuries and accompanying expenses.
Gasoline injuries can be complex, requiring the expertise and experience of legal professionals accustomed to representing victims in these situations. These cases rely on the ability of the victim to show the accident was due to another’s negligence. This might mean the manufacturer of the gasoline storage, the owner of the business or other entities that could be involved.
Seeking legal help for construction worker injuries
If you or someone you love is the victim of a gasoline explosion or other serious accident on a construction site, finding experienced legal help as soon as possible could be key to maximizing compensation. These cases can be complex and the proper legal assistance can make all the difference between getting the compensation you are entitled to and forging through the legal maze alone. Legal compensation can go a long way in securing your medical treatment without compromising your ability to keep up with daily expenses.
The firm of Eisbrouch Marsh has been winning personal injury cases for clients for over 25 years. If you are the victim of any type of accident, we can help ensure you get all the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages and other non-economic losses. To get a free case assessment and answers to all of your legal questions, contact our office today at 201-342-5545.
Resources
- 6 ABC, Construction Worker Burned in Explosion Near Egg Habor School, http://6abc.com/news/construction-worker-burned-in-explosion-near-nj-school/1501563/
- Press of Atlantic City, Two Workers Injured after Diesel Tank Explosion in Egg Harbor Township, http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/two-workers-injured-after-diesel-tank-explosion-in-egg-harbor/article_937da95a-750b-11e6-9d85-b76434a2b31f.html
