If you were hurt at work, would you be able to take care of your family or pay your bills? Unfortunately, gas explosions happen and cause serious injuries to workers. They can cause serious injuries and even death. If you are hurt in a gas explosion on the job, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. How Does Workers’ Compensation Help? Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance. It is required by law in each state for most employers. It provides a variety of benefits for workers who are hurt on the job. There is no cost to workers to file a claim or to receive benefits. To get benefits from workers’ compensation after your injury from a gas explosion, you must first file a workers’ compensation claim. There are numerous benefits available. However, the benefits that you may qualify to receive will depend on how severe your injury is. Common benefits of workers’ compensation include: Assistance with medical expenses. You may need medication, require hospital treatment, or even surgery or therapy. Partial payment of lost wages if you cannot work either temporarily or permanently. Job training if you will be unable to return to your line of work. For example, if the gas explosion left you unable to hear and acute hearing is an essential part of your ability to do your job, you may qualify for job training. Common Risks for Gas Explosions Depending on where you work and what you do, you may have a higher risk of being involved in a gas explosion. It’s important to realize that all workers carry some risk. Even as an office worker, a gas leak could trigger an explosion and leave you injured. Some of the most common triggers include: Electrical malfunctions. If there is a gas leak and there is an electrical malfunction near that causes a spark, it can cause an explosion. Gas tank defects. If you are a mechanic, driver, or a loader, you may be injured if there is an explosion because of a faulty gas tank. If a fire breaks out, there is a risk of a gas explosion. If you work around chemicals that are not properly stored, you face a higher risk of being injured in a gas explosion. If you work in a paint factory, a power plant, in a mine, or if you work in the oil and gas industry, you are at high risk of being hurt on the job in a gas explosion. You Should Think About Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim If you are hurt in a gas explosion or if your loved one died as a result of one, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. You may be eligible for benefits that can help you get the help that you need. Protect Your Rights It’s important that you protect your rights under the law. You should talk with a lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation. You can learn about your rights and they can answer any questions that you have about your benefits.
