Common Injuries from Explosions

Posted on Monday May 17, 2021

If you’re working as a defense contractor on a military base, construction site, or another location overseas, your work can be exciting and lucrative. However, you might encounter work environments that have a higher risk of injury than you might have domestically. While no one wants to deal with the costly effects of a work-related injury, the Defense Base Act (DBA) is in place to provide benefits to people injured in this position.

One possible cause of injuries in this type of work is being near explosives. Whether an explosion is part of a demolition project, an accident, or due to violence, these incidents can cause many serious injuries. If you suffered an injury in such an incident, discuss your next steps with a nationwide Defense Base Act lawyer.

How Explosions Cause Injuries

Being near a blast can be a traumatizing experience, especially if you are not expecting the explosion and have no safety gear ready. Even if you have safety gear and a planned explosion, things can go wrong, and people can suffer injuries for many reasons. Some include:

1. Getting hit by flying debris
2. Getting thrown down by the blast wind
3. Getting hit by an overpressurized wave
4. Heat-related injuries
5. Smoke-related illnesses

If you are in the area when an explosion happens, you can be subject to any of the above. These can cause a wide range of injuries, such as:

1. Burns
2. Lacerations
3. Amputations
4. Fractures
5. Closed traumatic brain injury
6. Open or penetrating head injury
7. Spinal cord injury
8. Eye injuries
9. Ear rupture or other damage
10. Cardiac or vascular events
11. Respiratory conditions

Any of these conditions require immediate medical attention and could cause lasting impairments, disabilities, or chronic health issues. 

Seeking DBA Benefits for Your Injuries

If you sustained any injuries in an explosion – whether it is a laceration or the loss of an entire limb, you should get the medical care that is available to you at your worksite. Make sure your employer knows you suffered injuries and that you need medical care. Always follow all treatment recommendations for job-related injuries. If you don’t, it can possibly jeopardize your benefits. 

Once your health is stable, you should not wait to start thinking about your DBA claim. This claim allows you to seek benefits for medical treatment and income you lose during your time away from work for your physical recovery. You can also seek benefits if you suffered a permanent disability, such as an amputation, severe brain injury, or paralyzing spinal injury. Some respiratory conditions can also cause lasting disabilities that qualify for benefits. 

The DBA claim process can be tricky, and you want to make sure you receive the full amount of benefits you deserve. Never hesitate to seek assistance from an experienced DBA attorney with the claim process. If you receive a claim denial, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney immediately. 

Consult with Nationwide Defense Base Act Lawyers Today

At Mara Law Firm, our team of experienced Defense Base Act lawyers handles cases nationwide for clients injured in many different ways during overseas contract work. Contact us online or call (619) 234-2833 for a free consultation. We can evaluate the best course of action to maximize the DBA benefits you receive after a frightening injury.