Injuries caused by explosions and blasts can be incredibly severe and lead to lifelong setbacks. Here, we want to discuss some of the main types of injuries that occur as a result of explosions and blasts as well as examine some of the main causes of these types of injuries. Anytime a person sustains an explosion or blast injury caused by the negligence of another individual, company, or entity, they should be able to recover compensation for their losses.

Explosion and Blast Injuries Can Be Devastating

Information presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that “explosions can produce unique patterns of injury seldom seen outside combat.” Explosion and blast injuries are not something that every person has to deal with on a regular basis. This is not like a car accident injury or a slip and fall incident. Explosions and blasts are unique concerning the types of injuries that they cause.

Primary blast injuries

Primary blast injuries are the injuries that occur directly as a result of the blast or explosion. The body parts that are most affected by the primary blast include any gas-filled structures. This includes the lungs, the middle ear, and our gastrointestinal tract.
The blast or explosion can lead to:

• Blast lung
• Middle ear damage
• Abdominal hemorrhage or perforation
• Globe eye rupture
• Concussions or severe traumatic brain injury

Secondary blast injuries

Secondary blast injuries are injuries caused not by the explosion itself but by the debris and fragments resulting from the explosion. This can include fragments of the bomb or explosive device, as well as any object around the explosion that can splinter and fly through the air. Anybody part can be affected by this. Some of the most common injuries caused by secondary forces include:

• Penetrating trauma
• Blunt force trauma
• Eye injuries

Tertiary blast injuries

Tertiary blast injuries result from the body being thrown into other objects or the ground as a result of the force of the blast. Again, any body part can be affected. Some of the most common injuries caused by tertiary forces after an explosion include:

• Blunt force trauma, including deep bruising or contusions
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations

Quaternary blast injuries

Quaternary blast injuries include any explosion-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases not caused by the primary, secondary, or tertiary forces. This can include an exasperation or complication of existing medical conditions that a person had before the explosion happened. Anybody part can be affected by these types of forces. Some of the most common quaternary blast injuries include the following:

• Burn injuries
• Crush injuries
• Closed or open brain injuries
• COPD, asthma, or other breathing issues caused by toxic fumes or smoke
• Angina
• Hypertension
• Hyperglycemia

Working With an Attorney

If you or somebody you care about has sustained an explosion or blast injury caused by the careless or negligent actions of another individual, company, or entity, you need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled Houston explosion accident lawyer can examine the facts of your case and work diligently to recover the compensation you are entitled to. This includes coverage of medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering damages.

Contact The Doan Law Firm today for your free consultation