Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer Representing Several Victims Burned in Gorilla Polishing Industrial Explosion

The Orange County personal injury lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE are representing several victims who suffered serious to catastrophic burn injuries after an explosion and fire at Gorilla’s Polishing plant in La Habra. The Orange County Register reports that this incident occurred the morning of April 29, 2014. Officials said the blast occurred at an overhead duct system filled with lint and dust. The cause was determined to be an “accidental spark.”

About 30 workers were polishing wheel rims when the explosion occurred in the rear of the building at 531 Commercial Way. The Register reported that two men suffered burns over most of their bodies. Hospital officials said these men are looking at multiple surgeries and long recoveries. Three of the men who suffered burns over 5 to 65 percent of their bodies were being treated at the Orange County Burn Center. The center’s director said the men have burns on their faces, arms, chests and backs and that the two critically injured patients will need to undergo several skin graft procedures. Several other burn victims are recovering in other area hospitals.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health launched an investigation into whether any workplace safety violations took place. If it is determined that such violations took place, the company will most likely get cited and fined. However, this investigation, officials say, could take up to six months as they talk to witnesses, review documents and check the equipment that was used.

Trying Time for Injured Victims

The parties who have been devastated by this fiery explosion are of course the severely injured victims and their families. At least a few of these victims have suffered catastrophic burn injuries. The road to recovery is sure to be long and arduous. These families are looking at significant medical expenses such as hospitalization, surgery, medication and rehabilitation costs. These families must also cope with lost income as they try to handle their routine bills in addition to medical expenses.

An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer can help these victims protect their legal rights. As we represent some of these victims, we at BISNAR | CHASE have already started sending out spoliation letters to the concerned parties. This means that all evidence such as machinery and equipment used at the time will be preserved. A failure to preserve the evidence in a timely manner could result in crucial items getting lost, misplaced or destroyed. It is also important in such cases that injured victims contact an attorney who will not charge them any fees until their case has been successfully resolved.