Boston Electrical Explosion Accident Attorney

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we know how traumatic and devastating injuries from electrical explosions, or arc flashes, can be. Working with victims throughout Boston and Massachusetts, we’ve seen firsthand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on individuals and their families. Electrical explosions and arc flashes often lead to severe injuries, prolonged recovery, and significant medical bills. Here, we discuss what these events are, the common injuries they cause, and how our team is dedicated to helping victims seek justice and compensation. Our Boston electrical explosion accident attorneys are here to help you.

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion or discharge that results from a short circuit or fault condition, producing a powerful burst of energy. During an arc flash, the electric current leaves its intended path, traveling through the air to another conductor or the ground. The intense energy release can cause severe injuries and even death. While arc flashes are a recognized risk in many industrial and construction settings, the consequences are still often underestimated, leading to preventable accidents. If you have been injured in an electrical explosion contact our fire and explosion accident attorneys to fight for maximum compensation.

The energy released in an arc flash is measured in calories per square centimeter, and even a low-calorie flash can inflict serious harm. Temperatures can reach up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit—four times hotter than the surface of the sun. Combined with flying debris, hot metal shrapnel, and molten materials, the risks posed to workers and bystanders are substantial.

The injuries resulting from electrical explosions are among the most severe we see at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers. They often require immediate and extensive medical attention, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Here are some of the most common types of injuries we’ve encountered when representing arc flash victims:

• Thermal Burns. Due to the intense heat generated during an arc flash, thermal burns are incredibly common and are often the most severe type of injury. These burns can cover large areas of the body, including the face, hands, and torso, and may lead to nerve damage, infection, and permanent scarring. In extreme cases, victims may suffer third- or fourth-degree burns that require skin grafting or reconstructive surgeries. The recovery process for burn injuries can be long and painful, impacting both physical mobility and mental well-being.
• Electrical Burns. Unlike thermal burns, electrical burns result from the body coming into direct contact with the electric current during an arc flash. This can damage tissues, muscles, and even bones. Electrical burns can also cause significant internal damage, affecting organs and leading to complications that may not be immediately visible. Victims may require specialized treatment and monitoring, and the lasting effects can include chronic pain, limited mobility, and nerve damage.
• Hearing Loss. The intense pressure wave and sound created during an arc flash can cause hearing damage or even complete hearing loss. Many of our clients report that the sound from an arc flash was comparable to a bomb explosion. Hearing loss, either partial or full, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, requiring assistive devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants, along with rehabilitation therapy.
• Eye Injuries. Arc flashes produce bright, intense light that can damage the eyes, leading to conditions like flash blindness or retinal damage. These injuries may be temporary or permanent, with victims sometimes suffering from cataracts or other vision impairments. Eye injuries can drastically change how a person navigates daily life, and corrective procedures like laser surgeries or corneal transplants may be necessary to restore sight or minimize impairment.
• Broken Bones and Fractures. The force of an arc flash explosion can cause victims to fall or be struck by flying debris, leading to fractures and broken bones. In some cases, the sheer pressure of the blast can even dislocate joints or cause complex fractures that are difficult to treat. Recovery often requires casts, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. For some, the impact of these injuries can mean restricted mobility and a long, challenging rehabilitation process.
• Respiratory Injuries. Arc flashes release toxic gases and smoke, which can lead to inhalation injuries. These respiratory injuries may cause immediate issues, such as difficulty breathing, or lead to long-term lung damage, especially if chemical exposure is involved. Victims often require respiratory support, oxygen therapy, or other interventions to manage these injuries.

Arc flashes usually result from a combination of electrical faults and improper safety protocols. Some common causes include:

• Improper equipment maintenance: Worn-out or damaged equipment increases the risk of short circuits and arcing faults.
• Human error: Inadequate training, insufficient safety measures, or a simple mistake by a worker can trigger an arc flash.
• Equipment failure: Electrical systems can malfunction or fail over time, leading to dangerous conditions if not properly maintained.
• Dust and corrosion: Dust buildup or corrosion can affect the electrical pathways, increasing the risk of faults and sparks.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from an electrical explosion or arc flash, it’s essential to understand your rights. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients through every step of the legal process. We have the experience to handle cases involving complex electrical safety regulations, workplace safety standards, and insurance claims. Here’s how we can assist:

• Investigating the Cause of the Arc Flash. One of the most important steps in a case involving an arc flash injury is understanding what caused the explosion. Our team works with industry experts to analyze evidence, including electrical equipment and safety protocols. Identifying the root cause of the arc flash can often reveal violations of safety regulations or negligent practices that could have been avoided.
• Calculating the Full Scope of Damages. Arc flash injuries often come with significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs. We carefully calculate the financial impact of your injuries, factoring in both immediate expenses and future needs. This includes medical expenses, physical and occupational therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any potential impact on future earnings.
• Pursuing Justice and Fair Compensation. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we believe that you deserve fair compensation for the pain, suffering, and financial hardships that follow a traumatic arc flash incident. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action against negligent parties, we’re committed to advocating for your rights. Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.

Boston’s industrial and construction sectors continue to grow, making electrical safety a critical concern. Our firm remains steadfast in helping individuals injured in these environments receive the protection they deserve under Massachusetts law. We’re here to guide you through the complexities of personal injury law, workers' compensation claims, and, when necessary, litigation.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from an arc flash in Boston or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to providing compassionate, experienced legal representation for arc flash victims and their families. Let us help you seek the justice and financial security you deserve.

When you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, reach out to Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers. Call us for a free consultation at (617)-777-7777.