Working in the oil and gas industry comes with serious risks, especially when safety is overlooked. A single explosion or equipment failure can leave workers facing catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, or even loss of life. And it’s not just workers who are impacted. Nearby property owners and businesses can also suffer devastating losses.

You may be entitled to significant compensation if you or a loved one has been hurt in an oilfield accident or gas tank explosion. However, pursuing claims for oilfield accidents can be challenging. 

The injury lawyers at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. have decades of combined experience handling complex claims like these. Our law firm has been fighting for the rights of injured parties since 1909. We go up against the largest oil and gas companies and win.

Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., today to schedule a consultation with one of our Grand Forks and Minot personal injury attorneys.

How Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. Can Help You With a Tank Explosion Injury Claim in North Dakota

When gas or oil storage tanks explode, it often causes catastrophic injuries. There are many reasons for tank explosions. Discovering the reason for the tank explosion is essential to obtaining a fair settlement for an injury claim.

At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., our legal team has extensive experience handling oil and gas explosion cases. When you hire our North Dakota personal injury attorneys, we will:

  • Thoroughly investigate the tank explosion to determine the cause of the explosion and identify all responsible parties
  • Gather evidence to support your claim
  • Document your damages to determine how much your case is worth
  • File claims and handle all matters related to insurance claims and third-party claims
  • Negotiate fair settlements for tank explosion injury claims
  • Aggressively represent your best interests during all court appearances and hearings

If you or a loved one were injured in a tank explosion, call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., to discuss your situation with a Minot and Grand Forks tank explosion attorney.

Common Causes of Tank Explosions in Grand Forks & Minot, ND

Oilfield accidents and explosions occur for many reasons. An explosion may begin with a storage tank. Storage tanks contain gas, oil, and other flammable substances. Common reasons for tank explosions include:

  • Improper venting and/or over-pressurization
  • Exposure to ignition sources
  • Incorrectly designed and/or installed tanks
  • Corrosion and improper maintenance or repairs
  • Weather conditions, including lightning and strong winds
  • Human error and negligence
  • Overfilling tanks causes tanks to rupture
  • Equipment failure, including leaks and cracks
  • Operator error due to fatigue or inexperience
  • Contamination of the contents of the tank
  • Improper vacuuming and/or venting during unloading or loading

Storage tanks are used during different stages of extraction and production. Numerous things can go wrong to cause an explosion. Companies must consider all matters that could increase the risk of a tank explosion. However, even when safety procedures are followed, tank explosions are a risk of working in an oil or gas field in North Dakota.

Who Is Liable for Injuries and Damages Caused by a Tank Explosion?

Tank explosions can cause numerous injuries to workers and others. Common injuries caused by tank explosions include:

  • Injuries from flying debris
  • Severe burns
  • Vision and hearing loss
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Loss of limbs and amputations
  • Organ damage and loss of function
  • Perforation injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Dislocated joints and broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Degloving injuries
  • Wrongful death

Sorting out liability for a tank explosion is a complicated process. Determining whether an oil or gas tank exploded may require extensive investigations, including hiring expert witnesses. An owner or employer may be negligent, or the tank may have defects that make it dangerous. In some situations, violations of OSHA safety regulations and codes could have led to the tank explosion.

Our attorneys identify the parties who could be liable for the tank explosion. Identifying all responsible parties allows us to pursue all potential claims to maximize the compensation available for your claim.

Legal Options for Injured Parties Seeking Compensation After a Tank Explosion

Oil and gas workers injured on the job by tank explosions may receive workers’ compensation benefits. An injured worker may receive:

  • Payment of reasonable and necessary medical treatment and care.
  • Wage loss benefits if you cannot work during your recovery. Total temporary disability equals two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wages before the accident.
  • Reimbursement of personal expenses for travel to medical appointments.
  • Services to assist the worker in returning to their job. Workers may receive help with job retention and finding another job if their injuries prevent them from returning to their previous jobs.
  • Permanent disability benefits if the tank explosion causes an impairment or disability.
  • Death benefits for family members if the tank explosion results in the worker’s death.

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, a worker may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Non-workers may also pursue these claims if they sustain injuries or damage because of the tank explosion.

For example, a property owner may be liable under premises liability laws if their negligence causes the tank explosion. A manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws if a defect caused the tank explosion. The oil company could be liable for non-worker claims if the company was negligent or guilty of other wrongdoing.

Workers and other injured parties could receive economic and non-economic damages for a third-party claim. Workers’ compensation does not pay non-economic damages or the full value of financial losses.

Deadlines for Filing Injury Claims After a Tank Explosion in North Dakota

Workers have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim after a tank explosion. However, they must report their injuries to their employer within seven days of being injured. If not, they may lose the right to receive workers’ comp benefits. Family members have up to two years to file a claim if the tank explosion causes a worker’s death.

Non-workers generally have up to six years to file injury claims under North Dakota law. Lawsuits filed after the deadline can be dismissed. However, exceptions to the general rule could change the deadline. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible can help you avoid missing the deadline.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Grand Forks & Minot Personal Injury Attorneys

A tank explosion can change your life forever. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. to schedule an appointment with a North Dakota tank explosion injury lawyer. We will fight for your rights and best interests while pursuing claims against the parties responsible for the tank explosion.