An earth-shaking explosion at a Waukegan silicone chemical manufacturing plant on May 3 left three people dead, one person missing, and others hospitalized, according to a report from CNN. Police reported that a “catastrophic explosion” happened around 9:30 p.m. at AB Specialty Silicones, 3790 Sunset Ave., with nine workers inside at the time.
Three of the workers who were making products inside the industrial plant were heralded with warning the others to get out before the explosion happened, Fox 6 Now reported. Those three men were then trapped inside.
Dangerous conditions at the plant after the explosion forced authorities to call off their search and rescue efforts temporarily. Authorities were still investigating to determine the cause of the explosion, which caused an estimated $1 million in property damage in addition to the deaths and injuries.
Workplace Accidents Pose a Serious Danger in Illinois
Catastrophic accidents can unfortunately happen at any workplace. Although massive explosions like the one at AB Specialty Silicones are not common, there are a wide range of dangers that pose a threat to workers in every occupation. Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in 2017:
- Illinois reported 163 fatal work injuries.
- Private-industry employers in the state reported 108,200 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses
- More than half of the injury and illness cases reported in private industry were considered severe ─ resulting in days missed from work, job transfers, or restrictions.
The tragic truth is that most workplace accidents could have been prevented, injuries could have been avoided, and lives could have been saved. That’s why our law firm fights so hard for workplace accident victims. We believe workers and their families deserve justice.
Our Law Firm Fights for Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones in Chemical Plant Explosions
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our hearts go out to those families who lost loved ones in the silicone plant explosion. Having worked with many families over the years, we understand the shock and anger that can quickly overwhelm surviving family members as they try to make sense of what has happened.
To make matters worse, employers and insurance companies can try to take advantage of grieving families during this difficult time, pressuring them to make decisions that would ultimately limit the families’ rights to pursue justice for their loved ones. As longtime advocates for workers and their families, we urge families to protect themselves by learning about their legal rights as soon as possible.
If you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, our compassionate Waukegan wrongful death attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and take some of the burden off your family. Please call us at (847) 249-1227 or contact us online to speak with a knowledgeable attorney in a free consultation.
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