Charlotte North Carolina Legal Blog

According to a recent report, on Friday, July 6, 2018, an explosion in a North Carolina propane tank plant injured two workers. Though their injuries were considered non-life threatening, both workers were airlifted to a burn center.

Susan Holder, Sampson County spokeswoman, told WSOC TV that an emergency call was received on Friday afternoon stating there had been multiple explosions at the plant. She further stated that firefighters worked for around two hours to contain the fire, focusing on keeping it away from nearby woods as well as other tanks on the premises. Two of those tanks were 30-gallon liquid propane tanks. In addition to those, the plant also housed another 25,000 propane cylinders.

Construction is a demanding and exhausting industry to work in. The blue-collar men and women who build houses, repair roads and are sometimes literally in the trenches are the ones we have to thank for our nation’s ability to keep humming along.

Jobsites are busy places filled with heavy machinery, power tools and other potentially dangerous elements. For things to run smoothly, safety must be a top priority. Despite this, employees’ wellbeing is sometimes left by the wayside. That was the situation recently in Ohio when JK Excavating & Utilities Inc.’s negligence led to the death of an employee.

It is important for workers to understand that they can expect to go to a safe workplace each day. A recent construction accident in Charlotte claimed the life of a 24-year old construction worker and many are asking for answers and demanding increased worker safety. The victim was killed in the construction accident when he fell 19 floors from a construction elevator. He came to rest on a small platform near the base of the elevator and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The victim had a 3-year old daughter.

The North Carolina Department of Labor stated that it does not comment on an ongoing investigation and the local police declined to comment further concerning the fatal construction accident. The investigation into the construction accident may take months. One worker who had ridden the elevator 14 floors with the victim before getting off reported that the elevator began to shake as it continued upward and then the victim was thrown off. The tower that is currently under construction where the victim fell is expected to be 33 floors and workers have already completed 25 floors. It is currently the tallest building under construction in the area and will be the fourth tallest in the area when it is complete.

When a victim has been injured in an unexpected car accident, they face an uncertain future that may include unexpected medical bills, lost wages and emotional challenges. Fortunately, personal injury legal protections are available to help but it is important for car accident victims to know the steps to take to preserve a claim for damages.

Following the car accident, car accident victims should collect as much evidence as possible which includes photographs and other information. In addition, victims should collect witness information that includes what witnesses saw and how they can be contacted later should their statements be needed. Police should also be called to the accident so that they can create a police report should one be needed at a later date.