In May 2021 the residents of Pueblo CO were stunned by an explosion at the EVRAZ Pueblo Steel Mill. Some even reported feeling the blast in their homes from quite a distance away. During what was later identified as a furnace explosion, eight workers were hurt and three were critically injured. According to local media outlets, an electric arc furnace used to melt steel experienced a cooling system failure that most likely led to the accident.
EVRAZ has previously received over 19 citations—10 considered serious safety violations—from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) related to hazardous working conditions. The company was fined over $100,000 in 2016 for these violations. Multiple investigations about the recent explosion remain ongoing.
Read on to learn more about this unfortunate explosion that rocked a small Colorado town. If you were a victim involved in this accident or have sustained serious burns while at work more generally, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to examine what options are available to you.
More About the Recent Steel Mill Explosion in Pueblo ColoradoThe three steel mill workers in critical condition were treated for respiratory injuries and serious burns on their hands and feet. These are considered severe injuries with treatments that may be costly and long lasting. While EVRAZ may have provided their employees with workers’ compensation insurance, Pueblo CO burn victims should consider any and all legal options available to them.
Liability for the Explosion: Who Can Be Held Accountable?It has been found through federal documents that OSHA inspectors cited EVRAZ at least 19 times over the last decade for failing to uphold workplace safety requirements at their Pueblo steel mill. Among other violations, the company was cited for creating a workplace with hazardous conditions and placing employees at risk of an explosion.
If you or someone you know has suffered due to this explosion or a similar burn injury due to a work accident, Pueblo burn injury attorneys can help. You should explore all legal options possible to hold negligent parties accountable for their irresponsible behavior.
Worker Injuries and Workers’ Compensation in ColoradoEvery state in the U.S. has their own laws surrounding workers’ compensation insurance and work injury lawsuits, which is why it is vital to hire an attorney in your area.
In Colorado, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to all of their employees. This means that usually a worker cannot sue their employer outside of a workers’ compensation claim, but there are exceptions to this rule. Pueblo CO burn victims who were injured at work may have options to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party or may be able to pursue a claim against their employer.
In cases of such gross negligence as illustrated in Pueblo explosion, victims should enlist the services of a trusted, experienced lawyer. A knowledgeable legal professional can help you attain the justice you deserve.
Trusted Colorado Injury Lawyers at Carabin Shaw | Free Case ReviewIf you or a loved one has suffered a severe burn injury due to the negligence of an employer, another person, or a business/company, you deserve compensation. Our expert attorneys at Carabin Shaw have over 30 years of combined experience representing personal injury victims. We fight hard against insurance agencies, large corporations, and negligent parties to ensure our clients are able to restore their lives.
Call 800-862-1260 to schedule your free initial consultation. We will answer any initial questions you have and advise you about your best steps moving forward. Our toll-free number is open 24/7. English- and Spanish- speaking staff are available.