Chemical Plant Explosions
Virginia is home to tens of thousands of industrial plant and manufacturing workers, many of whom face risks from explosions that can cause serious injuries or death. Explosions at chemical plants and industrial sites happen for different reasons, including:
At Breit Biniazan, we represent both workers injured on the job and civilians harmed by nearby industrial explosions. Our experienced attorneys understand the complex causes behind these disasters and fight to help victims secure compensation for their injuries and losses.
We have a strong history of winning cases involving a wide range of explosion-related incidents, including:
Having an experienced explosion injury lawyer is needed to navigate these catastrophic events. We fight aggressively for life-changing settlements on behalf of our clients.
Chemical plant explosions are often caused by a mix of unsafe conditions, human error, and equipment failure. Common causes include:
Improper storage of chemicals is one of the most common causes of chemical plant explosions. When chemicals are stored incorrectly or mixed in unsafe combinations, they can create unstable conditions that increase the risk of leaks, spills, and dangerous reactions. Handling chemicals without following strict safety rules or failing to use proper containers can lead to volatile substances igniting or exploding unexpectedly. Ensuring safe chemical storage is essential to prevent catastrophic accidents and protect both workers and nearby communities.
Equipment that is old, broken, or not regularly inspected can fail suddenly and cause explosions. Chemical plants rely heavily on machinery that must be maintained carefully to operate safely. If maintenance is neglected, equipment can malfunction or break down, leading to leaks, sparks, or pressure build-up that may trigger deadly blasts. Aging structures, combined with poor upkeep, significantly increase the chances of accidents that could otherwise be avoided with proper care.
Failing to comply with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety standards creates dangerous work environments in chemical plants. When companies ignore regulations, such as proper worker training, adequate safety gear, or regular safety checks, they put employees at high risk of injury or death. Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and unsafe work procedures leave workers vulnerable to fires, explosions, and chemical exposures that could be prevented with strict adherence to safety protocols.
Many chemical plant accidents occur because employees are not properly trained to handle hazardous materials or emergency situations. Lack of thorough safety training leads to mistakes, such as improper chemical handling, ignoring warning signs, or incorrect operation of equipment. In addition, poor supervision and oversight contribute to accidents that might have been avoided if workers were educated about risks and safe practices. Employers are responsible for ensuring their workers have the necessary knowledge and resources to work safely.
Victims can seek compensation for various damages including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and in some cases exemplary (punitive) damages meant to punish wrongful conduct. Virginia law sets a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date of injury or from when one should reasonably have known about harm (discovery rule applies if diseases develop years later).
If injured at work, you will likely file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer’s insurance. Workers’ comp covers medical bills, part of lost wages, and disability, regardless of fault. Workers’ comp claims can be complicated; employers sometimes resist fair payments, so legal help is often needed.
If the explosion was caused by a third party (e.g., subcontractor, equipment manufacturer), you might file a personal injury claim against them in addition to or instead of workers’ comp.
For community members harmed by chemical plant explosions, third-party personal injury claims are the primary option. Liability depends on facts and often involves the plant owner or equipment manufacturers.
If a loved one suffers fatal injuries from a chemical plant explosion, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost support, and emotional suffering. While nothing replaces a lost family member, these claims offer financial help and hold responsible parties accountable.
In Virginia, wrongful death actions must be filed by the deceased person’s personal representative—usually the executor or administrator of the estate—within two years from the date of death. This statute of limitations can sometimes be extended under the "discovery rule" if the injury or death occurred but was not reasonably discovered until later.
Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law means if you contributed even slightly to the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. That’s why early legal help is crucial.
Liability can fall on:
To prove fault, attorneys investigate whether:
With Breit Biniazan fighting on your side, you gain experienced attorneys who will aggressively pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve. We handle every case with personalized attention and keep you updated every step of the way. Our skilled explosion lawyers have experience with:
No matter the explosion type, we have the knowledge and resources to pursue your claim.
Breit Biniazan is known for successfully handling complicated, high-value explosion injury cases, fighting hard to maximize client recoveries.
We treat every client with care and provide clear communication at every step. Your case matters and we listen closely to your needs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a chemical plant explosion or related industrial disaster, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. At Breit Biniazan, we understand how overwhelming these accidents can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. Our dedicated team is here to listen carefully to your story and answer all your questions.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we will thoroughly review the details of your case and explain your legal rights in simple terms. We’ll help you understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to and the best way to pursue your claim.
Call Breit Biniazan now – your trusted partners in chemical plant explosion injury cases.
"I am a New York personal injury attorney. A friend asked me to find an excellent attorney to represent her nephew who lives in Virginia and was badly injured in a car accident there. Justin Sheldon from Breit Biniazan was very experienced and patient in explaining the legal process to his client. He obtained an excellent settlement and my friend and her nephew were both very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend Justin Sheldon and the Breit Biniazan law firm if you require the services of a personal injury law firm in Virginia."
"Very professional, kind hearted and caring. I loved working with Sarah she did a stellar job representing me and assuring me that everything would work out. ❤️"
"Had my incident back in 04/2021. Was referred to Breit and Justin Sheldon was my attorney for my case against insurance and personal injury case. Justin and his team was extremely pleasant to work with. They were always communicative at providing updates and feedback of the state of the situation. Year and a half later, never had any regrets trusting Breit to represent myself for my case."
"Where do I start, From the beginning till now, EVERYONE that works for BREIT BINIAZAN Law Firm are very AWESOME especially Sarah and her team. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything . I will recommend this law firm to anybody who needs help. Sarah and your team, please keep up the awesome work. You guys are the BEST. May God Bless All of You. Once again, Thank you Breit Biniazan Law Firm. Team#1 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
"Sarah Sauble is by far the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. She was very helpful and knowledgeable about the law and explaining legal terms in order for us to understand. Together with her paralegal, Elizabeth Rankan, they’re both great at what they do. Job well done ladies."
"Sarah's unwavering support and dedication, coupled with her expertise, have been invaluable throughout my accident settlement case. I am profoundly grateful for all she has done, and her efforts have made a significant impact on my journey.I wholeheartedly endorse Sarah Gallo Sauble as well as the entire team at Breit Biniazan Law Firm, to anyone seeking legal assistance. Their professionalism and excellence are unparalleled."
"Sarah and the team at Breit Biniazan could not have been more professional, caring and informative. Throughout the whole process they would check on my condition, health and exchange any updates with medical care as well as the case itself. They walked me through each step, explained the expectations and possible outcomes while keeping it professional. The communication was always as easy as a text, email or call away and always responsive. If you're still looking for your team, look no further. Make the call, let Sarah provide the care you need and fight for the settlement you deserve. Thank you for fighting for me Sarah!"
"Sarah and Elizabeth were wonderful to work with. They are honest, professional and fair and worked very hard to settle our case in a timely fashion. They maintain positive and respectful relationships with opposing counsels to ensure that the client’s best interests are represented. I would highly recommend them to others and I would use them again if the situation were to arise."
"Sara and her team were great to work with. I trusted them to take care of my case and they did. I would use
Them again in the future if I needed to."
"I reached out to Sarah G. Sable, about 9 months ago, from the beginning she assured me that she would take care of my case and that I had nothing to worry about.
Sarah stayed in contact with me every step of the way, she even answered my calls after hours to ensure that she was meeting my expectations, and answering all of my questions.
At trial Sarah represented me like no other. Even the Judge said what an excellent job she did and even asked her what law firm she was representing. Kudos to Sarah. She won our case, as she assured me she would. I would definitely recommend this law firm. Especially Sarah her professionalism and mannerism speaks volumes. Thanks again for representing me."
"The experience was awesome. Breit Biniazan help through the transition and paperwork to help me get my settlement. The whole team and lawyer had great communication throughout the process of this settlement."
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"Best law firm in Hampton Roads"
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"I couldn’t speak more highly of Kevin, Kylee, and the whole legal team at BB. They were both personable and professional. If you’re looking for a lawyer who cares, this firm is the right one for you."
"My case was small, but it was handled with the care one would expect to be given to a multimillion-dollar settlement. The professionalism, intelligence and kindness of everyone in the firm far surpassed my expectations. Jeffrey Breit and Kevin Biniazan are truly the A Team!"
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"Was very happy with the service I received from this office Staff is very helpful & friendly. After just a few months my case was resolved & my outcome was better than expected! Kellie Jennings kept me up to date and informed through it all. I have another pending case & have no reservations that the outcome will be as good as the first. I would recommend to family & friends."
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Our suit had dragged on for five years, and we wondered if it would ever be finished. Once Mike was handed our case, he immediately got to work getting to know us and understanding the timeline of events. Additionally, as a prior military member, he understood that our case was not a traditional cut-and-dry lawsuit: our life continued while the company dragged it out in court, including PCSing overseas and then back to the US during COVID. This kind of personal understanding and attention to detail was instrumental to our case. Mike's background, compassion, attentiveness, and professionalism made the difference; without him, we could have had a very different outcome.
If you are in need of any representation for a personal injury suit, I highly recommend Michael and his colleagues."
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"Kevin and his team worked tirelessly to help us secure the best possible outcome for an incredibly difficult situation. They were supportive and attentive to our needs, walked us through the process step by step and fought hard for us. I would highly recommend Breit Biniazan for all of your legal needs."
"Following a motor vehicle accident, I needed assistance with handling insurance issues and was referred to Breit Biniazan for their expertise. I had the pleasure of working with attorney Alexis Meier and her paralegal Molisa Gardner. They managed my case with utmost professionalism, efficiency, and thoroughness.
As a physician, I am aware that some law firms may try to enhance settlements by recommending excessive consultations, imaging studies, and other tests, as well as extensive therapy. However, Alexis and Molisa ensured that I received the necessary care without subjecting me to unnecessary tests or treatments. I found their approach to be both ethical and professional.
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