Chicago Grain Bin Explosion Lawyer

A Grain Bin Explosion Attorney Can Provide The Legal Guidance You Need

In Illinois and throughout the Midwest, farm accidents can be deadly, life-changing events. One of the most catastrophic is a grain bin explosion. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a grain bin explosion, do not hesitate to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

At Clifford Law Offices, we have extensive experience guiding injured clients through the legal process of monetary recovery. Our attorneys are prepared to answer challenging questions as they relate to your case.

Is the cause of the explosion vital to the outcome of the case?
Is there a legal difference between faulty equipment and improper procedures?
Who is liable for the damages — the designers or the manufacturers?

Nearly every type of grain bin explosion will have catastrophic results. Injuries from the explosion itself, or from flying metal shrapnel, can be devastating. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through the legal process of monetary recovery.

What Causes A Grain Bin Explosion?

According to the 2022 Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities, there has been a significant rise in reported cases. The number of incidents involving agricultural confined spaces surged by roughly 40.7 percent from 2021, totaling 83 cases, with 24 fatal and 59 nonfatal incidents. Notably, grain-related entrapments, the most common type of agricultural confined space incident, increased by 44.8%, reaching the highest number in over a decade with 42 cases.

An ignition source — a cigarette, farm equipment or a spark from metal contact, for example — causes a pressure wave that ultimately ignites the floating dust particles in the bin. If the ventilation system is faulty or proper procedures are not followed, the resulting explosion can be deadly.

Protecting The Injured Following A Serious Accident

The suddenness and violence of an explosion can have a lasting impact — both physically and mentally. Injuries can include:

Hearing loss
Burn injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Organ damage
Broken bones
Lacerations
Amputation

Most of these injuries are caused by the shrapnel that explodes outward from the grain bin. In many instances, the impact of the metal can be severe enough to cause death. Injured victims and surviving family members are encouraged to discuss their accident with a personal injury lawyer.

Recognized For Excellence In Grain Bin Cases

The National Law Journal has recognized our explosion accident lawyers for securing some of the highest verdicts in the country on behalf of grain bin explosion victims. This includes a recent case that senior partner Robert A. Clifford and Kevin P. Durkin tried for a month in federal district court in St. Louis. “We represented two workers who were injured when a grain bin, owned by ConAgra, exploded along the Mississippi River. After 10 hours of deliberation, the jury found in favor of our clients.”