Who’s Liable In A Michigan Factory Explosion?
When a factory explosion occurs in Michigan, the consequences are often devastating. Lives are changed in an instant, and entire families may be left dealing with loss, serious injuries, or financial hardship. As attorneys handling injury claims throughout Michigan, we understand the urgency and confusion victims feel after a plant explosion. In many cases, these explosions are preventable, and someone is legally responsible. Understanding who can be held liable—and how to pursue compensation, is critical to protecting your rights and your future.
Let’s talk about the legal factors that determine liability in a Michigan factory explosion case and how we, as your legal team, can help hold the right parties accountable under state law.
Understanding Liability In A Michigan Factory Explosion
Liability in a factory explosion depends on what caused the explosion and who had a legal duty to prevent it. We start by identifying all possible parties who may have contributed to unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or failed maintenance. These could include the property owner, a manufacturer, a contractor, or even a third-party maintenance company.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2945–600.2949a, manufacturers or sellers may be held liable for injuries caused by defective products. If the explosion was triggered by faulty machinery or a defective safety system, the company that designed, made, or sold that equipment may be responsible under Michigan’s product liability laws.
The Role Of Premises Liability In Explosion Cases
We also look at the factory property itself. Michigan premises liability law, as outlined in MCL § 554.139 and court interpretations such as Premo v. General Motors Corp., 210 Mich App 121 (1995), holds property owners responsible for keeping their premises in a reasonably safe condition. That includes the duty to inspect, maintain, and repair dangerous conditions—especially in a high-risk environment like a manufacturing facility.
If a building owner failed to install proper fire suppression systems, ignored safety warnings, or neglected maintenance that led to the explosion, they may be liable for the harm caused.
Can An Employer Be Sued Directly For Injuries?
In most cases, if you were an employee injured on the job, your first source of compensation is Michigan Workers’ Compensation under MCL § 418.301. Workers’ comp covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering.
However, there are exceptions. If a third party (someone other than your employer) caused the explosion, we can file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. These lawsuits allow injured workers to pursue damages beyond what workers’ comp provides. For example, if a contractor working at the site improperly installed gas lines, we can pursue a claim against that company.
Holding Third Parties Accountable For Injuries And Losses
Third-party liability is one of the most important areas we explore in factory explosion cases. Multiple entities may have shared responsibility for unsafe conditions. These include:
- Equipment manufacturers
- Subcontractors
- Property management companies
- Utility providers
- Cleaning or repair vendors
When these third parties fail in their duty of care, Michigan law allows us to hold them accountable for negligence, product liability, or breach of contract that results in harm.
Wrongful Death Claims After A Factory Explosion
If a loved one died in a factory explosion, we can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family under MCL § 600.2922. This statute allows the estate of the deceased to seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and more.
We work closely with grieving families to ensure that their claims are properly filed and that no one is left without legal options.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
In a successful personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, we can pursue several types of compensation:
- Full medical expenses
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial costs (in death cases)
These damages are meant to restore what has been lost and support the injured or bereaved family in moving forward.
How We Investigate Factory Explosion Claims
To determine liability, we move quickly to gather evidence. This often includes:
- OSHA inspection reports
- Witness statements
- Maintenance logs
- Safety records
- Equipment specifications and defects
- Surveillance footage or photographs
We also work with forensic engineers and safety consultants when needed to pinpoint what went wrong and who was responsible.
Why Timelines Matter In Michigan Injury Claims
In Michigan, personal injury lawsuits must generally be filed within three years from the date of the injury under MCL § 600.5805. However, if you’re filing a claim against a government agency, special notice rules apply, and the window to act may be much shorter. That’s why we encourage injured workers and families to call us immediately—before crucial evidence disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Factory Explosions
Who Can Be Sued If I’m Injured In A Michigan Factory Explosion?
In addition to workers’ compensation from your employer, we may be able to sue third parties such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or outside vendors. These claims are critical if negligence or defective equipment played a role. Michigan law supports third-party lawsuits when someone other than your employer caused the explosion.
Can I Sue My Employer For A Factory Explosion Injury In Michigan?
Most employees are barred from suing their employer directly due to Michigan’s workers’ compensation laws. However, if your employer acted intentionally or failed to follow clear safety laws in a reckless manner, a separate legal action might be possible. We evaluate these rare exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
What Compensation Can I Get If I Was Hurt In A Plant Explosion?
We can seek compensation for medical bills, future treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disability. If you lost a loved one, wrongful death damages may be available for funeral costs and the financial support they would have provided. The total compensation depends on the severity of the injury and the impact on your life.
What If I Was Just Visiting Or Working As A Contractor At The Plant?
If you were injured while visiting or contracting at the factory, you are not restricted to workers’ comp. You may be able to bring a full personal injury lawsuit under Michigan premises liability law or based on general negligence. We investigate whether the property owner or operator owed you a duty of care and failed to meet it.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Factory Explosion In Michigan?
The standard statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury or death. But there are exceptions, especially if minors are involved or if the claim involves a government agency. It’s critical to contact us as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and file within the required legal deadlines.
Call Our Michigan Factory Explosion Lawyers For Help
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we know how devastating a factory explosion can be for you and your family. Whether you’re facing painful injuries, the loss of a loved one, or overwhelming bills, we’re here to help you fight back. We will identify every possible source of liability and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Contact our Detroit premises liability attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today at (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. Our attorneys represent victims of plant explosions and premises liability accidents in Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan from our Southfield office location. We don’t charge any legal fees unless we win compensation for you. Let’s get started today.
