GM Worker Injured When Car Battery Explodes During Testing

May 8, 2012
While hybrid and electric cars may be the next big breakthrough in the automotive industry, the research to get them to the market has proven to be quite dangerous. For instance, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that several General Motors employees were injured at a research center when a lithium-ion battery exploded.
The accident occurred last month when chemical gases from the battery ignited. Windows and an eight-inch thick door were blown out of the building. In all, five workers were injured and taken to a local hospital to receive treatment. One of the researchers who was hurt is in stable condition after being treated for a concussion and severe chemical burns.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the number of injuries and deaths on the job due to fires and explosions has been on the rise in recent years. There was a 65 percent jump in the number of fatal instances caused by explosions reported between 2009 and 2010, accounting for 113 and 187 worker deaths respectively. The number of fire-related deaths also saw a dramatic increase, going from 53 fatalities in 2009 to 109 in 2010.
Workers who are injured in fires and explosions while on the job can often qualify for Missouri Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers understand what it takes to get a claim approved and may be able to help you.