Galfand Berger LLP Stands Ready to Help Victims of Fatal Work Explosions

On Friday, March 24, 2023, a catastrophic explosion occurred at a historic chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, killing at least 7 victims and leaving many others injured. Witnesses reported hearing a deafening explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company buildings at approximately 5 pm, immediately followed by visible flames. The fatal blast demolished the well-known chocolate factory located about 60 northwest of Philadelphia, as well as a neighboring building.

Rescue efforts ensued for the next two days, with the use of trained dogs and heat imaging equipment in search of survivors. Utilities crews were brought in after damage from the explosion led to a gas leak that fueled a four-alarm fire after the initial blast. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the candy-factory explosion.

Galfand Berger has been helping victims of workplace explosions for over 75 years. We extend our sympathy to the victims and families involved in the R.M. Palmer Company factory explosion. Injured victims not only have Workers’ Compensation claims, but may also file claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to the explosion. Family members can also file wrongful death claims for their emotional trauma and financial loss. Workers, loved ones, and even neighbors in the West Reading community who were impacted by the explosion have legal rights and options.

What are Your Rights Under Workers’ Compensation?

Lives change when workplace injuries occur. The Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP are dedicated to helping people whose world is changed by a workplace accident, injury, or death. We help injured workers navigate the complexities of the Workers’ Compensation process.

If you have been injured at work, you have the right to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. Workers’ Compensation aims to assist workers who have been injured or have fallen ill on the job with medical bills and income replacement.

In Pennsylvania and most other states, all but a few employers must carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. They typically purchase it through an insurance company, but some companies self-fund the benefits. Any employee hurt on the job is eligible to receive benefits, no matter who is at fault for the accident.

Understanding how the application process works can save a lot of stress and worry. A Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help with your application or any other issues related to your injury claim.

What are Third Party Cases?

Your employer may not be the only one responsible for your injuries. In addition to filing a claim through the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system, injured workers may also be entitled to file a lawsuit against other potentially responsible parties.

While Workers’ Compensation can compensate injured workers for medical bills and lost wages, other damages such as pain and suffering, are not reimbursable.   An injured worker must file a “third-party liability lawsuit” in order seek compensation to which they are entitled from other responsible parties.

One of the most common types of third-party liability claims involves malfunctioning and defective equipment in the workplace.  These defects can cause serious and often catastrophic personal injuries.  For example, gas leaks, faulty valves or other defective products and equipment  can result in traumatic injuries, and even death.

Even those who were at work but avoided serious injury may have claims for mental health issues, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through Workers’ Compensation and third-party cases.

Contact Galfand Berger Today

Our firm stands ready to help as we have with many other workplace explosion and burn injury victims throughout our history. With a track record for success and our experienced legal team, we have secured millions of dollars in similar cases.

Read more about our firm’s efforts to help injury victims and their families:

• $36 Million Recovery for Fatal Workplace Explosion 
• $10,650,000.00 Settlement for Fatally Burned Worker and His Injured Co-worker
• $5.1 Million Settlement for Defective Casting Machine Injury

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call our legal team at 800-222-8792 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia, Reading, Lancaster and Bethlehem, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.