A researcher who suffered a catastrophic injury in a laboratory explosion recently filed a personal injury lawsuit against the University of Hawaii, claiming supervisors failed to properly warn her about the risks associated with the research methods. The claim alleges the university was negligent for allowing an individual (the plaintiff) with no experience mixing combustible gases to take part in the experiments and did not provide proper safety training.
The tragic accident took place in May 2016 when scientists from the University of Hawaii invited the plaintiff to come take part in research trials to develop new methods for harvesting bio materials from algae. According to the complaint, the plaintiff’s mentor knew or should have known about the dangers of the experiment but failed or refused to warn the victim about “extreme dangers.”
Unfortunately for the victim, the experiments ultimately ended up causing an explosion that took the plaintiff’s right arm above the elbow. Furthermore, the explosion left the plaintiff with damage to her ears and eyes, as well as serious burns on her face. The suit claims the university and its agents had a duty to train,warn, and, provide proper equipment to the plaintiff.
As compensation for her catastrophic injuries, the suit asks the court to award the plaintiff and her spouse damages for the harm suffered, included lost wages and loss of consortium (marital support). While the defendant paid state investigators a $70,000 fine for their part in the explosion, they have yet to take full responsibility by compensating the plaintiff for her serious injuries.
Often times, wrongdoers try to skirt liability for their careless actions and try to deflect as much of the blame as possible. Fortunately, personal injury victims can compel wrongdoers to do the right thing by exercising the legal right to sue for damages.
While every case is different, most injury claims can recover lost wages incurred during recovery, hospital bills, and damages for pain and suffering. Additionally, spouses can sue for loss of marital support in serious injury cases.
Although The Cochran Firm, D.C. is not involved in this particular case, our experienced Washington, DC personal injury lawyers regularly represent the rights of injury victims harmed by the careless actions of others. Many personal injury lawsuits involve defendants failing to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable injuries and our dedicated attorneys have the legal training and access to resources necessary to prove liability.
While some personal injury attorneys focus on getting a quick settlement, The Cochran Firm, D.C.’s focus remains maximizing compensation for its clients and letting injury victims focus on healing. Furthermore, our DC personal injury firm is steadfast in its goal to protect public safety and forcing wrongdoers to amend their careless behavior.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured, contact us to speak to an attorney about your case.
