Blasting Caps
Everyone knows explosives are dangerous. Dynamite, sometimes still used to destroy tree stumps, poses obvious risks. And we've all heard stories of hands being lost because of malfunctioning or improperly handled fireworks. What some people do not realize, however, is that there are other powerful explosives you might encounter in day-to-day life. Blasting caps are one of the explosives most Americans are likely to encounter.
Blasting caps are used to initiate the controlled detonation of high explosives. Modern explosives are safer than in the past, and many require smaller explosions. Blasting caps provide these. High explosives have many civilian applications, from the controlled implosion of buildings to the clearing of rock for mining and quarrying.
As a result of the wide range of uses explosives have, blasting caps are relatively common. Reckless handling of blasting caps can lead to caps being overlooked or forgotten about. Occasionally people come across blasting caps and either fail to recognize them or don't know what to do with them. Sometimes this can lead to injuries or even death.
If You Find Blasting Caps
Most blasting caps look like small metal tubes at the end of a wire. These metal containers let workers insert the caps into explosive charges more easily. These days blasting caps are required to have warnings printed on them. However, since most blasting caps are small, some people may fail to see the warnings. Older blasting caps might not have them at all.
If you come across blasting caps, do not touch them. Handling blasting caps is dangerous and can lead to loss of hands, severe bodily damage, or death. Immediately leave the area and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency services. They will be able to send experts to take care of them.
If You Are Injured
If you or a loved one is injured by blasting caps, you may be able to pursue criminal action. Leaving blasting caps behind, whether accidentally or not, poses a major risk to the public. You may be able to win damages to help pay for medical bills and help you recover from such a traumatic event.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured because of mishandled blasting caps, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake, PC today at 312-466-8200 to speak to a knowledgeable and understanding attorney.