[01-26-2023] San Diego County, CA – Four Employees Sustained Burns After Propane Tank Explosion in Kearny Mesa

A 5-gallon propane tank fueling a portable grill ignited and burst, injuring four employees in San Diego on Thursday afternoon, January 26, 2023.

Reports confirmed that the accident occurred around 12:45 p.m. during a corporate event at a company’s Balboa Avenue headquarters.

Two of the critically injured victims, both of whom suffered third-degree burns, worked for the catering service hired for the event. They were transferred to the UCSD Burn Center for treatment.

Meanwhile, a Cubic contractor with minor burns to his hand and face rejected medical attention.

During the fire, the grill and patio area were damaged, and awnings were melted overhead.

According to authorities, the tank explosion was caused by a leak, and investigations are currently ongoing.

Workplace Accident Statistics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, over 4,500 people are killed or severely injured in workplace mishaps each year (OHSA). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly two-thirds of American workers were injured on the job in 2019. This figure will remain steady till 2020.

Workers’ compensation claims have been progressively dropping despite a consistent rate of workplace fatalities. In 2018, there were 5,333 fatal workplace accidents, a 2% increase over 2017. The annual death toll has been steadily rising since 2010.

In 2018, there were 2% more fatal workplace accidents than in 2017. So far this year, there have been 5,333 fatalities as a result of traffic-related events. Trips, slips, and falls were responsible for 16% of all unintentional deaths. Car accidents accounted for 39.8% of all fatalities in the United States in 2016.

While the majority of workplaces are risk-free, others pose significant dangers to employees due to their particular qualities or location. The majority of fatal occupational accidents occur in the manufacturing, farming, transportation, and construction industries.

Homicides, car accidents, and job injuries are the top three causes of workplace fatalities. Overexertion from lifting and moving heavy objects, trips, and falls are the most common nonfatal workplace injury causes.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in San Diego

You will be defended in court by your advocate if counsel represents you. No one is permitted to abuse their right to workers’ compensation.

Obtaining a fair settlement from the insurer requires the assistance of legal counsel. If you can’t afford an attorney but want to have your case thoroughly reviewed, feel free to do so.

Our workers’ compensation lawyers in San Diego County are ready to present your case in court and negotiate a fair settlement.

Our reputable firm can assist you if you have been injured in an accident. You or a loved one’s injury or demise may have been caused partly by the recklessness or negligence of a third party. You may need to appear in court to get what is rightfully yours.

For a free case evaluation, call our California workers’ compensation attorneys at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online “Do I Have A Case?” form.