Explosion at 3M Plant in Hutchinson Injures 3

An explosion at the 3M building in Hutchinson, Minnesota on April 12, 2018 has injured three people. One person is seriously injured. The explosion occurred on April 12, 2018.

Two of the patients were taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for medical care. One was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, which is a level-one trauma center with a dedicated burn unit located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hutchinson Police Chief Daniel Hatten told the media that some equipment malfunctioned. This was confirmed by a 3M spokesperson who told KARE-TV that equipment had become “upset in the cooling process.”

Parts of the plant closed as investigators worked on determining the cause of the explosion. 3M manufactures abrasives, chemicals, films, tapes, and adhesives for the automotive, communications, energy, and health care industries.

Industrial explosions can happen in any industry, and can cause serious injuries including burns, crush injuries, lung injuries, and damage to the heart, eyes, ears, and brain. When equipment explodes, shrapnel can be impale a nearby worker and workers can be thrown by the force of the blast, resulting in fractures and internal organ damage. These kinds of explosions can also result in chemical burns.

We are a Minneapolis law firm that has a national practice in the area of explosion litigation. We have seen enough of these cases to understand the fear and uncertainty you may be experiencing. When our clients come to us for help, we meet with them immediately and give them an idea what to expect legally. Then we take as much off their plate as possible so the family can focus on recovery. For some of our clients, we negotiate with banks for pre-settlement loans and negotiate with insurance companies to make sure our clients are getting the best possible care.

We recently filed a lawsuit against an Ohio company (not 3M) on behalf of a woman who was severely burned in a work explosion in Minnesota. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota (case number 0:17-cv-05237). Minnesota workers’ compensation law precluded a suit against our client’s employer, but Eric Hageman, one of our lead lawyers for our explosion cases, did an independent investigation and determined that the Ohio company, the maker of hoses and fittings, was legally responsible and could be sued for compensation. 

Call us at 1-612-338-0202 or 1-888-377-8900 to discuss your case and set up a meeting with Eric Hageman. The consultation is free and with no obligation.