Food Festival Vendor Injuries: When a Steam Burn or Propane Tank Explosion Becomes a Legal Matter

Food trucks are a common and popular outing in South Carolina. Yet, food trucks pose serious dangers to workers, including the risk of burns and propane tank explosions. 

If you’re injured while working in a food truck, don’t wait. Speak to an experienced South Carolina food truck injury lawyer immediately. The team at the Steinberg Law Firm is here to assist. 

The Vibrant Food Truck Scene in South Carolina

Food trucks are so common in South Carolina that vendors have set up websites offering schedules for their trucks. Dedicated “food truck rodeos” also gather vendors from across the state, allowing visitors to try out new flavors or stick with their favorites. 

Common food truck events include:

• The Carolina Food Truck Festival, May 31st at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds
• Bluffton Annual Juneteenth 4th Black Food Truck Friday at Commerce Park, June 13th
• Black Food Truck Fridays on North Main Street in Columbia, June 20th
• Foodees Food & Culture Festival, Tanger Outlets Hilton Head, Jul 25th
• First Annual Charleston Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival, September 6th at Riverfront Park

Working as a food truck vendor offers both opportunities and challenges. Food truck vendors benefit from a thriving food truck culture, meet a constantly growing stream of potential customers, and explore South Carolina while doing what they love. However, running a food truck comes with risks, including the risk of a serious injury from a burn or propane explosion. 

Understanding the Risks: Burns and Propane Explosions

Burns are one of the most common food truck and restaurant injuries. The limited space inside a food truck places workers closer to hot surfaces, which can result in burns from steam or contact with hot surfaces. Injuries to the face, arm, abdomen, or neck can occur. 

Food trucks carry their cooking fuel with them, usually in the form of propane tanks. When a propane tank fails, it may explode as propane gas contacts open flames or hot surfaces inside the food truck. 

Injuries resulting from a propane tank explosion can be severe. In 2024, a food truck explosion in Vancouver, Washington, made national news when four people were hospitalized with severe burn injuries. In May 2024, a fire engulfed a Lunch Lady Food Truck in Okatie, sending one person to a Charleston burn unit. In June 2024, three Baby Susie’s Chicken Fries Food Truck employees found their truck caught fire while pulling the food trailer. The driver was able to pull over, but at least one employee was injured.

The consequences of a food truck fire or explosion can be permanent. Severe burn injuries can lead to lifelong scarring, pain, or the loss of the use of one or more limbs. Explosions can cause burns and other severe injuries, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. 

Legal Implications and Safety Measures for Food Vendors

Food truck vendors who suffer burn or explosion-related injuries may have legal recourse. Workers’ compensation may cover medical costs and certain other expenses for food truck employees. 

Those injured by hidden defects in cooking equipment or a propane cylinder may be able to file a personal injury claim. These claims seek compensation from the equipment manufacturer or another party at fault for the injuries. In some cases, it’s possible to pursue both workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim. 

Proper training and appropriate safety measures are a must. Training and safety equipment help protect food truck employees and owners from serious injuries. For example, food truck staff can prevent or mitigate fire damage if they know how to use portable fire extinguishers, shut off fuel sources, and evaluate propane tanks for safety.

Speak To An Experienced South Carolina Food Truck Burn Injury Attorney Today

Safety is a must for vendors and event organizers. Review food truck safety. Check all fire prevention equipment, propane tanks, and cooking appliances. Ensure your team knows how to prevent burns and what to do if a fire occurs. 

Festival-goers can take steps to protect themselves around food trucks and food stalls as well. Before you go, check the event’s website to identify the locations of medical and security stations. When you visit a food truck, take a look at their setup. Look for appropriate fire equipment. Keep your distance from food trucks unless you’re ordering food.

If you’re injured in a food truck fire or explosion, don’t wait. Talk to a top-rated South Carolina food truck injury attorney. The team at Steinberg Law Firm can help.