Over the years, the attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm have become well-known throughout the country for successfully representing cases involving refinery accidents in Texas. These cases often involve explosions, fires, or fatalities.
We have close relationships with several fire chiefs across the country, as well as the leading experts in fire investigation. We are the refinery accident attorneys in Texas who can handle any case related to burn injuries and death from workplace accidents at refineries.
Refinery Accident Representation Matters
The 150,000 workers in Texas petroleum and petrochemical plants are at risk for catastrophes like an explosion, but they’re also exposed to toxic chemicals. Over time, working in these plants makes workers sick. They deserve to be compensated for this, and we help them get it.
Our refinery accident lawyers in Texas understand the workings of these complicated plants, plus we have access to industry experts who can testify about any dangerous conditions or procedures that put you in harm’s way.
If you’ve suffered disfigurement, lung damage, cancer, neurological issues, or any other injury related to working in a refinery, don’t let that be your reward for working in the petroleum industry. Make sure you get compensation by working with the Buzbee Law Firm.
For a free legal consultation with a refinery accidents lawyer serving Texas, call 844-349-9196
What Causes Refinery Accidents?
It’s not just fires and chemical exposure. Workers are at risk of falling, electrocution, getting caught in equipment, and many other industrial workplace hazards. These accidents can be caused by:
- Pressure buildup
- Flammable gasses
- Flammable dust and particulates
- Corrosion
- Poor maintenance
- Defective equipment
- Defective or ignored safety precautions.
- Negligent supervision
- Inadequate training
The federal government regulates refineries. Supervisors and owners are supposed to enforce the safety regulations. And when they fail to do so, workers get hurt. Training workers takes time away from productive work, but not as much as an injured worker or a dead one.
Texas Refinery Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-349-9196
Long-Term Chemical Exposure
Raw petroleum is a nasty chemical. Being around it or its byproducts can cause health issues over time. There are also dangerous minerals like asbestos still being used in oil refineries. Workers must also watch out for exposure to:
- Diesel exhaust
- Benzene
- Silica
- Lead
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Sulfur dioxide
Even short-term exposure to some of these can cause irritation or illness. Long-term exposure can cause permanent disability or death. People exposed to occupational hazards like these are eligible for workers’ compensation, but you may need the help of a refinery accident lawyer in Texas to get the amount you deserve.
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Liability for Refinery Accidents
Normally, workers have to go through the Texas workers’ compensation system, or the federal version, to get compensation for a refinery accident. Texas allows suing your employer if there is evidence of extreme negligence.
There could be other parties as well who could be sued, such as tanker truck companies, refinery construction companies, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and more. A refinery accident lawyer will study the situation to find the people most responsible before starting your claim.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, injured employees must report an injury or illness within 30 days to their employer, and then they have one year to claim benefits. This goes to three years if you’re covered by the federal government. If you have to sue outside of the workers’ compensation system, you have two years to start your case.
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Complications for Workers
Texas doesn’t require private employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, which could kick you out of a system that gives no-fault payments and forces you to file a lawsuit. If this is your situation, you will need a Texas refinery accident attorney on your side as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin your claim.
If you work on an offshore oil rig, Texas law may not cover you at all. Instead, federal law applies, and you’ll need to go through the system set up by the Jones Act to receive compensation. We are familiar with these maritime law claims and can help you make your case.
Finally, an employer may try to deny you access to workers’ compensation because you’re an independent contractor. You might be, but you might not be. This is a common form of employer fraud. Let us look at your situation and see if you are actually an employee. If you are, you can access workers’ compensation and could have a labor law case as well.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you’ve lost a loved one in a refinery accident, we understand how much trouble it can cause, both emotionally and financially. If you are a surviving spouse, adult child, parent, or personal representative, you can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
Damages in a wrongful death claim include lost earning capacity, lost inheritance, mental pain and anguish, loss of consortium, and more. In case of gross negligence, a court may award you exemplary damages as well.
Seek Help After a Refinery Accident
If you’ve been in a refinery accident, speak with an experienced Texas refinery accident lawyer by contacting the Buzbee Law Firm. We’ve helped victims recover over $10 billion and growing. We believe in winning and we believe in our ability to help you.
To get started on your case, contact our offices by phone or by using our online contact form. Your consultation is free and without obligation.
Call or text 844-349-9196 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form