Houston Refinery Accident Lawyers

When faced with unfortunate refinery accidents, it is imperative to seek the guidance of experienced Houston refinery accident lawyers. Renowned for its thriving oil and gas industry, Texas, particularly the Houston area, serves as a hub for numerous companies employing a substantial workforce. However, this industry is also known for its dangerous nature. Companies are expected to follow proper protocols to protect their workers. Unfortunately, corporations often prioritize profits over safety.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a refinery accident or plant explosion, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced refinery injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™. Our refinery accident attorneys can investigate all the factors that contributed to your accident and pursue compensation from all the parties whose negligence contributed to it. Contact us now for a free case review.

Texas Refinery Explosions and Accidents en Texas

Some of the most notable refinery explosions and accidents in Texas include:

Phillips explosions

Several explosions broke out at the Phillips 66 plastics factory in Pasadena. The first explosion registered a 3.5 on the Richter scale. More than 310 people were injured and 23 workers were killed in the explosions.

Texas City refinery explosion

A Texas City explosion occurred after pipes in the refinery had worn thin and fumes leaked. A hydrocarbon vapor cloud ignited, resulting in an explosion that injured 180 people and killed 15 others.

West Fertilizer Company explosion

Arson was responsible for a West storage and distribution facility. The criminal act damaged 500 buildings, killed 15 people, and injured 250 others.

ExxonMobil plant fires

A fire broke out at the ExxonMobil facility in Baytown. Four people were injured in the accident. In a separate incident, 40 people were injured after another fire broke out. An underlying explosion was responsible for that fire.

Pasadena industrial plant explosion

At least 20 people were injured in a fire and explosion at the Pasadena Kuraray America facility after a highly flammable gas leaked from the plant’s production system.

Lyondell Basell chemical leak

After a pressurized cap blew off a line that contained acetic acid, a dangerous chemical leak occurred. Two workers were killed and thirty were injured.

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Our experienced Refinery Accident Lawyers will demand the compensation and justice you deserve.

What Are the Common Causes of Refinery Accidents?

Refinery accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to injuries, fatalities, environmental damage, and significant financial losses. While certain accidents may result from conditions beyond human control, many of them can be attributed to negligence and human error. Here are further details on the common causes of refinery accidents:

Noncompliance with state and federal workplace safety laws: Refineries are subject to a range of safety regulations imposed by both state and federal authorities. Failure to comply with these laws, such as inadequate safety protocols, insufficient inspections, or improper handling of hazardous materials, can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Inadequate personnel training: Insufficient or inadequate training of refinery workers can contribute to accidents. Refinery operations involve complex processes and handling of hazardous materials, and employees must be well-trained to understand the risks involved, use safety equipment, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Lack of proper training can lead to mistakes or improper handling of equipment, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Negligent hiring: Hiring individuals who lack the necessary qualifications, experience, or competence for refinery work can contribute to accidents. Proper background checks, verifying qualifications, and assessing relevant experience are crucial steps in ensuring a safe and skilled workforce. Negligent hiring practices can result in inexperienced or unqualified employees operating critical equipment, increasing the potential for accidents.
Incorrect storage of materials: Refineries handle and store various hazardous materials, including flammable liquids and gases. Failure to store these materials correctly, such as improper segregation, inadequate labeling, or improper containment, can lead to leaks, spills, fires, or explosions. Inadequate storage practices can result from a lack of adherence to established safety protocols or failure to implement proper safety measures.
Poorly maintained equipment: Refinery equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure its safe and efficient operation. Neglecting equipment maintenance, skipping inspections, or postponing repairs can lead to equipment failures, leaks, or malfunctions, which can then escalate into accidents. Inadequate maintenance practices can compromise the integrity of critical components and increase the risk of incidents.
Defective equipment: The use of faulty or defective equipment in refinery operations can present a significant hazard. Manufacturing defects, inadequate quality control, or failure to identify and replace defective parts can lead to equipment failures, leaks, or other malfunctions. Regular inspections, quality assurance measures, and timely equipment replacements are essential to minimize the risk of accidents caused by defective equipment.

It is important to note that these causes are not exhaustive, and other factors specific to each refinery can also contribute to accidents. Refinery operators and employers have a responsibility to prioritize safety, implement robust safety protocols, provide adequate training, and ensure compliance with regulations to mitigate the risks associated with refinery operations.

What Are The Common Types of Industrial Explosions?

Industrial accidents in the oil and gas industry can indeed have severe consequences, including explosions, fires, falls, and toxic exposure. Here's an explanation of these common types of industrial accidents:

Explosions: Oil and gas, being highly flammable substances, pose a significant risk of explosions in the industry. These explosions can occur due to various factors, such as equipment malfunctions, leaks, improper handling of volatile materials, or ignition sources. The rapid combustion of flammable substances can lead to powerful explosions, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, injuring or killing workers, and potentially impacting nearby communities.
Fires: Fires can break out in refineries and other oil and gas facilities, leading to significant risks for workers. Fires can be caused by various factors, including equipment failures, electrical faults, chemical reactions, or human error. The presence of flammable materials and the high temperatures involved in oil and gas operations can contribute to the rapid spread of fires. Workers in proximity to the fire may suffer severe burns, respiratory injuries from smoke inhalation, or other injuries while attempting to control or evacuate from the fire.
Falls: Working at heights is often a requirement in the oil and gas industry, such as during construction, maintenance, or inspection activities on offshore platforms, drilling rigs, or elevated structures. Falls from heights can occur due to inadequate fall protection measures, improper use of safety equipment, structural failures, or human error. These falls can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities.
Toxic exposure: Oil and gas operations involve handling various chemicals and substances that can be toxic to human health. Workers can be exposed to these hazardous materials through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Toxic exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, chemical burns, organ damage, or long-term health effects. Failure to implement proper safety measures, inadequate training, or lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) can increase the risk of toxic exposure incidents.

It is crucial for employers in the oil and gas industry to prioritize safety by implementing robust safety protocols, providing comprehensive training, ensuring proper equipment maintenance, and enforcing adherence to safety regulations. Regular inspections, hazard assessments, and the use of appropriate safety measures can help mitigate the risks associated with these common types of industrial accidents.

What Are Common Injuries in Plant and Refinery Accidents?

Plant and refinery accidents have the potential to cause a range of severe and even catastrophic injuries. Here are some common injuries that can occur in such accidents:

Broken Bones: The force and impact of an accident can lead to fractures or broken bones. These injuries can vary in severity, from simple fractures to complex multiple fractures, and may require surgeries, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): In accidents involving explosions, falls, or being struck by heavy objects, individuals can suffer traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
Severe Burns: Refineries and plants often deal with flammable substances, and accidents can lead to fires and explosions. These incidents can cause severe burns, which may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, surgeries, and ongoing wound care.
Amputation Injuries: Machinery and equipment present in plants and refineries can pose significant risks. In some cases, individuals may experience traumatic amputation injuries, where a body part is partially or entirely severed. These injuries can have a profound impact on a person's daily functioning and require extensive rehabilitation and prosthetic devices.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents involving falls from heights, being struck by objects, or machinery malfunctions can lead to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting motor and sensory functions below the injury site. Individuals with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong medical care, assistive devices, and rehabilitation.
Hearing Loss: Plant and refinery environments often involve high levels of noise. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise without proper hearing protection can lead to hearing loss or other auditory disorders.
Vision Loss: Accidents involving chemical spills, explosions, or exposure to hazardous substances can cause severe eye injuries, including vision loss or permanent damage to the eyes.
Crush Injuries: Machinery, heavy equipment, or structural collapses can lead to crush injuries, where body parts are compressed or trapped. These injuries can result in fractures, internal injuries, and damage to soft tissues.
Respiratory Injuries: Inhalation of toxic chemicals, gases, or exposure to hazardous substances can cause respiratory injuries, including chemical pneumonitis, lung damage, and respiratory distress.

These injuries can vary in severity, and individuals may experience a combination of different injuries. In the aftermath of a plant or refinery accident, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Additionally, consulting with our experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ can help protect your rights and pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Liability for Refinery and Plant Accidents

When it comes to refinery and plant accidents, determining liability is a crucial aspect of pursuing a successful legal claim. Your oil refinery accident attorney will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding the accident to identify the parties responsible for your injuries. Here are some of the potential parties that may bear liability in a refinery accident, fire, or explosion:

Employer: The employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for employees. If it can be proven that the employer knew about a safety hazard but failed to take appropriate action to address it, they may be held liable for the injuries sustained by their workers.
Manufacturer of Defective Equipment: If the accident was caused by a defective piece of equipment, such as machinery or tools, the manufacturer of that equipment can be held liable. This includes situations where the equipment malfunctioned or was inherently dangerous due to design or manufacturing flaws.
Manufacturer of Equipment or Materials with Inadequate Safety Labels or Warnings: If the accident was caused by the lack of necessary safety labels or warnings on equipment or materials, the manufacturer may be held responsible for their negligence in failing to provide adequate safety instructions or warnings.
Companies Owning and Operating Trucks: In some cases, accidents at refineries or plants can involve trucks used for transportation or other purposes. If a truck owned and operated by a company is found to be at fault in the accident, that company may share liability for the injuries caused.
Contractors and Subcontractors: If the accident resulted from negligent construction or maintenance of the plant or refinery, the contractors and subcontractors involved in the project may be held accountable for their failure to meet safety standards and regulations.

Lliability in refinery and plant accidents can involve multiple parties. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances to determine the specific individuals or entities responsible for your injuries. By establishing liability, your refinery accident lawyers can build a strong case to seek compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What Is the Time Limit on Refinery Accident Claims?

The time limits, or statutes of limitations, for refinery accident claims can vary depending on the specific type of claim and jurisdiction. Here is how:

Workers' Compensation Claims: In many states, including Texas, workers' compensation laws govern claims for workplace injuries or illnesses. These laws typically require employees to report their injuries or illnesses to their employer within a certain timeframe, often within 30 days. Additionally, there is a time limit to file a workers' compensation claim, which is typically one year from the date of the accident or the onset of the illness. It's important to promptly report injuries and file workers' compensation claims within the designated timeframes to preserve your rights to benefits.
Jones Act Claims: For maritime oil and gas workers, who may be considered seamen, the Jones Act provides specific legal protections. Under the Jones Act, seamen have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim seeking compensation for injuries caused by their employer's negligence or unseaworthiness of the vessel. This timeframe allows seamen additional time compared to traditional workers' compensation claims to pursue legal remedies for injuries sustained in the course of their employment.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims: If a refinery accident results in personal injury or wrongful death, separate legal claims can be pursued against responsible parties. In these cases, including claims based on negligence, premises liability, or product liability, the statute of limitations typically governs the timeframe within which such claims must be filed. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims stemming from refinery accidents is two years from the date of the incident. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand and meet the applicable deadlines for filing these types of claims.

It's essential to note that statutes of limitations can vary by jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. Therefore, seeking legal advice from our experienced attorneys who specialize in refinery accident claims is crucial to understand the precise time limits that apply to your situation. Failing to file a claim within the designated timeframes may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries or losses.

Compensation after a Refinery Accident

Refinery accidents can have severe consequences, resulting in significant injuries or even fatalities. In such cases, victims and their families have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of the harm they have endured. When pursuing personal injury or wrongful death claims related to refinery accidents, various types of compensation may be sought, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation may cover all current and future medical expenses resulting from the accident. This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, therapy, prescription medications, medical devices, and transportation expenses related to medical treatment.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the accident has caused you to miss work, resulting in lost wages or income, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned during the recovery period. Additionally, if the injuries have long-term or permanent effects on your ability to work, compensation may also account for the loss of future earning capacity.
Disability, Disfigurement, and Scarring: Compensation can be sought for any permanent disabilities or disfigurement resulting from the accident. This may include physical disabilities, loss of limb or function, significant scarring or disfigurement, and the associated emotional distress and impact on quality of life.
Pain and Suffering: Victims of refinery accidents often experience physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation can be pursued for these intangible damages to address the pain, suffering, and emotional hardships endured.

If a loved one has tragically lost their life in a refinery accident, wrongful death damages may be pursued, including:

Lost Inheritance: Compensation can be sought for the lost financial benefits that would have been inherited by the surviving family members.
Lost Benefits: This includes the value of benefits, such as pensions, insurance coverage, and other perks, that would have been received if the deceased had survived.
Lost Care, Maintenance, Services, Support, and Advice: Compensation may cover the loss of the deceased's contributions in terms of care, maintenance, services, support, and guidance that would have been provided to the family members.
Lost Companionship, Love, Comfort, and Society: The emotional and relational losses resulting from the death of a loved one can be addressed through compensation. This may encompass the loss of companionship, love, comfort, and guidance that the deceased would have provided to their family members.
Mental and Emotional Anguish: The grieving process can cause significant mental and emotional anguish for surviving family members. Compensation may be pursued to address the emotional suffering, pain, and anguish endured as a result of the loss.

By contacting our refinery accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™, we can provide detailed guidance on the compensation you may be entitled to pursue. Seeking compensation can help alleviate the financial burden caused by the negligent parties involved in the accident and provide some measure of justice for the harm suffered.

How Our Lawyers Can Help After a Refinery Accident

After a refinery or plant accident occurs, and the immediate danger subsides, the following steps are typically taken:

Comprehensive Investigation: Various agencies, such as the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), OSHA, and local authorities, conduct an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

To ensure your rights and interests are safeguarded, it is essential to have a dedicated legal team like the one at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™, that can:

Conduct Independent Investigation: The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™, specializes in refinery accident cases and is committed to advocating for victims. Our experienced attorneys conduct an independent investigation to gather crucial evidence.
Collaboration with Experts: We collaborate with industry experts and other specialists to analyze the collected evidence and leverage our extensive knowledge of the oil and gas sector.
Determining the Root Cause: Through meticulous analysis, we determine the root cause of the accident, whether it involves fires, explosions, electrical burns, bystander injuries, or the devastating consequences experienced by families who have lost loved ones.

Once the cause is determined, our Houston refinery accident lawyers proceed with the following actions:

Constructing a Strong Claim: Employing a strategic approach, we construct a strong claim on your behalf, outlining the damages suffered and the responsible parties.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation: Our dedicated team tirelessly pursues the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses, aiming to provide you with the financial resources necessary for your recovery.

At The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™, we prioritize your well-being and fight for justice by:

Advocating for Your Rights: Throughout the legal process, we provide compassionate support and advocate for your rights, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Rebuilding Your Life: Our ultimate goal is to help you rebuild your life in the aftermath of the refinery accident.

Contact Our Houston Plant & Refinery Injury Law Firm For a Free Case Review

If you were injured in a Houston plant or refinery, the Houston refinery accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ are here to help. We have obtained real results for real people since 2004. You can contact us today for a free consultation.