Houston Refinery Explosion Lawyers

Texas’ oil and gas industry is the backbone of the state’s economy and has provided thousands of workers with employment. That said, working in a Texas plant or refinery can be dangerous. If you or a family member is hurt in a refinery explosion, you will need quality legal representation from a refinery explosion lawyer.

It is highly unlikely that the oil refinery or chemical plant companies will take responsibility for your injuries. The attorneys at Johnson Garcia have over 35 years of experience, devoting their skills and resources to ensure injured victims are compensated. Let us review your case, conduct an investigation, and thoroughly pursue your case while protecting your legal rights and ensuring you recover compensation for your injuries.

Common Refinery Explosion Causes

While refinery accidents and explosions differ, all refineries have specific basic elements that make them hazardous. Common refinery explosion causes include:

• Storing chemicals inappropriately
• System failures or mechanical failures
• Inadequate training
• Inadequate maintenance of leak detection systems
• Not having remote shut-off systems
• Inadequate maintenance of functional emission monitoring systems
• Corrosion
• Human error
• Lack of or improper equipment maintenance
• OSHA violations

A majority of refinery explosion accidents are the result of human error and are regrettably preventable. Employers are responsible for upholding OSHA and other federal regulatory laws to ensure their employees’ safety. These regulations include:

• Regular workplace inspections to ensure the conditions are safe.
• Warning and protecting workers from onsite hazards.
• Ensuring all equipment and machinery are properly maintained, repaired when needed, and replaced.
• Keeping the workplace free of hazards and in compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Providing workers with proper personal safety equipment.
• Providing workers with proper training.

Common Refinery Explosion Injuries

Refinery accidents are serious, often leaving victims with catastrophic injuries that impact their life’s trajectory. The extent of injuries a victim suffers will depend on the severity of the explosion. The following are the common refinery explosion injuries that victims may suffer:

• Burns
• Cuts, lacerations, bruising
• Hearing loss
• Head injuries
• Loss of limbs
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Internal organ damage, such as lung damage
• Disability
• Eye injuries
• Paralysis
• Asphyxiation
• Death

Texas Plant and Refinery Explosion Statistics

The Houston metro area has about ten major refineries that process more than 45.4% of the oil produced in Texas. Unfortunately, refinery explosions are too common, so refinery workers must know their rights if they are injured in an explosion.

There’s an alarming number of industrial accidents and plant explosions in Houston and throughout Texas. Most of these refinery explosions result in property damage and fatalities. Texas’ most recent plant explosions include:

• The 2020 Watson Grinding & MFG explosion
• The 2019 Port Neches Plant Explosion
• The 2019 ITC Deer Park Plant Explosion
• The 2017 Crosby Arkema Plant Explosion

Your Rights When You Are Injured in a Plant or Refinery Explosion

You deserve financial compensation if you are hurt in a plant or refinery explosion. Before starting your claims process, you must establish whether you have a case. Working with a Houston refinery explosion lawyer will be best, as they can help you learn your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Texas Workers’ Compensation

Most states require companies operating within their borders to maintain a specific level of workers’ compensation insurance. Texas, however, does not require workers’ compensation insurance for employers.

When your employer has workers’ compensation coverage, you may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits after sustaining injuries in a refinery explosion. You may also be entitled to recover benefits if you tragically lose a loved one to a refinery explosion during their employment. Consult a Houston workers’ compensation attorney to determine whether a workers’ compensation claim is a viable option and your family’s eligibility for recovering death benefits when a loved one dies on the job.

When Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Comp

Employers in Texas can choose not to have workers’ compensation coverage. But this does not mean they are protected from taking responsibility if their negligence causes your injuries. While refinery explosions are typically a result of different factors, after a thorough investigation, your employer may be found to be negligent.

If they are liable for your accident and resulting injuries, you can pursue a greater damage award, which includes pain and suffering, lost income, and medical expenses.

Federal Workers’ Compensation Laws May Apply

Multiple parties can be at fault for your injuries following a refinery explosion. Federal workers’ compensation laws may apply, depending on your case’s specific facts. If you are a victim of a refinery explosion, you must establish the laws that apply to your case, what you deserve under these laws, and the procedure you ought to follow when pursuing compensation.

Johnson Garcia is relentless and strategic in handling refinery explosion claims. We will conduct intensive investigations to determine how the accident happened and who is liable. Our lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Liability for Refinery Explosions in Houston

When you are injured in a refinery explosion, your employer and insurers will generally do everything to deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement. It would be best to hire a qualified refinery explosion lawyer to improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve from the liable party. Different parties may be responsible for your refinery explosion accident, including:

• The refinery company
• The manufacturer of the defective equipment or part
• Contractors and subcontractors who constructed the plant

Were you injured in a refinery explosion? You can explore different avenues of recovery, such as workers’ compensation and a lawsuit against the negligent company or parties.

Why You Need a Refinery Explosion Lawyer

Refinery explosion accidents can leave you with life-long financial and physical hardships, so you must work with an experienced refinery explosion lawyer. It would help if you had a Houston refinery lawyer to:

• Conduct a thorough investigation and gather crucial evidence to build a strong case.
• Calculate your losses and current and future expenses related to the explosion to secure your financial future after you resolve the case.
• Manage all communication with the insurers and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Take your case to trial if the insurers do not offer you the best possible settlement.

Free Consultations Available: Talk to a Houston Refinery Explosion Lawyer Today

Oil and plant refinery explosions can severely and negatively impact your future and that of your family. Due to factors such as toxic substances, volatile chemicals, and heavy machinery, when a refinery explosion occurs, blast survivors suffer life-altering injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a refinery explosion, our Houston refinery explosion attorneys can help.

At Johnson Garcia, we know how devastating the aftermath of a refinery explosion is for victims and their families. Our legal team is committed to providing aggressive legal representation for refinery explosion victims and their loved ones. We have successfully represented injured victims and won millions of dollars in settlements on their behalf. When you are represented by Johnson Garcia and the other side fails to offer a fair settlement, rest assured that we are ready to go to court and fight hard for the maximum possible compensation.

Call us at 832-844-6700 today to schedule a free consultation with our reliable refinery explosion lawyers.