All the thousands of local residents who work in oil refineries, chemical plants, and various other industrial facilities know how dangerous this type of work can be, even when following all the relevant safety precautions. Unfortunately, there are countless instances of employees, supervisors, and site visitors sustaining serious wounds at a plant or refinery due to the careless or reckless actions of a third party.
In these situations, pursuing civil litigation with the assistance of a dedicated industrial injury attorney could help protect your rights and interests. Once retained, a Houston plant and refinery accident lawyer from Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, could explain your legal options and fight to help you collect the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Plant and Refinery Accidents
Thanks to the heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and complex tools associated with the average industrial refinery or plant, following the regulations established by federal administrations and site supervisors is key to staying safe. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the majority of accidents in plants and refineries are caused by lack of adherence to safety regulations, poorly designed equipment, poorly- maintained equipment, and failure to address warnings about potential safety issues. Not wearing the right safety protections, inadequately training employees, or choosing to ignore an environmental hazard are all examples of how failing to follow safety guidelines could result in a refinery or oil plant accident. Other dangers at plants and refineries include:
- Potential slips and falls
- Objects falling from a great height
- The careless use of heavy machinery
- Defective products or tools
- Fires and explosions
- Chemical burns and inhalation of toxic fumes
- Improperly storing or transporting hazardous materials
If any of these circumstances were caused by a third party’s negligence, the injured plant or refinery worker can likely begin working on their accident claim alongside one of our seasoned Houston attorneys.
How Could Legal Counsel Help?
Generally speaking, there are many ways that a legal advocate from our firm could help someone resolve a plant or refinery accident claim. The most important role of legal representation is identifying exactly how the accident occurred and concluding which people need to face legal responsibility. This might prove more challenging than anticipated, especially when multiple parties become involved. For instance, an injury that occurs while a contractor is operating heavy machinery could be the fault of the contractor, the company that employed and trained them, or the manufacturer of the industrial equipment, depending on the details of the accident.
Meanwhile, an experienced legal professional could also help with maximizing recoverable compensation or ensuring that a settlement accounts for all the plaintiff’s losses. Finally, our dedicated Houston lawyers make building and submitting an effective plant and refinery accident case within the two-year deadline established by Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 as easy as possible for you.
Consider Working with a Houston Plant and Refinery Accident Attorney
Accidents in refineries, industrial plants, and similar workplaces can have unexpected and long-lasting consequences. Unfortunately, recovering fair compensation for your numerous injuries and setbacks can be an uphill battle, especially when you work without representation.
Therefore, support from one of our Houston plant and refinery accident lawyers at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We can help you navigate the entire legal and recovery process, including finding medical care, dealing with insurance companies, obtaining workers’ comp benefits, and helping you collect financial compensation. Reach out to one of our team members today for a free consultation to get started.