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If you’ve recently been injured in a plant or refinery explosion and are struggling with unexpected financial burdens, know that you’re not alone and that support is available. You could be entitled to substantial compensation through a work injury case that could alleviate your struggles and provide the resources you need for your recovery.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our nationally recognized lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. We’re backed by over 100 years of combined experience, so we know what it takes to confront big corporations and demand meaningful results for those we represent.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the legal professionals with a proven track record of success at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs. Contact the firm today for a free consultation with a Houston work injury lawyer.
Plant and refinery explosions occur far too often in Texas. The following are three local plant explosions that have happened within the past few years.
On December 23, 2021, a fire broke out at an Exxon Mobil Corp plant complex in Baytown, Texas, one of the biggest refining and petrochemical facilities in the United States. The explosion reportedly shook local buildings and led to the hospitalization of four contract workers.
On March 22, 2023, a chemical plant in Pasadena experienced a dangerous explosion and subsequent fire during the transfer of liquefied gas from a tanker truck to a storage tank. The incident resulted in burn injuries to one individual, who was promptly transported to a local hospital.
A fatal plant explosion and fire occurred May 15, 2023, at the Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas. One man lost his life due to injuries he sustained during the incident. Two other workers were rushed to the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital in Galveston for reported burn injuries.
Plant and refinery explosion accidents are distinct from typical workplace accidents primarily due to the severity of the injuries and damage they cause and the complexity of liability.
Explosions are tragic events that frequently cause catastrophic injuries like burns, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations. Moreover, the impact of these explosions often extends beyond the immediate workplace, potentially affecting nearby communities through property damage and the spread of hazardous materials.
Determining liability in plant and refinery explosions is more complicated than in standard workplace accidents. Numerous parties are usually involved, including equipment manufacturers, contractors, and property owners, any of whom could be at fault. Moreover, the industry is subject to stringent regulations by agencies like OSHA and the EPA, which adds another layer of complexity.
Plant and refinery explosion accidents can occur in a variety of contexts due to the complex and hazardous nature of the work involved. Common types of explosion accidents that occur in these environments include the following:
Plant and refinery explosions are associated with a range of severe injuries due to the hazardous materials and high-pressure equipment often found in these environments. Common injuries that occur in these devastating incidents include:
If you get hurt in a plant or refinery explosion in Texas, you should contact a Houston personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and well-being.
First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately so a professional can diagnose, treat, and document your condition. Following that, give your employer a written report of the incident as soon as possible and keep a copy for your records. If you fail to notify your employer of a work-related injury within 30 days, you could lose your right to claim workers’ comp benefits, if your employer provides them.
In addition to notifying your employer, you’ll need to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance. You must file your claim within one year of the date of the injury or risk losing the benefits you are owed.
It is also highly advisable to consult a Houston attorney with extensive experience handling workplace injury cases. Your lawyer can identify and adhere to relevant filing requirements, develop strong evidence supporting your claim, and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
When it comes to plant or refinery explosions, identifying who is liable can be a complex process due to the complicated nature of the work and the many different entities involved. Parties that could be held liable for such an accident in Texas include the following:
If you get hurt in a plant or refinery explosion accident, you could be entitled to compensation from various sources to account for your injuries and related losses. Depending on the situation, you could claim money from a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party work injury claim.
If you are entitled to workers’ comp benefits in Texas, you could receive two key types of benefits: medical benefits and income benefits. Medical benefits cover your reasonable and necessary medical expenses after a work injury, and income benefits replace a portion of lost income if you’re too hurt to work. There are four main types of income benefits available in Texas:
You could be entitled to compensation from a third-party work injury claim if a third party (someone other than your employer or co-worker) caused the incident. You must prove liability to recover money from a third-party injury claim, but a successful third-party claim could cover a wider range of losses, including the following:
Building a robust plant or refinery explosion accident claim often requires compiling a range of supporting evidence, which could include:
From the moment you come to Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs for help after a plant or refinery explosion in Houston, we can provide the comprehensive support you need by:
