The Houston oil refinery explosion lawyers of Haun Mena help victims who are hurt on the job. If you were injured while working in an oil refinery, contact us today to talk about your case.
Lawyers Taking Cases for Oil Refinery Explosions
We are lawyers representing individuals and families in the aftermath of oil refinery explosions. If you have been hurt, you deserve quality legal representation. We will devote our skills and resources to ensuring that you are compensated.
The oil refinery is unlikely to admit liability. You may need to go beyond official reports and conduct your own investigation. Our lawyers are committed to pursuing your case thoroughly.
We represent injured workers and families. If you have tragically lost a loved one, we are sorry. Let us protect your legal rights, seek answers on your behalf and work for the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation about your case.
Houston is a leader in oil refinery – and that comes with risks
There are 10 oil refineries in the Houston metro area. These refineries process 45.4% of the state’s crude oil. They contribute 14.3% of the United States’ oil production.
The Gulf Coast Region is a critical part of state and national industry. More than 25% of oil refinery in the United States takes place in Corpus Christi, Port Arthur and Beaumont. (Greater Houston Partnership, Gulf Coast Refining Capacity). Thousands of people work in the industry in the Houston area. (Chron, How Much Money Do Oil Refinery Workers Make?).
All this industrial activity brings danger.
For example, in 2005, the Texas City refinery explosion killed 15 people and injured 180 others. Natural gas and petroleum came into contact with an ignition source and exploded. Subsequent investigations revealed numerous contributing factors including failing to implement safety recommendations.
The Texas City incident is one example. Sadly, oil refinery explosions are all too common. About 100 oil rig fires happen in the United States each year.
Understanding Oil Refinery Explosions
By its very nature, the substances found in an oil refinery are highly flammable. When these materials come into contact with an ignition source, an explosion may occur.
Here are some reasons that oil refinery explosions may occur:
- Storing chemicals inappropriately
- Lack of safety auditing or implementing findings
- Inadequate training
- Mechanical failures, system failures
- Corrosion
- Equipment maintenance problems
- Failing to respond to unusual situations or warning signs
- Not providing needed safety and operational equipment
- Careless behavior like smoking in an unsafe place
- Human error
- OSHA violations
When you’re hurt, you want answers. Our lawyers are dedicated to investigating what occurred to cause the explosion and your injuries.
What happens if an oil refinery explodes?
An oil refinery explosion can produce serious injury and death. A victim may suffer from:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Skull fracture
- Paralysis
- Cuts, lacerations, bruising
- Disfigurement, loss of limb
- Internal organ damage, including lung damage
- Disability, mobility impairment
- Mental injury including PTSD, depression and anxiety
- Fatal injuries
Injuries can change your life in an instant. It is common for oil refinery explosions to cause serious injuries. A victim may spend a lifetime with the harm that results from the incident.
Your Rights if You are Injured in an Oil Refinery Explosion
If you are injured in an oil refinery explosion, you may deserve financial compensation. To receive financial compensation, you must take action.
Getting compensated for an oil refinery explosion in the Houston area first begins with determining what body of law applies. Texas has workers compensation – but an employer can opt out. You must ask the following questions:
Does my employer have workers’ compensation? If they do, am I being paid the benefits that I deserve?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system to provide injured workers with help and financial relief following an on-the-job injury. Benefits include paid medical care, income benefits and death benefits. It should be as simple as making a claim and getting what you’re entitled to.
However, if you’re not receiving the right types or amounts of compensation, you may need to take action to resolve the dispute. Most of the time, a victim of an oil refinery explosion is going to be covered by workers’ compensation.
If my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation, can I pursue a claim against them in court?
Texas is unique in that employers don’t have to have workers’ compensation coverage. They can simply choose not to provide it. If that’s the case, they’re not protected from liability if their own negligence causes employee injury.
Typically, an oil refinery explosion is the result of multiple failures, and negligence may be found through an investigation. If this is the case, the victim may pursue a high damage award that includes medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.
Are there any other third parties that may have legal liability?
In addition to the negligence of the victim’s employer, there may be a third party that is responsible for negligence. A third party may be liable to pay damages if their action or inaction is a cause of the oil refinery explosion.
When you are a victim, you must determine what laws apply, what you deserve under those laws and how to go about pursuing your compensation. Our experienced lawyers can take care of everything on your behalf.
Consultations Available – Talk to a Lawyer Now
You can talk to a Houston oil refinery explosion lawyer now. Haun Mena is proud to help victims and families when they face an unexpected life-changing incident like an industrial accident. We are experienced in evaluating accidents and pursuing the legal rights of victims. We aim to deliver justice, aggressive representation and efficient legal services.
Contact us today for a free consultation and start the path towards compensation.