Plant and Refinery Explosion Attorney
Houston, Texas
If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a plant, refinery, or pipeline explosion, the company at fault often promises to take care of you and your family. However, it is not the company itself that decides your financial future. It is the company’s insurance provider that decides your compensation. Insurance companies have only one goal, to save as much money as possible by paying out as little as possible.
Eric Kirkpatrick has successfully represented industrial workers from falling victim to insurance companies. If you have been the victim of a refinery explosion, call Kirkpatrick Law today. We will answer your questions, explain your legal rights and options. You need to make sure you have the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
Refinery Accidents Are Dangerous
Oil refineries are designed and built to separate crude oil’s hydrocarbon molecules. Crude oil is then broken down into various components, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, wax, and other products. Many of these components are flammable, explosive, corrosive, and/or carcinogenic. Refineries also tend to be very large and handle large volumes of dangerous components.
Breaking apart the hydrocarbon involves using extreme heat, energy, and chemicals. The gasses and liquids created from this process are often highly flammable. If not stored and managed properly, they can result in large explosions and fires. To add to the danger, many of the chemicals and gases released in a refinery plant explosion are toxic and/or corrosive.
Due to the materials’ dangerous nature, safety is of the utmost importance. Proper safety regulations must be followed for equipment and material handling, including proper training for all employees.
All oil and gas refineries must conduct regular safety inspections. Two types of inspections are required: routine safety inspections to ensure that procedures are being followed on the job site and equipment safety inspections. Equipment corrosion, particularly in older, larger plants, can be a serious problem if not inspected and corrected. Failure to follow safety guidelines or regular inspections can result in catastrophic results.
The Most Common Causes of Plant Explosions in Texas
Texas is known as the energy capital. The petroleum industry provides thousands of jobs throughout the state. However, refinery workers are subjected to dangerous conditions while performing their jobs. When negligence becomes a factor in the workplace, not only are refinery workers at risk, but the public can also be in danger.
Some of the most common causes of plant explosions include:
- Blowouts in wells
- Boilers that are not maintained
- Careless smoking of cigarettes while on the job
- Corrosion that goes unnoticed or addressed
- Failure to comply with federal safety regulations
- Failure to properly train employees
- Improper maintenance of machinery
- Malfunctioning or dangerous equipment
- Poor labeling of parts or chemicals
- Unsafe procedures
- Use of dirty or impure chemicals
- OSHA safety violations
These causes are usually preventable. However, when negligence comes into play explosions are likely to occur. Sadly, these explosions are extremely catastrophic and can kill or injure employees, contractors, or even members of the public.
Why Do Plant Explosions Often Cause Widespread Damage?
Usually, oil and gas refineries are built away from large population groups. This happens for more than just the odors they emit. This is also done because if there is an explosion, they can cause serious injuries. Injuries not just to employees, but also to those living near the facility. These explosions release toxic chemicals that can carry for miles in the air. This can cause symptoms that range from minor eye irritation and sinus issues to permanent scarring of the throat and lungs. Additionally, permanent optic nerve damage can occur due to the toxic chemicals released. If you live around a refinery that has reported a toxic release, you should not take any symptoms lightly. Seek immediately medical attention.
Not only do these explosions effect people, but also property around the facility. We saw such in the West Texas, fertilizer explosion, that devastated the entire city of West Texas and surrounding communities. We have also seen the damage from oil spills in the Gulf waters. Businesses that rely on the Gulf waters were devastated. Fisherman, farmers, and the tourist industry are a few of the businesses that may sustain lost profits when a toxic releases occur. It is very common for homes and real estate to lose resale value if they are located near an incident.
Most Common Texas Plant Explosion Injuries
Refinery and Plant explosions are very unpredictable in their severity. This means injuries from the blasts can range from hearing loss to severe burns or worse.
You need representation if you have been injured due to a plant explosion in the Houston area. Unfortunately, the company in charge of the facility is not who you are settling with. You are settling with their insurance company. Insurance companies try to get you to pay for the lowest dollar amount possible. This is why you need an attorney who can help you figure out not just your current damages but also the future injuries you may suffer.
The most common plant explosion injuries can include:
- Chemical, electrical, or heat burns
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Dangerous falls from plant machinery
- Eye damage, including punctured retinas and partial or full blindness
- Hit by falling objects or equipment
- Inner ear damage or hearing loss
- Lung damage from toxic gases
- Orthopedic injuries or broken bones
- Puncture wounds caused by flying debris
- Serious cuts and scrapes
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one were injured or worse in a plant explosion you need to call an experienced attorney. An explosion lawyer can help you recover the financial compensation outcome you deserve.
Contact Kirkpatrick Law
When your life has been affected by a refinery explosion, you need an attorney who will look out for your best interests. There will be a lot going on. Many people will be calling you and asking questions. You will incur mounting medical bills and out-of-work expenses. Add to that an insurance company calling you trying to get a quick and easy settlement. Don’t be a victim twice. You need a lawyer who will help your financial future by pursuing the negligent party responsible and getting for you the compensation you deserve.
If you have been hurt in a plant explosion or have lost a loved one as the result of an oil and gas plant or refinery catastrophic event, contact Kirkpatrick Law today. He has successfully tried and won compensation damage awards for victims. Get an attorney with experience on your side, get Kirkpatrick Law.
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