Houston Chemical Plant Accident Lawyer
How Can A Houston Chemical Plant Accident Lawyer Help?
Refineries and chemical plants employ over 130,000 workers in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Chemical plants and refineries are governed by many regulations and laws. When plants and refineries do not follow these regulations, serious accidents or explosions usually happen. Call us today if you need a Houston Chemical Plant Accident Lawyer.
Houston Texas is home to many plants dotted along the 225 freeway and I-10 East freeway on the east side of Houston. Many chemical plant and refinery accidents involve operator errors. Also, many of these chemical plants have multiple contractors also working at the site.
When accidents and explosions happen, chemical plants and contractors start blaming someone else for the accident or explosion. It is important that you understand how fault and responsibility are evaluated in these types of accidents.
How Are Damages Determined In A Houston Chemical Plant or Refinery Accident?
Chemical Plant and Refinery Accident damages are usually more severe because of the great damage done by chemical explosions. The video below gives an analysis of how to evaluate damages and fault in an accident case.
A jury determines damages after hearing evidence of the cause of the accident and the past and future effects on the injured victim. An experienced Houston Chemical Plant Accident Lawyer will help you gather and present this evidence to a jury.
In Texas, Chemical Plant and Refinery Accident damages generally fall under two categories: economic and noneconomic.
Economic damages are generally out-of-pocket damages such as medical expenses and lost earnings or loss of earning capacity. In wrongful death cases, these damages can also include funeral expenses.
Non-economic damages are intangible damages such as pain, suffering, disfigurement, and physical impairment. In wrongful death cases, these damages can also include loss of companionship.
What Are Common Causes of Chemical Plant and Refinery Accidents?
Chemical plant accidents usually result from negligence. Negligence can happen in many ways, but here are some common causes of chemical plant and refinery accidents:
- imporper training
- defective equipment
- improper equipment maintenace
- improper hiring or supervision
- negligent handling of chemicals
- lack of communication
What Are the Common Injuries from a Chemical Plant or Refinery Accident?
Chemical plant and refinery accidents usually lead to severe injuries with long-lasting effects. Medical bills can easily be in the thousands of dollars. Some of these injuries have sizeable non-economic consequences. For example, a burn injury can result in the permanent loss of a limb and have permanent disfigurement. Some of the more common injuries include:
- broken bones
- amputations
- neck injuries
- back injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- spleen injuries
- wrongful death
- paralysis
- burn injuries
How Does a Houston Chemical Plant and Refinery Accident Lawyer Prove Fault?
The insurance company will inevitably blame the injured worker for the accident. They will immediately begin their own investigation to find fault in something that you did or did not do. You need a Houston Chemical Plant Accident Lawyer at Molina Law Firm to begin your own investigation as soon as possible.
In Texas, the fault for an accident can get legally complicated. Rick Molina is a Houston Chemical Plant Accident Lawyer with experience in navigating the complexities of single and multi-party accidents to maximize compensation for injured victims. In Texas, fault is determined on percentage basis. For example, if a jury determines the other side is 70% responsible for an accident, but you are determined 30% at fault, then your award may get reduced by the percentage of your responsibility. More importantly, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for an accident, then you may get zero (0) compensation. This video will help you understand how fault is determined in a Houston Chemical Plant Accident.
What makes us different?
The Molina Law Firm has been representing personal injury accident victims for over 20 years, helping them navigate the sometimes complex legal fight against insurance carriers. Remember that when you retain Attorney Rick Molina, you pay nothing upfront and we only collect a percentage of the compensation you receive when we have won your case. Don’t go against the insurance carriers alone. Attorney Rick Molina will aggressively represent you and fight on your behalf. We have the knowledge, resources, and experience to get you all the compensation for your loss.
No Win, No Fee
Refinery Accident Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, work related injuries, illnesses and fatalities (IIF) have been on the rise since 2016. Here are some eye-opening statistics:
- The 5,333 fatal occupational injuries in 2019 represents the largest annual number since 2007.
- A worker died every 99 minutes from a work-related injury in 2019.
- Fatalities among workers age 55 and over increased 8 percent from 1,863 in 2018 to 2,005 in 2019, which is the largest number ever recorded for this age group.
- Hispanic or Latino worker fatalities were up 13 percent to 1,088 in 2019–a series high since 1992.
What To Do After A Refinery Or Chemical Plant Accident?
Chemical and refinery accidents can often lead to immediate injury as well as lifelong disability and/or health issues. It is important that you take the necessary first steps to give you the best chance at getting compensated for your pain and suffering.
Report your injury immediately
Do not downplay how injured you may be. If you have been hurt or got sick due to a work-related incident, report it immediately. The responsibility then shifts on your employer to get the workers' compensation ball rolling.
Get medical attention
Go see a doctor. Workers' compensation laws pays your medical care resulting form the accident. See the workers' compensation doctor who will document the extent of your injuries. You may be hurt worse than you think.
Gather information
Don't just depend on your employer to get everything right. Get a copy of your accident report. Write down everything you remember about the accident as well as a list of witnesses. If you are able, take some photos with your phone.
If you have been seriously injured at work, it is important that you get an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. Time is important. Contact us.
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If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident, fill out the form below to start your free case review.
Common Industries with At-Work Injuries and Accidents
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Plant Accidents
In Texas, if your employer subscribes to the state workers’ compensation program, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits such as lost wages and medical care. In death cases, surviving family members may also be entitled to benefits if the worker is killed while doing his/her job. If the employer does not participate in the Texas Workers Compensation Program, then you can file a claim in court. In most chemical plants, there are many contractors and subcontractors that may also be responsible for accidents and the resulting injuries.
Chemical plants and refineries often have toxic chemicals, that is a given. Workers are constantly in close proximity to these hazardous materials. Chemical plants and refineries are required to have systems and procedures in place to use and safely maintain these chemicals. Additionally, in the event of a catastrophic incident, those living nearby could be exposed to these chemicals. Many times, these hazardous materials will cause significant health issues that can have long-lasting effects. An experienced personal injury attorney will make sure you get properly compensated for your injuries.
Unfortunately, insurance companies have a conflict of interest in terms of whose interest they have at heart. Insurance carriers tend to look at their bottom line when it comes to payouts. Generally, you should not settle your claim with the opposing side unless you have an experienced attorney review your case on your behalf.