Texas is a national hub for oil and gas production. The state has thousands of workers in this industry, and produces more oil and gas than any other state in the country. Unfortunately, this type of work is not always safe for employees. Disasters such as refinery explosions can inflict catastrophic injuries and deaths on those involved in oil and gas production.
At Hill Law Firm, our San Marcos refinery explosion attorneys can help you and your family if this type of catastrophe affected you. We know how to go up against oil and gas companies and other powerful defendants to pursue justice on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery or plant explosion, contact us for a free case review. We serve clients in San Marcos, Hays County and all of Texas.
San Marcos Refinery Explosion Resources
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What Causes Refinery Explosions?
Common Injuries Caused by Refinery Explosions
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Why Hire an Attorney?
Potential Damages in a Refinery Explosion Case
Statute of Limitations for Texas Refinery Explosion Lawsuits
Call an Attorney Today
What Causes Refinery Explosions?
Employers in the oil and gas industry have high standards of care in terms of workplace and worker safety. Unfortunately, many companies cut corners on safety regulations to save time and money. Employee safety is not a priority for many oil and gas companies. In addition, Texas has minimal protections for workers. This can lead to unsafe conditions in the workplace that ultimately cause a deadly refinery explosion. Common causes include:
- Violated federal safety regulations
- Defective equipment
- Poor equipment maintenance
- Corroded parts or pipes
- A buildup of flammable gases or combustibles
- The use of natural gas to clean pipes
- Electrical hazards
- Hiring unqualified workers or contractors
- Inadequate worker training
- Human error
- Improperly stored chemicals
- Misuse of chemicals or combustible liquids
- Negligent worker supervision
- Failing to provide adequate safety equipment
- Well blowouts
Employers can take steps to minimize the risk of refinery explosions, such as properly training workers and maintaining a safe premises. If they fall short of these responsibilities, they may be held liable for a resultant explosion. Refinery explosions are not the only danger workers face. Other causes of serious accidents and injuries in the oil and gas industry include chemical exposures, electrocutions, falls from heights, oilfield transportation accidents, falling objects, and being caught in or between equipment.
Common Injuries Caused by Refinery Explosions
A refinery explosion can result in life-changing and debilitating injuries for survivors. Common injuries suffered in these workplace disasters include:
- Traumatic amputations or loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Eye injuries
- Ear injuries and loss of hearing
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Shrapnel injuries
- Lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Toxic exposure
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death
At Hill Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to represent a client with any type of injury from a refinery explosion in San Marcos.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Refinery Accident?
If you or a loved one gets injured in a refinery explosion in Texas, someone else may be responsible for paying for your medical bills and lost wages. Holding someone financially responsible, or liable, may take assistance from a San Marcos workplace injury attorney. An attorney can help you determine the defendant and collect evidence of negligence or fault. Negligence is the failure to use ordinary or reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. The liable party for a refinery explosion could be:
- The employer/oil and gas company
- The manufacturer of a piece of defective equipment
- A maintenance crew
- The party that failed to store or label dangerous materials correctly
- The company that owns tanker trucks traveling to and from the refinery
- Contractors or subcontractors
Oil refinery companies often deny liability for accidents, injuries and deaths that occur at their plants. They may try to cover up their own negligence or even blame the victim(s) for the incident. An insurance company may also make it difficult to achieve the case results that you deserve. An attorney can help you fight for fair financial compensation.
Why Hire a San Marcos Refinery Explosion Attorney?
Hiring an attorney who specializes in workplace accidents in San Marcos can put you in touch with important resources to help build your injury claim. Your lawyer can conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident to determine the cause of the explosion. Then, your lawyer can help you prove fault and pursue justice against one or more parties.
Gathering evidence to support your claim may include interviewing eyewitnesses, analyzing your employer’s compliance with federal safety regulations, reviewing photographs and video footage, and collecting medical evidence from your doctors. You can trust your San Marcos personal injury attorney to fight for a positive case outcome while you focus on healing and moving forward.
Potential Damages in a Refinery Explosion Case
The damages, or financial compensation, that may be available in a refinery explosion case could reimburse you and your family for several economic and noneconomic losses. Available compensation may include:
- Past and future medical expenses and hospital bills
- Losses of income, wages and benefits
- Lost future capacity to earn due to a long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality or enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees
- Punitive damages, in a case involving gross negligence
Do not jump to accept the very first settlement offer from an insurance company. Instead, contact us. Our attorneys at Hill Law Firm will assess your case to determine its potential value and do what it takes to optimize your financial recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Texas Refinery Explosion Lawsuits
It is important to act quickly if you believe you have grounds to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a refinery explosion in San Marcos. Texas has a law known as the statute of limitations that imposes a deadline of just two years on a personal injury claim. This means you have no more than two years from the date of the accident to come forward with a claim for compensation.
Speak to a San Marcos Refinery Explosion Lawyer Today
You are not alone as a victim of a refinery explosion or another type of oil and gas accident in San Marcos, Texas. The attorneys at Hill Law Firm are here to listen to your story, advise you of your legal rights, and represent you during insurance negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit. We care about our clients and are here to help you get through this difficult time. Contact us online or call (210) 960-3939 today to request your free case consultation.