FAQ About Houston Oil and Gas Accidents
Get answers about work-related oil field injuries
Plant and refinery accidents can cause serious injuries. When workers are hurt on the job, they often don't know what to do next. They often have many questions, but aren't sure who to ask. If you've been injured on the job in a plant or refinery, the lawyers at Tracey Fox & Walters can help answer your questions and provide guidance. If a negligent party caused your accident, we can help you take action to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Here are some questions clients have asked us about their plant and refinery injury cases. We offer a free case evaluation, so it costs nothing to talk to us. Contact us to set up an appointment.
- What causes explosions at plants or refineries?
- How do you investigate plant and refinery accidents?
- The insurance company made me a settlement offer. Should I take it?
- What should I do if I am hurt in an accident at a plant or refinery?
- Can exposure to chemicals at a plant or injury be harmful?
What causes explosions at plants or refineries?
There are many flammable and combustible substances at plants and refineries, so an explosion can happen if safety protocols are not followed. Negligence can lead to serious injuries, or death.
One cause of explosions is equipment that is not properly maintained. Whether it is boilers, valves or pumps, if the equipment is not maintained, it could weaken and stop functioning properly. Corrosion in pipes or heat exchangers can wear down metal.
Another cause is impure chemicals. Plants and refineries use a mixture of chemicals in their operations. But when chemicals are impure, it can cause a dangerous reaction. Other causes include gas leaks and not following proper procedures.
How do you investigate plant and refinery accidents?
Our legal team will seek copies of all documents related to your accident, including safety records, maintenance records and accident reports. In addition, we will seek to preserve all evidence related to your accident before it is lost or destroyed.
We will interview witnesses. And we will also arrange for experts to review the conditions and equipment related to your injury. We will determine what went wrong and why.
Our attorneys are very familiar with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations and know how to spot safety violations. If we find signs of negligence, we will seek the maximum compensation possible for your claim.
The insurance company made me a settlement offer. Should I take it?
That is your decision. But we strongly advise speaking to an attorney before accepting any offer from the insurance company.
Remember, your employer's insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. They want to pay as little as possible and make your claim go away. The amount they are offering may not cover all of your losses.
An attorney can determine the full amount of your losses from the accident. This may include future medical care, physical therapy, medications, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. It costs you nothing to talk to us. We offer a free case evaluation and can go over all your legal options.
What should I do if I am hurt in an accident at a plant or refinery?
Get medical attention - Your health and safety is the most important thing. Have a doctor examine you, even if you don't think you are hurt. You may have injuries that are not obvious, but are still serious.
Tell your employer what happened - This gives your employer official notification you were involved in an accident on the job. It also allows the employer to take steps to prevent anyone else from being hurt.
Talk to a lawyer - One of our experienced attorneys can review your case and determine the amount of your losses. You may be able to seek financial compensation for what happened. We can explain your legal options.
Can exposure to chemicals at a plant or injury be harmful?
Yes. People employed at chemical plants and refineries often work with dangerous chemicals every day. These include benzene, toluene, methane, styrene, carbon monoxide and other chemical compounds.
Exposure to chemicals can cause burns, headaches, fatigue, eye irritation and breathing problems. Long-term exposure can lead to cancer, anemia, birth defects and other serious health issues.
Employers have a legal obligation to protect workers from direct exposure to chemicals. But when an employer is negligent, it puts workers at risk. If you have concerns about exposure to chemicals at the workplace, contact one of our attorneys.