Houston Plant, Industrial & Refinery Explosion Lawyer
It is no secret that oil and gas is big business in Houston, and throughout the rest of the state. There are many companies right within the city that employ tens of thousands of workers in the industry. Unfortunately, work in the oil and gas industry poses many dangers to workers. Employers must take extra care to ensure the safety of their workers, but they do not always do this. Oil and gas companies do not always follow proper procedure because they prioritize their own profits over the safety of workers.
If you have been hurt in a refinery explosion, or you have lost a loved one, our Houston plant, industrial and refinery explosions lawyer can advise you of your legal options.
Workers’ Comp and Plant, Industrial, and Refinery Explosions
Many people believe they can file a workers’ compensation claim after an industrial accident in a plant or refinery and many times, this is true. In Texas though, there are factors that can complicate your ability to receive benefits.
The first of these is that unlike most other states, Texas law does not require private companies to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation, you will have to file a lawsuit against them and prove that they were negligent and caused your accident. While receiving compensation in a personal injury claim will take longer than filing a worker’s compensation claim, you can also claim all of your losses. Workers’ compensation benefits only cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income.
Even if your employer does carry workers’ compensation insurance, they may have misclassified you as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Independent contractors are not covered under workers’ compensation insurance policies and so, this could make it more challenging to receive the benefits you need.
Liability for Plant, Industrial, and Refinery Explosions
It is not only employers that can be held liable for paying damages after a plant, industrial, and refinery explosion. Even if you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, there are other parties you can hold liable through a personal injury claim, as well. These parties include:
- Manufacturers of defective equipment that caused the explosion
- Companies that fail to label hazardous materials or dangerous equipment
- Companies that own and operate tanker trucks entering and exiting the refinery
- Parties involved in the construction of the plant, including contractors and sub-contractors
A lawyer will review the facts of your case and determine which party to hold liable for paying the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call Our Plant, Industrial, and Refinery Explosions Lawyers in Houston Today
An explosion in a refinery can result in serious burns, vision and hearing loss, and even wrongful death. At Gilde Law Firm, our Houston plant, industrial and refinery explosions lawyers can advise you of your legal options and help you claim the fair settlement you and your family deserve. Call us today at 800-973-3106 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
