Oil refineries are among the most dangerous workplaces. If you live or work in the Houston area, you are at risk for injury from an oil refinery accident, even if you do not work in one. Oil refinery accidents can involve major explosions and the release of toxic fumes, affected large areas. Workers in oil refineries are always at risk for being injured in smaller oil refinery accidents, as well. A “small” accident at an oil refinery can still injure and kill multiple victims. If you have been the victim of an oil refinery accident you need the help of an experienced Houston oil refinery accident attorney to help you stand up to the oil company and others responsible for your injuries.
Types of Oil Refinery Accidents
All kinds of accidents can happen in oil refineries. Typically they involve an explosion or fire, but not always. Oil refinery accidents can include:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Hazardous materials spills
- Release of toxic fumes, often accompanying an explosion
- Electrical accidents
- Falling objects
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Falls
Oil Refinery Accident Causes
Although oil refineries are inherently dangerous, most oil refinery accidents are preventable when proper safety measures are taken. Some common causes of oil refinery accidents include:
- Violations of industry codes, standards and practices
- Inadequate safety systems
- Inadequate maintenance
- Improper repair
- Improper storage of hazardous materials
- Defective products
- Inadequate training
- Operator error
Oil Refinery Accident Injuries
A single oil refinery accident can injure and kill many victims. People inside and very near to oil refineries are at the greatest risk for injury, but even those living miles away can be harmed by the toxic fumes which are sometimes released during an oil refinery accident. Oil refinery accident injuries can include:
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Severe burns from heat and fire
- Severe chemical burns
- Electrocution
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Suffocation
- Exposure to toxic gases and other airborne toxins
- Back injury
- Respiratory disorders
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Death
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due in an oil refinery accident, please call our Texas personal injury attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.