Refinery Explosions & Oilfield Accidents
The oil and gas industry is vital to Texas, powering economies and providing jobs. However, the inherent dangers of refineries and oilfields make them some of the most hazardous workplaces in the state. When safety protocols fail or equipment malfunctions, devastating accidents can occur, leaving workers with life-altering injuries or worse. At McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., our Houston personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured workers and their families seek justice and compensation after refinery explosions and oilfield accidents in Texas.
Common Causes of Refinery Explosions & Oilfield Accidents
Accidents in the oil and gas industry are often preventable and result from negligence, inadequate safety measures, or defective equipment. Common causes include:
- Improper Maintenance: Failure to maintain machinery, pipelines, and other equipment can lead to catastrophic failures.
- Equipment Malfunctions: Defective machinery or tools can cause serious injuries to workers on site.
- Inadequate Safety Training: Workers without proper training may not know how to handle hazardous situations safely.
- Explosions and Fires: Gas leaks, chemical reactions, and other hazards can ignite, resulting in devastating explosions.
- Falls and Struck-by Accidents: Working on elevated platforms or around heavy equipment increases the risk of falls and impact injuries.
Injuries from Refinery and Oilfield Accidents
The injuries sustained in these high-risk environments can be severe, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:
- Burns from explosions and fires
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Respiratory issues from exposure to toxic chemicals
- Amputations and crush injuries
Your Rights as an Injured Worker in Texas
Texas law provides protections and remedies for workers injured in refinery and oilfield accidents. Depending on the circumstances, you may have several avenues for pursuing compensation, including workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and non-subscriber claims.
If your employer subscribes to workers’ compensation insurance, you may be entitled to benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to sue them directly for negligence. In addition, if a negligent third party—such as an equipment manufacturer or contractor—caused your accident, you can often pursue justice and compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
How McLemore, Reddell, & Story Can Help
At McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., we understand the unique challenges that refinery explosion and oilfield accident cases present. Our experienced Houston-based personal injury attorneys are dedicated to investigating the root causes of these accidents, identifying liable parties, and holding them accountable. Our firm can assist you by conducting thorough investigations to uncover evidence of negligence, working with industry experts to understand the cause of the accident, negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement, and advocating for you in court if litigation becomes necessary.
Why Choose Us?
Our Houston-based law firm has a proven record of representing injured workers throughout Texas. We are deeply familiar with the oil and gas industry’s unique legal and safety regulations. When you work with us, you can expect compassionate support combined with aggressive advocacy. We know how overwhelming these situations can be and are here to guide you every step of the way. At the same time, we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery explosion or oilfield accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time is of the essence in these cases, and evidence can disappear quickly. Contact McLemore, Reddell, & Story, P.L.L.C., today by calling 713-303-8543 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.