Large-scale industrial accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths.
Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers has spent over 53 years handling injury and death claims that have occurred in Texas refineries and chemical plants.
Through the representation of the USW 13-1 and its predecessors, Burwell Nebout plant explosion lawyers have personally been on-site in all of the major refineries and plants in the Texas Gulf Coast Region.
We have first-hand knowledge of how these units operate and the jobs performed by the operators and trade crafts. Since 1970, Burwell Nebout has been involved in all the major explosions in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Burwell Nebout and its team of experts are capable of analyzing root cause analysis and all other associated investigations to determine the operational errors that result in significant injuries from industrial accidents and explosions. Our lawyers have handled injury and death claims against all the major refineries and chemical plants in Texas City, Pasadena, and Baytown.
Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers, our plant explosion lawyers, provide legal representation for victims of industrial explosions and petrochemical accidents throughout Texas, including Texas City, Pasadena, Baytown, Beaumont, and the Greater Houston area.
The refineries and chemical plants in the Gulf Coast region lead the US in oil production and chemical manufacturing. Texas accounts for 43 percent of U.S. crude oil production. Half of this production is generated by Houston-area refineries.
While the industry supplies jobs and boosts our economy, chemical plants, and refineries carry a high risk of catastrophic accidents and explosions. The combination of volatile chemicals and complicated processes prone to human error can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Sadly, many of the worst accidents that happen at chemical plants and refineries are the result of human error, or otherwise preventable. While various government agencies regulate the safety measures that must be taken, these regulations are not always followed. Occasionally, safety measures are ignored, or routine maintenance is not completed in favor of cutting costs. Perhaps employees have not been properly trained on precautions or emergency preparedness. When companies fail to comply with required or reasonable safety measures and accidents happen, they may be liable. Speaking with a Texas plant explosion attorney is the easiest way to understand your rights and file a claim if applicable.
OSHA regulations require employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Failure to comply with OSHA requirements can lead to work-related injuries and death.
The following notable plant and refinery accidents resulted in multiple claims of negligence and, in some cases, the recovery of significant compensation by victims with the help of our refinery & plant explosion lawyers:
A hydrocarbon vapor cloud ignited and exploded, killing 15 people and injuring 180. Technical and organizational failings at BP were blamed in subsequent reports. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board(CSB) cited underlying and significant cultural, human factors, and organizational causes in contributing to the explosion. Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers lead this litigation serving in the capacity of liaison counsel for the entire litigation.
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded on April 20, 2010, killing 11 people and resulting in the largest environmental accident in the world. BP admitted that its policies, procedures, and employees resulted in the explosion. Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers represented over 2,000 individuals and businesses for their loss as a result of the explosion. Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers was one of the selected Texas firms to participate in the template for establishing the claims program.
Heat exchanger explosion at the Invista chemical plant in Victoria, Texas, resulting in significant injuries of 5 contractors. Invista admitted that its policies, procedures, and employees resulted in the explosion. Despite attempts to avoid responsibility pursuant to Chapter 95 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, our plant explosion lawyers were able to obtain a substantial settlement for the contractors.
HF Alkylation unit was operated with piping that was below minimum thickness standards. Policies and procedures indicated that the piping was well past expiration. Deficient piping in the main feed line resulted in three simultaneous explosions. The contractor present suffered serious and permanent injuries.
Plant and refinery explosions are rarely caused by events outside of human control. Even in the case of natural disasters, such as flooding caused by a hurricane, later investigation typically uncovers multiple factors that contributed to the incident or severity of the explosion. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
Workers should be taught the correct way to operate machinery and equipment, the correct protective gear to wear, and the hazards associated with the substances they are in contact with. Workers should also be trained in actions to take in the case of an emergency to prevent escalation and to save lives. Failure to properly train employees or to provide appropriate, well-fitting personal protective equipment can result in liability for accidents.
One cause of explosions is machines or equipment that have been improperly maintained. The time and resources required to properly maintain high-tech equipment are sometimes neglected in favor of cutting costs. Weaknesses in equipment caused by the lack of proper maintenance are not always visible, such as corrosion, which makes the need for scheduled, routine maintenance to prevent unseen problems. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains guidelines for workplace safety, and even minor deviations can create liability for businesses.
Even with appropriate training and protective equipment, human error occurs. Failing to follow proper safety guidelines, perform required maintenance, or operate machinery correctly all contribute to the incidence and severity of accidents and explosions.
Plant and refinery explosions can cause severe and wide-ranging injuries. In some cases, such as chemical exposure or brain injury, symptoms may appear over time or not at all. If you have been involved in or near any accident or explosion involving a chemical plant or refinery, it is critical to seek an immediate and comprehensive medical evaluation and then the advice of a lawyer with experience in these types of injuries.
Notably, you do not have to be a worker at the site of the incident to claim damages. If you were in the vicinity of a plant or refinery explosion and experienced any of the following injuries, contact a League City Plant & Refinery Explosion lawyer today.
Burn Injuries. These are some of the most common to occur in refinery and plant explosions because of the amount and volatility of chemicals and the complex processes involved.
Chemical Exposure. Toxic chemicals that enter the body can cause immediate damage and symptoms or, in chronic exposure, produce long-term effects that may not be apparent until years after the exposure. Chemicals can be inhaled, ingested, or enter the body through the skin and cause local effects, and/or contaminate the bloodstream and cause systemic poisoning throughout the body.
Brain Injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow to the head or body that shakes or jars the brain, such as blunt force trauma from an explosion. The brain can also be injured when it is deprived of oxygen or exposed to certain dangerous substances. The symptoms of a brain injury may appear immediately or can develop over time, or not at all. Even mild brain injury is still a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention and an accurate diagnosis.
Other injuries that may result from a plant or refinery explosion include:
If you have been involved in or near a plant or refinery explosion, you must seek medical care and consult with an experienced workplace injury lawyer. Our plant explosion lawyers can help you get the comprehensive medical examination and treatment you need and develop a strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers, we provide grieving families and victims of industrial explosions and petrochemical industry accidents with a way to hold companies accountable for negligence. Our legal team will work with you to determine the most effective strategies and will pursue your claims in and out of court to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your case.
We will help you achieve a measure of closure after a serious injury or personal loss, and we will be on your side through every step of the legal process.
We’re on your side. Contact us at (281) 645-5000 or email our team to schedule a free consultation with one of our Houston plant explosion lawyers.
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