Proven Results in Refinery & Plant Accident Cases
Any refinery or plant accident in Dallas has the potential to be disastrous. These incidents often lead to lost limbs, severe burns, spinal cord damage, and other life-changing injuries from which the strongest survivors struggle to recover. In the worst cases, plant and refinery workers lose their lives—sometimes several or dozens in a single incident.
“Through the explosion, I was thrown back several feet into a beam and I was trampled over...co-workers, everybody scared. Panic.”
- Shawn Thomas, workplace explosion survivor
When accidents like these happen, our refinery accident lawyers in Dallas stand up and fight for the injured and for families who have lost the ones they love. We are known nationwide for representing people affected by industrial accidents, from chemical plant fires to refinery explosions. Our results speak to our dedication to our clients.
Our plant and refinery case results include:
- $441 million for a worker paralyzed by a scaffolding accident at a refinery.
- $254 million settlement for workers harmed in a petrochemical plant explosion.
- $222 million for the widow of a worker killed in a steam release at a plant.
- $154 million for workers severely injured in a chemical processing plant explosion.
- $141 million for survivors of a plant explosion that claimed three lives.
- $120 million for workers who sustained extensive injuries in a refinery explosion.
- $90 million for a truck driver severely burned in an explosion at a chemical refinery.
View all of our case results to see how we've helped.
Watch our client testimonials to see who we've helped.
What Causes Plant, Refinery & Factory Accidents?
Plants, refineries, and factories in the Dallas area and throughout the country are required to follow a long list of safety measures to protect workers and the general public. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces these rules and regulations and will act against any company that violates them, but not all violations are caught before injuries or deaths occur—and citations do little to help the workers or families who've been affected.
Plant and refinery accidents may be caused by:
- Equipment Defects - Regular inspections and maintenance should be prioritized, as faulty machinery can lead to devastating accidents. Employing skilled technicians to manage these checks reduces the risk of malfunction.
- Design Flaws - An improper plant design or layout can increase the likelihood of dangerous situations and resulting accidents. Retrofitting older plants with modern safety technology can mitigate these risks.
- Improper Maintenance - Scheduled maintenance prevents breakdowns. Plants must adhere to manufacturer guidelines regarding the upkeep of machinery, and they must replace aging equipment when needed.
- Poor Hazard Review - Comprehensive hazard analyses are critical at any factory, refinery, or plant. Companies that fail to conduct thorough assessments expose their workers to significant hazards.
- Inadequate Safety Training - Workers must be thoroughly trained to safely operate complex machinery and understand emergency procedures, including how to respond to a catastrophic event.
These worksites involve so many different working parts, heavy machinery, equipment, and hazardous substances, that even the smallest error could lead to a disaster. This makes it all the more important to implement the right training procedures, proper maintenance, and supervision. With our experience in handling cases of this kind, our Dallas plant accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin know what to look for in terms of safety violations, equipment defects, and other factors that contribute to chemical plant and oil refinery accidents. We expose wrongdoing to help survivors and victims' families recover the fair compensation they deserve.
Understanding Dallas-Specific Safety Regulations
Industrial sites in the Dallas region, such as chemical plants and refineries, contribute significantly to the local economy but also pose risks. These facilities are characterized by high-temperature environments and complex machinery that require diligent maintenance. Unfortunately, accidents are often the result of negligence or overlooked safety protocols.
Texas has specific safety regulations governing plant and refinery operations to protect workers and communities. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforces environmental regulations that affect how plants and refineries operate, ensuring emissions and waste are handled responsibly. The high concentration of oil and chemical plants in Texas means the TCEQ often collaborates with federal agencies to conduct regular inspections and audits.
When a plant or refinery accident happens, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), an independent federal agency, will investigate to determine the root causes and make recommendations to improve safety based on its findings. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides oversight on occupational safety and compliance with federal standards like those of OSHA. Companies operating in the Dallas area need to adhere strictly to these guidelines to prevent accidents and minimize risks.
Understanding these local and state regulations is crucial for any firm that represents plant and refinery workers, and our legal team is well-versed in the complexities of these laws to offer targeted legal assistance.
Dallas Chemical Plant & Refinery Accidents Cause Life-Changing Injuries
Plant and refinery workers may experience injuries that change their lives forever, requiring extensive medical care and sometimes causing permanent disabilities. They may not be able to return to work and will require financial support for the rest of their lives. At Arnold & Itkin, our Dallas refinery injury attorneys fight for the compensation that helps workers and their families stop worrying about how they will pay for the care they need. If you need a Dallas explosion attorney to help after something like a catastrophic blast, we're here for you.
Chemical plant accidents, refinery explosions, and industrial accidents can cause:
Our Dallas refinery accident attorneys also help families who have lost loved ones in these tragic incidents. When a catastrophe at a plant or refinery claims a worker's life, their surviving family may come forward with a wrongful death lawsuit to hold at-fault parties accountable for their wrongdoing. We know there is nothing that can replace the loss of a loved one. When you trust your case to a Dallas plant death attorney at our firm, however, you have the opportunity to get answers, to see justice served, and to get the financial support that will help you and your family face a more stable future. These cases are challenging, but we have the resources and drive to win.
Contact Our Dallas Plant & Refinery Injury Lawyers: (888) 493-1629
Workplace safety is the key to preventing these life-altering injuries. Implementing complete safety protocols, conducting regular safety audits, and fostering a culture where safety is prioritized can greatly decrease the likelihood of accidents. The responsibility for workplace safety lies on the shoulders of employers. The truth of the matter is, that even if an occupation carries “inherent risks” such as at a Dallas plant or refinery, the owners and operators of that facility are responsible for creating and maintaining safe working conditions for all workers.
Times are difficult now, but we can fight for a better future. Call (888) 493-1629 or contact us online for your free consultation with our Dallas personal injury lawyers.
