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Oil refinery explosions are extremely dangerous. If the operators of an oil refinery do not operate it efficiently, they risk the lives of workers and people that reside near the factory. Fortunately, a victim of an explosion accident will be able to seek compensation against a negligent company that caused their injuries or injuries to their loved ones. If you or a family member was injured in an oil refinery explosion, consult with an experienced Fort Work accident lawyer for oil refinery explosions.
The Queenan Law Firm P.C. is committed to fighting for victims of a refinery explosion that suffered severe and often life-changing injuries. We believe that a negligent operator of an oil refinery should be held accountable for their actions. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your potential lawsuit, contact The Queenan Law Firm P.C. at (817) 476-1797. You may also contact the firm by using our online submission form.
Common Causes of Oil Refinery Explosions in Fort Worth, TX
Oil and gas refinery explosions often endanger the lives of employees and residents near the explosion. Typically, a refinery explosion is the result of negligence when operating the refinery. The following is a list of common causes of oil and gas refinery explosions.
Gas Leaks
An oil and gas company should have a number of safeguards in place to avoid a gas leak. However, some companies may cut corners in order to reduce the cost of operating a refinery. For example, if there is a report that there is a gas leak at the plant, some companies may use an easy fix that could lead to an explosion at a later time.
OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set various guidelines that oil and gas companies should use to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. However, despite the risk to employees and others, some companies may neglect to implement specific procedures. As a result, this could increase the likelihood of a serious explosion occurring.
Impure Chemicals
To avoid the possibility of an explosion at oil and gas refinery, it is vital that a company uses pure chemicals. When impure chemicals are used at a refinery, they mix and significantly increase the risk of an explosion occurring.
There are various other factors that increase the risk of an explosion at an oil and gas refinery. These factors should not be ignored as a severe explosion could result in severe injury or even the death of a person caught in the blast.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit after an oil and gas refinery explosion, continue reading and speak with an experienced Fort Worth oil and gas explosion attorney.
Proving a Personal Injury Claim After an Oil Refinery Explosion
Victims of an oil refinery explosion can sustain severe injuries. For example, victims of a blast could suffer third-degree burns, loss of hearing, loss of vision, lacerations, and many other types of injuries. After suffering an injury at an oil refinery, a victim should be aware that they could file a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible.
Personal injury lawsuits often operate on a theory of negligence. Specifically, the plaintiff must show how the defendant acted negligently in order to be awarded compensation for their injuries. To prove that a person acted negligently, a plaintiff must prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care (e.g., failing to follow safety procedures)
- The plaintiff suffered an injury or other losses due to the defendant’s breach (e.g., broken bones, damaged property)
- The plaintiff sustained an injury that is compensable by a court of law
Once the plaintiff has proven all of the above elements, they can be awarded compensatory damages. It is important to note that a plaintiff must still prove damages. This may require a plaintiff to provide documentation of their injuries and financial losses that occurred due to the refinery explosion.
Compensatory damages can be divided into two categories: economic losses and noneconomic losses. Economic losses are easy to calculate because they are based on objective factors. Noneconomic losses are more difficult to calculate because it considers subjective factors. The following is a list of compensatory damages that can be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Loss of wages and future loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses for treatment, medical equipment, and medication
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
Our firm understands how a refinery explosion can cause injuries that can change a person’s life, and we are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Do not waste any time in contacting an experienced attorney to talk about your potential claim.
Work with Our Experienced Fort Worth, TX Oil and Gas Refinery Explosion Attorney
If your family member was killed in an oil refinery explosion, you should contact an experienced Fort Worth accident attorney for oil refinery explosions. The devoted legal team at The Queenan Law Firm P.C. possess decades of combined legal experience, and we would be honored to work with you. No person should have to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one in an avoidable refinery accident. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact The Queenan Law Firm P.C. at (817) 476-1797. You may also contact the firm online.