Petrochemical plants and refineries play a central role in the economy in and around Houston. While there are tremendous economic benefits that come with these facilities, there are also significant risks. When fires or explosions occur, the results can be catastrophic.
If you were hurt in a plant explosion, now is the time to consider your legal options. A dedicated personal injury attorney from Williams Hart & Boundas can review your injuries and help you understand your chances for financial compensation. Before you attempt to resolve your claim alone, schedule a consultation with an experienced Houston plant explosion lawyer.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in a Petrochemical Plant Explosion?
Serious injuries are commonplace following a fire or explosion in a plant or refinery. Even non-fatal injuries are likely to have permanent, life-altering consequences for those involved. After a plant explosion in Houston, an attorney from our firm could help you seek justice for various injuries.
Severe Burns
The most common injuries stemming from this type of catastrophic accident are severe burns. Second- and third-degree burns can leave you with nerve damage, scarring, and a higher risk of future infections. You may also face a costly period of rehabilitation following the accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are also common in an explosion. They can occur as the result of being struck in the head by flying debris. Alternatively, you could be hurt if you are thrown to the ground and strike your head on concrete. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can lead to an array of unusual health consequences, from changes in your sense of smell to personality shifts.
Spinal Cord Damage
An impact to your head, neck, or back could result in spinal cord damage. This is a catastrophic injury that could lead to partial or total paralysis. It can be difficult to immediately diagnose spinal injuries after an explosion if victims sustain severe external wounds.
Bone Fractures
Explosions can damage other bones in the body besides the spine. Bones throughout your body could fracture or break upon impact if you are thrown by the blast or struck by flying objects.
When you have sustained serious injuries, you need a lawyer you can trust to advocate on your behalf for maximum compensation. Our team is always trial-ready, and we will not stop until we achieve a favorable outcome.
Pursuing Options for Compensation
The circumstances surrounding your injuries will ultimately determine what paths toward compensation are available to you. If you were hurt in a plant explosion while at your workplace, you could be limited to filing a claim through the state workers’ compensation system. This is usually not ideal, as workers’ compensation benefits will not cover everything that you could claim in a personal injury lawsuit.
However, many employers in Texas are non-subscribers, meaning that they have opted out of the workers’ compensation system. In that scenario, you have the right to sue your employer and seek damages based on your injuries.
The owners and operators of a refinery are not protected by workers’ compensation laws when the injured party is not an employee. The reality of an explosion is that the damage can extend well beyond the boundaries of the plant. You have a right to pursue legal action if you were injured in a blast.
Understanding the legal options available in a plant explosion injury claim can be difficult without help. While we only handle personal injury claims, an experienced attorney from our firm in Houston can provide advice and guidance for all legal options after a refinery explosion.
Speak With a Houston Lawyer About Your Plant Explosion Injury Claim
If you have been seriously injured in a refinery explosion, it is vital that you consider your legal options as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation, but pursuing these claims on your own is a risk you should avoid. One misstep could cost you the damages you deserve. Reach out to a Houston plant explosion lawyer today to learn more.