How Our Texas Refinery Lawyers Can Help You Pursue Injury Compensation After a Refinery Fall
Refineries are an important part of the oil production industry, but the hazardous conditions place workers at risk every day. If you were hurt in a refinery fall accident, you may have many questions about your injuries and what you can do to recover economic and non-economic damages related to the incident.
At Terry & Thweatt, P.C., we understand the unique circumstances you’re facing, and as skilled Texas refinery lawyers, we’ll help you work through the legal process and fight for maximum injury compensation.
How Do Refinery Falls Happen? ![man-down-on-grate-hurt-in-refinery-fall-accident]()
Oil refinery jobs are among the most dangerous in the U.S., as workers regularly face challenging situations while performing their daily tasks. Texas leads the nation in refineries, with five out of the top 10 being located in the state. Unfortunately, it also ranks first with the number of oil-industry-related accidents and injuries resulting in fatalities.
There are multiple risk factors that cause refinery falls. While some are unpredictable, others are often the result of unsafe conditions. Here are some of the typical reasons our clients suffer injuries:
- Improper or inadequate safety training. Proper training, including how to use fall prevention equipment, can be critical to maintain safety on the job.
- Ladder-related falls. Slippery conditions, debris, and lack of or malfunctioning fall protection equipment all contribute to the threat of falls from refinery ladders.
- Scaffold and walkway dangers. Mislaid equipment, crowded walkways, lack of protected sides, and uneven or damaged walking surfaces are common reasons for falls, too.
- Worker fatigue. Refinery shifts are often longer than standard work hours—employees frequently pull 12–16 hour shifts. Combined with the challenging and demanding work, fatigue takes its toll on workers and potentially contributes to accidents.
- Poor maintenance. Employees face additional hazards if platforms, ladders, and other areas aren’t properly maintained.
- Defective equipment or safety equipment. Malfunctions and other issues could also be contributing factors to falls. Even poor lighting could cause a slip-and-fall accident.
Common Injuries Associated With Refinery Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “in the United States, workers' compensation and medical expenses associated with workplace falls are estimated to cost $70 billion annually.” This is primarily because of the severity—and sometimes catastrophic nature—of accident-related medical conditions, such as:
- Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Back, spine, or spinal cord injuries
- Fractures, sprains, or dislocations
- Internal organ damage
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries
What to Do If You’re Hurt in Refinery Fall
Seek medical attention right away, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Certain conditions might not present symptoms initially, but you have a better chance of obtaining quality care later if there’s a health care professional involved at the start.
Some conditions require extensive recovery time and months of care or physical therapy. Reinforce the origin of your refinery fall injury with full documentation of all your examinations, diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care.
Here are other critical steps we recommend:
- Report the injury to your employer right away.
- Write down all the information about the incident that you can remember.
- Document any evidence, especially if you can identify anything that could have caused the fall, such as malfunctioning equipment, equipment out of place, or slippery surfaces.
- If other workers witnessed the accident, collect their contact information and statements.
- Keep detailed records of everything pertaining to the incident and your injuries.
Finally, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the refinery fall injury attorneys at Terry & Thweatt. Unfortunately, these cases pit vulnerable victims against powerful corporations with big insurers and savvy corporate legal counsel. We strive to build a powerful case that provides you with every advantage.
Potential Compensation You May Be Eligible For After a Refinery Fall Accident
It’s critical to your full physical, emotional, and financial recovery to pursue all avenues of compensation, and that a full evaluation of your losses takes into account all types of expenses, such as:
- Medical costs, including rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Terry & Thweatt, P.C., has won substantial settlements for clients in Texas refinery accidents, so you can rest assured your case is in the hands of an experienced firm. We mobilize quickly to:
- Determine liability for the fall.
- Investigate and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Help you to file a worker’s compensation claim or look at third-party options.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- File appeals for denied claims or file lawsuits if needed.
- Represent you in court and fight for maximum compensation for your fall injuries.
Since 2008, our long-time Houston trial lawyers Joe Terry and Lee Thweatt have helped countless oil and gas industry workers and their families successfully navigate civil litigation, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure fair financial recoveries. Trust us to do the same for you.