Picture this. One moment, John was performing routine maintenance on a distillation unit at a refinery in Houston. The next moment, he was engulfed in a cloud of scalding steam, causing third-degree burns. As he recovered in a hospital bed, he suffered not only physical trauma, but also mounting worries about how he could support his family moving forward following a refinery accident.
This hypothetical story is not unique. Every year, Texas oil and gas workers face the devastating consequences of refinery accidents. Medical bills add up, paychecks stop coming in, and the future becomes uncertain.
Below, our Houston refinery injury lawyer examine the far-reaching economic effects that refinery accidents have on workers and their loved ones.
Table of Contents
Medical Bills
The medical costs associated with refinery injuries can be staggering. Severe burns, chemical exposures, and traumatic injuries often require extensive and costly medical interventions. Refinery fall accidents can cause concussions, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
Examples of medical costs include:
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Emergency room treatment
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Surgeries and follow-up procedures
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Extended hospital stays
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Specialized care for burns or chemical exposures
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Rehabilitation services and treatments
An experienced refinery injury lawyer in Houston, TX, can help by documenting all medical expenses related to the injury, ensuring you are fully compensated for your losses. We will work with your medical providers to manage bills while your case is pending and see to it that all future medical needs are considered in your compensation claim.
Lost Wages
For many refinery workers, an injury means an immediate halt to their income. If you’re not working, you’re not bringing home a paycheck. This sudden loss of wages can be especially hard if your family is living paycheck to paycheck. Without adequate emergency savings to fall back on, the financial hardship can be too much to bear.
Lost wages can include:
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Regular salary or hourly pay
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Overtime opportunities
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Bonuses and profit-sharing
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Benefits such as health insurance coverage
In calculating your total lost wages for your claim, it’s important to factor for future earnings and all other income you would have otherwise earned. Furthermore, a personal injury lawyer can advocate for continued benefits coverage during your recovery.
Diminished Earning Capacity
Some refinery accidents result in permanent disabilities that affect a worker's ability to return to their previous job. They may not be able to go back to work at all. This reduction in earning capacity can have long-lasting consequences on a family’s financial stability and quality of life.
Diminished earning capacity may include:
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An inability to return to your previous position
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Forced career changes to lower-paying jobs
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Reduced work hours due to ongoing medical issues
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Early retirement due to disability
To assess the full extent of this impact, a refinery injury lawyer may consult with economic experts to project your lifetime earning loss. Your lawyer may also guide you toward possible options for vocational rehabilitation or retraining in light of your new limitations.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Beyond medical bills and lost wages, refinery injuries can result in a host of other out-of-pocket expenses that can quickly deplete a family's savings. These additional costs can add up to significant amounts over time.
These expenses might include:
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Prescription medications
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Medical equipment and supplies
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Home health care services
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Transportation to medical appointments
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Home or vehicle modifications
It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can ensure all these costs are included in your compensation claim and advocate for continued coverage of any ongoing or future expenses.
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
Our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring injured refinery workers receive the compensation they deserve, addressing both immediate expenses and long-term financial needs.
In one case, our Houston refinery accident attorney represented a Sweeny plant operator who was injured when a malfunctioning elevator went into a free fall. The defendant never offered more than $20,000 to settle the case before trial. In the end, the jury awarded over $373,000 in damages, including compensation for physical pain and impairment.
Don't let a refinery injury derail your family’s financial future. Our team will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
If You're Struggling With the Economic Impact of Refinery Injuries in Houston, Contact Us Today!
At Terry & Thweatt, P.C., our Houston-based refinery injury lawyers offer free initial consultations for prospective clients.
To request an appointment, fill out our convenient online contact form by clicking the button above and we’ll be in touch to discuss your case. For immediate assistance, call 713-600-4710 now.
