Plant Explosion Lawyers in Houston

Who is responsible for plant and refinery explosions?

One of the major complicating factors in plant and refinery explosion cases is the multiple parties involved, each of whom may hold partial responsibility and are likely to do everything they can to reduce their liability. 

Determining culpability and proving fault often involves a thorough investigation of all parties involved, including but not limited to:

• Plant or refinery owners. The most common responsible party is the owners of the plant or refinery. They’re typically responsible for making sure that the worksite meets all safety and operational standards, including maintenance, necessary upgrades, and training — if they don’t, the buck often stops with them. 
• Equipment manufacturers. If faulty equipment caused or contributed to the explosion, the manufacturer of that equipment may be held responsible. Equipment like valves, pipes, or boilers must meet stringent industry standards, and defects can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Contractors or subcontractors. Contractors and subcontractors may be liable if they fail to follow safety procedures, perform shoddy work, or ignore known hazards.
• Third-party inspectors. In some cases, independent companies are hired to inspect plant safety. If they neglect to identify safety risks or fail to make essential recommendations, they may share responsibility for the accident. 

Plants and refineries are environments full of people doing critical jobs — jobs that, when done improperly, can make an already-dangerous environment even more deadly. 

What causes plant and refinery explosions?

Because so many fail safes are in place to prevent critical failure, plant and refinery explosions are often caused by some combination of operational, technical, or safety failures. Common causes of plant explosions often include:

• Equipment malfunctions. Defective machinery, pumps, and pipelines are frequently responsible for high-risk plant operations. Over time, corrosion, wear, and defective parts can increase the likelihood of an accident.
• Chemical reactions. The presence of volatile chemicals, including oil, gas, and other flammable substances, can lead to dangerous chemical reactions if mishandled.
• Human error. Mistakes in following safety protocols or mishandling hazardous materials can be deadly. Inadequate training and fatigue also play a role.
• Insufficient or improper maintenance. Aged equipment or insufficient repairs can lead to leaks, breaks, and failures. Plants that don’t prioritize maintenance put their workers at significant risk.
• Lack of safety protocols. Safety protocols are essential in high-risk environments like plants and refineries. When companies fail to establish and enforce these protocols, accidents become far more likely.

As we said, critical failure at a chemical plant or refinery often means that more than one of these causes is at play, which means a thorough investigation is necessary to determine responsibility for and prove negligence after an accident. 

How can plant and refinery accident lawyers help me?

The aftermath of a plant or refinery explosion is uniquely chaotic, and can be both emotionally and financially overwhelming. The Houston plant explosion lawyers at Calderon Law Firm have the knowledge and resources needed to guide you through this difficult time. 

Some of the major functions your Houston personal injury lawyers will serve include:

1. Investigating the explosion and proving culpability. Your lawyers will partner with industry experts to identify the source of the explosion and determine liability. By gathering evidence, consulting with engineers, and reconstructing the events leading up to the incident, your attorneys will build a case that the insurance companies cannot ignore. 
2. Negotiating with corporations and insurance companies. Insurance companies will invariably attempt to offer you less than you deserve. Hiring a lawyer with extensive experience in negotiating with insurance adjusters can help you secure maximum compensation for your family.
3. Building a case for, and calculating the amount of, your compensation. Your attorneys should compile medical records, gather expert testimony, and build a compelling case demonstrating the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident.
4. Representing you in court. While many cases settle outside of court, your refinery accident lawyers should prepare your case with the assumption that it will go to trial. Preparing a strong case will ultimately give you leverage in settlement negotiations and a solid foundation if the case does go to trial.

Whether you’re dealing with an inland plant explosion, an offshore accident, or a wrongful death claim, hiring a skilled attorney is the best way for you to protect your interests and make sure that you get what you deserve. 

Injuries commonly caused by explosion cases

Injuries in explosion cases are categorized by how directly the blast itself caused your injuries. There are four levels of explosion injuries:

Explosion injuries are often not immediately apparent in the aftermath of the accident, and many necessitate extended treatment plans and long recoveries. Receiving the best medical care possible, and documenting all costs related to your treatment, are the best ways to make sure you start your recovery — and your personal injury claim — on the right foot.  

How much do Houston plant explosion lawyers cost?

At Calderon Law Firm, we believe every injury victim deserves skilled legal representation, regardless of financial status. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

The contingency fee model eliminates financial barriers, so you can pursue justice without worrying about legal fees during an already challenging time. We’ll discuss this in detail during your free consultation to make sure you’re comfortable with our approach, and to explain any other expenses that may apply if we take your case.

What kind of damages can I recover in my personal injury case?

Damages in personal injury cases are intended to help you recover compensation for both immediate financial losses and the far-reaching effects of the accident on your life. These damages are put into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. 

Economic damages

Economic damages cover the financial losses that result from an injury. These are often quantifiable and directly tied to the costs incurred due to the accident, and can include:

• Hospital bills and other medical expenses
• Cost of rehabilitation and therapy
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the intangible effects of an injury. While harder to quantify, non-economic damages are just as important as economic ones in ensuring victims are fully compensated after an accident. These often include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium

Punitive damages

Finally, punitive damages are occasionally awarded to attempt to deter the responsible party from acting in a similar manner in the future. These are generally only applicable if the responsible party is found to be particularly reckless, malicious, or has already acted similarly in the past. 

The Houston plant explosion lawyers at Calderon Law Firm are here for you

Plant and refinery explosions don’t just leave physical scars; they affect every aspect of your life, from financial stability to long-term happiness and peace of mind. The Houston plant explosion lawyers at Calderon Law Firm are committed to ensuring that every victim has the support and resources they need to rebuild, and are ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. 

From car accidents and truck accidents to all forms of work-related injuries, Calderon Law Firm is ready to make sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard. Call Jose Calderon and the Houston plant explosion lawyers at Calderon Law Firm at (346) 999-5673 or contact us online today to get started.