If you have suffered a burn injury at work in Pasadena, Texas, you might be considering legal action. Oil refineries are one of Pasadena’s biggest employers, and refinery work presents several burn hazards. A severe burn can result in extensive medical treatment, a lengthy recovery time, and all the expenses that come with a long hospital stay. A legal claim can help you see these costs addressed.
Top Texas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can see you through the legal process. Our team of Pasadena accident lawyers has extensive experience helping clients pursue and win claims against employers. Fill out our online contact form and give us a call at 800-862-1260 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review by phone.
How Common are Oil Refinery Burns in Texas?Pasadena’s oil refineries represent a significant portion of the city’s economy and its employment opportunities. However, jobs at these facilities are as dangerous as they are plentiful. Throughout their history, Pasadena’s oil plants have seen several explosions and fires.
In August 2020, an oil tank at a Chevron facility caught fire and in 2016, a Petrobras refinery was the site of an explosion. The past few years have also seen fires and explosions at refineries in Corpus Christi, Deer Park, Baytown, and Port Neches. Texas will reliably see multiple oil refinery accidents every year.
If you have been affected by such an accident, look into burn injury attorneys in Pasadena to assist you with a personal injury or workers’ comp claim.
What Causes Burn Injuries at Oil Refineries?As most Pasadena accident lawyers can tell you, burns are one of the most common types of injury suffered at oil refineries, and they can occur for several reasons. While some accidents are unavoidable, anything resulting in serious injuries is likely to be the result of negligence.
Some ways in which negligence can lead to burns and other severe injuries include:
If you have incurred a burn as the result of refinery work, it is likely to be the result of one of the above conditions or of other negligent behavior. Burn injury attorneys serving Pasadena Texas can help you pursue your due compensation.
What Legal Options Do I Have After a Burn Injury?After suffering a severe burn at work, you will pursue either a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim. Whichever of these claims is right for you, experienced burn injury attorneys in Pasadena can help.
Workers’ Compensation
It is optional for companies in Texas to provide workers’ compensation insurance. Your first step is finding out whether or not your employer does. If so, you will have to report your injury within 30 days and see a doctor in your workers’ comp network.
Then, you will have to file a worker’s comp claim through the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation. If your employer’s insurer denies your claim, you may appeal the decision. If you decide to do so, it will be vital for you to have the help of an experienced workers’ comp attorney.
No Workers’ Compensation
If your employer does not provide workers’ comp, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. Unlike workers’ comp, you will have to pursue a personal injury claim outside of the company’s internal systems.
While less convenient for you, you may stand to earn a greater settlement, as foregoing workers’ comp insurance leaves employers more liable for negligence. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can see you through the entire process.
Experienced Texas Attorneys Who will Fight for YouIf you are considering a legal claim after suffering a burn at work, top Texas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are standing by to help. For a free consultation, complete our convenient contact form and call us at 800-862-1260.