Pasadena Plant & Refinery Accident Lawyers

Refinery Burn Injuries

Because of the nature of the work done in refineries, there are many potential burn hazards. 

Some of the most common burn injuries we see include:

• Thermal burns. Both dry thermal and wet thermal burns can occur at a refinery. Dry thermal burns are caused by flames and radiant heat, while wet thermal burns come from steam and hot liquid.
• Electrical burns. Contact with a live electrical source isn't uncommon, and it can cause damage well below the surface of the skin, sometimes as deep as the muscle.
• Chemical burns. Refinery accidents sometimes involve corrosive chemicals like hydrofluoric acid. Some chemicals irritate the skin and cause visible injuries like blisters, but they can also cause long-term or permanent damage to the skin, eyes, lungs, and other organs.

After a Plant Accident, Workers' Comp Isn't Your Only Option

Texas workers can file a workers' compensation claim after a work-related injury, but that's not the only path. Workers' compensation claims don't pay the full value of your lost wages, and they don't compensate you for pain and suffering at all. A personal injury claim can help make sure you have the resources you need to move forward despite your injuries. 

If a plant or refinery accident causes a fatality, Texas law provides two distinct claims that families can pursue, often together. A wrongful death claim belongs to the surviving spouse, children, or parents, compensating them for their own losses, including lost financial support and loss of companionship. Separately, a survival action belongs to the deceased person's estate and continues the claim they could have brought themselves had they survived, covering things like pain and suffering and medical expenses between the accident and their death.

At SJ Injury Attorneys, we focus on helping non-subscriber employees as well as injured workers and their families with third-party claims to pursue full compensation directly from negligent parties.

Common Types of Plant & Refinery Accidents

The oil and petroleum industry exposes workers to multiple hazards every day. 

Some of the most common accidents we see include:

• Heavy equipment malfunctions
• Toxic chemical spills
• Slip and fall accidents
• Explosions
• Fires
• Falls from high platforms
• Injuries from improperly assembled scaffolding
• Loading and unloading equipment accidents

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,070 fatal work injuries nationwide in 2024. Facilities that handle hazardous chemicals face particular scrutiny under federal safety rules, and recent industrial accidents in our region show just how quickly things can go wrong at a plant or refinery.

For plant and refinery workers, evidence of negligence can often be found through OSHA violations showing a pattern of ignoring required safety precautions. Testimony from other employees about training practices, along with photos or videos of unsafe conditions, can also be valuable evidence.

How Our Pasadena Plant Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our plant and refinery accident attorneys are committed to holding negligent employers fully accountable. 

If you've suffered a serious injury, we can:

• Investigate the cause of your accident
• Ensure your damages are thoroughly documented
• Locate expert witnesses to testify on liability, the extent of your injuries, your future medical needs, and how your earning potential will be affected
• Negotiate with insurance representatives and plant or refinery attorneys on your behalf
• File the necessary paperwork by every applicable deadline
• Prepare to take your case to trial if a fair settlement can't be reached

SJ Injury Attorneys works on a contingency-fee basis, so you don't pay us anything unless we win compensation for you. We serve clients throughout Pasadena, Houston, Deer Park, Sugar Land, and the surrounding areas.

Whether it was an explosion, a chemical spill, or another kind of plant accident, we take these cases seriously. Contact SJ Injury Attorneys today to discuss your options.