Refineries are dangerous places to work. You’re surrounded by dangerous chemicals and explosive compounds. Toxic chemicals, asbestos, and other caustic substances also put you at risk. In Freeport, there are multiple industrial operations and refineries that could impact your life and health. If you were injured in a refinery accident, you have the right to pursue monetary damages.
At Griffin Law Group, LLC, our dedicated Texas injury lawyers help you pursue financial compensation after a refinery accident.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Lawsuits in Texas Refinery Accidents
Texas is unique because it does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means refinery workers in Freeport may fall into one of two categories:
- Employees of a refinery that carries workers’ compensation insurance
- Employees of a refinery that is a non-subscriber (does not carry workers’ comp)
Your legal options depend heavily on which category applies.
If the Refinery Has Workers’ Compensation
If your employer carries workers’ compensation, you generally cannot sue your employer for negligence. Instead, you must file a workers’ compensation claim, which provides limited benefits such as:
- Medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement
- Impairment benefits
However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, full lost wages, or punitive damages. It also does not prevent you from suing third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
If the Refinery Is a Non-Subscriber
If the refinery is a non-subscriber, you may be able to file a direct lawsuit against your employer. This is significant because:
- You can recover full damages, including pain and suffering
- The employer loses certain legal defenses, such as claiming you were partly at fault
- Juries often award substantial compensation in non-subscriber cases
Many Texas industrial employers choose not to carry workers’ comp, so determining your employer’s status is a critical first step.
When You Can Sue After a Refinery Accident
Certain parties can be responsible for your injuries, even if your employer is covered by workers’ comp. These examples might include:
Contractors and Subcontractors
Refineries often use contractors for:
- Maintenance
- Construction
- Electrical work
- Other specialized operations
If that contractor caused your accident, they could be directly liable.
Equipment Manufacturers
The equipment in the refinery needs to work correctly. If not, you could be scalded, burned, or severely hurt. You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer of a defective part.
Property Owners
If the refinery is operated on property owned by another company, the property owner may share responsibility for unsafe conditions.
Chemical Suppliers
A chemical may be dangerous and subject the supplier to liability if:
- It was improperly labeled
- It is contaminated
- It is inherently dangerous without adequate warnings
Common Causes of Refinery Accidents in Freeport
Understanding what caused the accident helps determine who can be sued. Frequent causes include:
- Equipment failures
- Mechanical defects
- Pipeline leaks
- Ruptures
- Chemical releases and toxic exposure
- Fires and explosions
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Violations of OSHA safety standards
- Poor maintenance or ignored safety protocols
- Overworked or understaffed crews
What You Can Recover in a Lawsuit
If you are eligible to sue, either because your employer is a non-subscriber or because a third party was negligent, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Full lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
These damages go far beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
Let a Freeport, TX Refinery Accident Lawyer Help With Your Injury Case
Whether you’re entitled to damages through a workers’ comp claim or personal injury lawsuit, our team is here to help. We understand what you’re going through and how to pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
Consult a Texas car accident lawyer at Griffin Law Group, LLC for help. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.