Liability for Refinery Accidents
Normally, workers have to go through the Texas workers’ compensation system, or the federal version, to get compensation for a refinery accident. Texas allows suing your employer if there is evidence of extreme negligence.
There could be other parties as well who could be sued, such as tanker truck companies, refinery construction companies, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and more. A refinery accident lawyer will study the situation to find the people most responsible before starting your claim.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, injured employees must report an injury or illness within 30 days to their employer, and then they have one year to claim benefits. This goes to three years if you’re covered by the federal government. If you have to sue outside of the workers’ compensation system, you have two years to start your case.
Complications for Workers
Texas doesn’t require private employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, which could kick you out of a system that gives no-fault payments and forces you to file a lawsuit. If this is your situation, you will need a Texas refinery accident attorney on your side as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin your claim.
If you work on an offshore oil rig, Texas law may not cover you at all. Instead, federal law applies, and you’ll need to go through the system set up by the Jones Act to receive compensation. We are familiar with these maritime law claims and can help you make your case.
Finally, an employer may try to deny you access to workers’ compensation because you’re an independent contractor. You might be, but you might not be. This is a common form of employer fraud. Let us look at your situation and see if you are actually an employee. If you are, you can access workers’ compensation and could have a labor law case as well.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you’ve lost a loved one in a refinery accident, we understand how much trouble it can cause, both emotionally and financially. If you are a surviving spouse, adult child, parent, or personal representative, you can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
Damages in a wrongful death claim include lost earning capacity, lost inheritance, mental pain and anguish, loss of consortium, and more. In case of gross negligence, a court may award you exemplary damages as well.
Seek Help After a Refinery Accident
If you’ve been in a refinery accident, speak with an experienced Texas refinery accident lawyer by contacting the Buzbee Law Firm. We’ve helped victims recover over $10 billion and growing. We believe in winning and we believe in our ability to help you.
To get started on your case, contact our offices by phone or by using our online contact form. Your consultation is free and without obligation.
