Why Should I Hire a Plant Explosion Lawyer?

Plant explosions can be somewhat rare, but when they do happen, they can result in devastating injuries and loss of life. The assistance of a plant explosion lawyer may be needed to serve justice for injured victims in such cases.  

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A lawsuit involving a plant explosion can be complicated and will involve various legal requirements. For instance, there will be filing deadlines, form requirements, and court hearings that are part of the process. 

In order to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the maximum compensation for injuries, it is generally necessary to hire a plant explosion lawyer for your case. Your lawyer can help ensure that all legal procedures are met and that your case is moving forward through the process. Contact a Houston injury lawyer at Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 to find out your next steps.

How Can a Houston Plant Explosion Lawyer Help Me?

A plant explosion lawyer can help with a broad range of tasks that are crucial to the success of a lawsuit. Plant explosion lawsuits can involve a multitude of complex laws and legal concepts. They may also be subject to highly specific filing deadlines and requirements. An experienced plant explosion attorney can help ensure that such requirements are met so that the legal process goes smoothly. 

A plant explosion lawyer can help by: 

• Examining the facts and circumstances surrounding your case
• Researching the laws and statutes that apply to your lawsuit
• Gathering important documents that can be used as evidence in trial
• Interviewing key witnesses and obtaining statements from them
• Developing a strong legal strategy for court presentations
• Arguing your case in trial before the judge
• Negotiating for the ideal settlement or damages award for you

In some cases, the injured survivors of a plant explosion might not be in the best place physically or mentally to perform the tasks above. A lawyer can ensure these are taken care of so the victim can focus on healing and recovering from the accident.

What Damages Are Available in a Plant Explosion Lawsuit?

A plant explosion lawsuit can provide injured survivors with a damages award for their losses. 

These can cover a range of expenses and costs, including: 

• Hospital bills and medical expenses
• Costs of treatments not covered by insurance
• Lost wages due to missing work while recovering
• Loss of the ability to generate income in the future
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship of a loved one
• Property damage expenses

In order to prove these losses, the court may need to review various documents, such as medical receipts, paystubs, and other items. The amount of damages you are able to receive often depends on the skill and experience of the lawyer handling your case. Thus, it is important to hire a lawyer who has a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases.

What Causes Refinery and Plant Explosions? 

Refinery and plant explosions may have many causes. These can depend on several factors, including the nature of the refinery or plant and what type of materials are processed there. 

Causes of plant explosions may include: 

• Safety regulation violations: Violations of certain standards can lead to an explosion. such as those enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Corroded hardware: Worn-down metal on safety valves or other critical equipment parts can lead to a safety malfunction
• Use of impure chemicals: In a chemical plant, use of contaminated chemicals can lead to unforeseen or uncontrollable reactions
• Poor maintenance: Storage tanks, boilers, pressure valves, and other components can fail if not properly maintained or repaired
• Defective mechanisms: A defective machine or part can lead to an explosion

Connections between cause and liability can have far-reaching implications in a plant explosion lawsuit. A lawyer is needed to determine who is liable for the injury and property damage. In many cases it can be multiple parties, such as plant manager, the plant owner, or a part manufacturer (for instance if the explosion was caused by a defective machine or part).

Without the assistance of a lawyer, it may be difficult for you to handle the initial phases of the legal process. This is especially true if you are recovering from an injury or are handling the passing of a loved one.

What Are Common Injuries From Refinery and Plant Explosions?  

Refinery and plant explosions can cause a number of highly serious injuries. These can affect many workers at the same time, and can even affect residents in the surrounding neighborhoods as well. 

Depending on the type of explosion, as well as the materials involved in the explosion, injuries can include: 

• Heat burns
• Chemical burns
• Exposure to toxic materials
• Injuries from falling items (such as a beam from the building) 
• Injuries from projectiles from the explosion
• Smoke inhalation
• Acoustic trauma (noise from the explosion causing hearing loss)
• Severe cuts
• Broken bones

The type and seriousness of injury can affect the outcome of the case as well as the amount of damages issued. Those who were located closer to the source of the explosion are more likely to sustain more severe injuries than those farther away. Plant explosion injuries often bear a similarity to those involved in oilfield accidents. 

Sometimes a plant explosion may result in the death of a person. In such cases, wrongful death damages may be part of the lawsuit.

What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Refinery or Plant Explosion? 

If you have been involved in a plant explosion, there are several steps you should take in order to protect yourself. 

Following these steps can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in a lawsuit:

1. Seek medical assistance immediately (failure to do so may lead to medical complications and can negatively affect your claim)
2. File a report with your company internally
3. Hire a lawyer for help with your case
4. Don’t discuss your injuries or damages with other parties
5. Create a written account of the accident and your injuries while the events are still recent and fresh in your memory

It is important that you contact a lawyer early on, so that they can begin protecting your rights as your claim is processed. For instance, your attorney can speak on your behalf when dealing with employers, insurance agents, and representatives of the other party. 

Without the assistance of a lawyer, it may be difficult for you to handle the initial phases of the legal process. This is especially true if you are recovering from an injury or are handling the passing of a loved one.  

Contact an Experienced Plant Explosion Lawyer

Plant explosions can cause serious injuries and dramatic life changes for the survivor and their families. Working with a lawyer can help to maximize your chances at receiving the damages reward you and your family are entitled to. 

If you or a loved one were injured in a plant explosion, contact the lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 for a free consultation. We are on hand to discuss your rights and the legal options available to you.