Refinery explosions can cause serious injuries and even death, affecting not only workers but also people living nearby. These accidents mostly happen because of preventable problems like unsafe work conditions, broken equipment, or ignoring safety rules.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a refinery explosion, having strong legal support is very important. At Breit Biniazan, our experienced lawyers are committed to standing up for you and making sure those responsible are held accountable. We work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Our Attorneys Handle the Most Complex Cases
At Breit Biniazan, our refinery explosion lawyers have extensive experience dealing with complicated cases involving multiple parties and technical safety issues. We understand refinery operations, industry regulations, and the challenges accident victims face. Our team is committed to investigating every detail, working with experts, and fighting relentlessly for your rights and compensation.
How Refinery Explosions Occur
Refineries are complex facilities that operate under high pressure and handle flammable materials. Explosions can happen due to a variety of reasons, many linked to preventable errors and negligence.
One common situation is during turnarounds (also called planned shutdowns), when equipment is repaired or inspected. If contractors rush their work or miss critical details, dangerous conditions can arise leading to explosions. Refineries also undergo many operational changes, which should be reviewed thoroughly through a process known as Management of Change (MOC). Skipping or rushing this review means hazards can go unaddressed, increasing the risk of accidents.
Pressurized Systems Failures
Failures in pressurized systems, such as pipes, valves, or tanks, are frequent causes of refinery explosions. When these systems malfunction, they can release flammable substances suddenly, leading to fires or blasts.
Poor Safety Protocols or Emergency Response Plans
Some companies fail to follow safety regulations like OSHA standards or ignore them to save costs. This includes rushing or skipping safety meetings, neglecting mechanical issues, or not having proper emergency plans. In many cases, profits are put ahead of worker safety, resulting in tragic consequences.
Flammable Gas Leaks and Sparks
Improper isolation of flammable gases and liquids during maintenance or operations can cause leaks that ignite with a single spark. Pipes, tanks, and equipment holding pressurized combustibles must be carefully isolated and workers informed of risks to prevent uncontrolled releases.
Regulatory Noncompliance and Cost-Cutting
When refineries cut staff, skimp on training, or fail to supervise properly, small problems can quickly escalate. Everyone working at or around a refinery needs proper training and guidance on handling emergencies to avoid explosive incidents.
Who Is Liable in Refinery Explosion Lawsuits?
When refinery accidents happen, liability can be complex and involve multiple parties. These often include:
- Major Oil Companies and Plant Operators: The facility owners and operators responsible for overall safety and maintenance.
- Equipment Suppliers or Subcontractors: Companies providing faulty parts, equipment, or negligent contractor workers.
- Government or Regulatory Lapses: Sometimes poor enforcement or oversight contributes to unsafe conditions.
Because refineries hire a mix of employees, contractors, and vendors, several parties can share liability. Determining who is legally responsible requires a detailed investigation to uncover negligence.
Types of Injuries Caused by Refinery Explosions
- Burn Injuries and Toxic Exposure: Victims often suffer from both severe burns and exposure to hazardous chemicals released in explosions, leading to lasting health problems.
- Orthopedic and Crush Injuries: High-impact forces during explosions cause broken bones, crushed limbs, and other serious musculoskeletal trauma.
- Hearing Loss, PTSD, and Other Long-Term Effects: Explosion survivors may endure permanent hearing damage, psychological disorders, and other chronic issues requiring ongoing care.
What Legal Options Are Available to Victims?
Even if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you might still have rights to pursue additional compensation through legal claims such as:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: Filed when negligence causes your injuries.
- Third-Party Lawsuits: Against contractors, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
- Gross Negligence Claims: For reckless or intentional misconduct by employers or others.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits: For surviving family members when an accident causes a fatality.
Workers’ Comp Limitations vs. Personal Injury Claims
Workers’ comp generally limits recovery to medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. It often requires seeing company-approved doctors and may not cover all damages.
Personal injury lawsuits allow victims to seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and in some cases punitive damages. They also hold negligent parties accountable beyond workers’ comp.
Mass Tort and Class Action Possibilities
In some refinery explosion cases, the harm extends beyond individual injuries and affects a large group of people, including workers, nearby residents, and even whole communities. When many victims suffer similar losses due to the same defective equipment, unsafe practices, or regulatory failures, filing individual lawsuits may not be the most effective approach. Instead, mass torts or class action lawsuits allow a group of plaintiffs to join together and pursue justice collectively.
At Breit Biniazan, we have experience working with complex group claims and can guide you through the process to ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Pursuing Lifetime Compensation
Many injuries from refinery explosions cause lifelong effects that require ongoing medical care, therapy, and support. Serious burns, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations can make it impossible to return to previous work or activities, creating long-term financial and personal challenges. Experienced attorneys work to secure compensation that not only covers your immediate medical bills but also accounts for future medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
This lifetime compensation ensures you have the resources needed to manage your injuries and maintain as much independence and comfort as possible. Working with skilled personal injury attorneys like those at Breit Biniazan can help you pursue the full and fair recovery you deserve, providing financial security for years to come.
Breit Biniazan’s Commitment to Injury Victims
Strategic Litigation Backed by Medical Experts and Investigators
Our legal team partners with top medical professionals and accident investigators to build strong cases for refinery explosion victims. We conduct thorough probes to uncover negligence and present compelling evidence in court or settlement talks.
Reach Out for a Free Case Review Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery explosion, contact Breit Biniazan to schedule a free case review. We will carefully evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and guide you every step of the way. Our dedicated attorneys fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve during this difficult time.