Chemical Plant Injuries: How Might I Be Affected?

LAW BLOG  •

February 4, 2016

Chemical plants are an essential part of modern life: They’re essential for transforming raw materials into products that we use every day. However, they also pose a danger to employees and those who live in their immediate vicinity. Chemical plant operators, by law, must adhere to strict standards that protect the health of employees and citizens. Unfortunately, some plant operators don’t follow the law, and accidents happen. The most common types of chemical plant injuries occur from:

  • Human error in operation
  • Gas leaks leading to explosion
  • Falling objects
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Equipment malfunctions due to shoddy maintenance
  • Failing to properly train workers

Refineries and chemical plants have been a mainstay in our economy since the Industrial Revolution. Back then, however, plants weren’t regulated the way they are today. In the 1970s, Congress passed the Occupational Health and Safety Act, designed to protect employees on the job through proper training and safety protocols. In theory, the extra training should help employees maintain a safer plant, reducing the likelihood of an accident that could hurt civilians.

Types of Chemical Plant Injuries

Despite the worker-safety progress we’ve made in the past 150 years, chemical plants still pose potential threats. The most common types of injuries from chemical plants include:

  • Chemical plants often use combustible and volatile materials, making fires a common hazard. Additionally, simple contact with certain chemicals can result in employees being burned. Chemical burns are serious and often harder to treat than burns caused by fires.
  • Prolonged Exposure to Chemicals or Toxins. Many chemicals are linked to neurological and physical side effects. Toxic substance exposure can lead to cancer or behavioral defects. Mesothelioma is an example of a disease that has a direct link to toxic substance exposure. Sometimes, the symptoms can take decades to manifest.
  • Explosion Injuries. Handling volatile chemicals can lead to explosions, though is rare thanks to industry safety standards. The kinds of injuries sustained from a chemical explosion can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injury, nerve damage, severely burned or damaged limbs, even death to those in close proximity.

How an Experienced Law Firm Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a chemical plant accident, our experienced law firm can help you make the most of your situation. Turn to one of our compassionate attorneys for help:

  • Seeking Worker’s Compensation. No matter who is at fault for the accident, you’re entitled to worker’s compensation benefits if you’ve been injured on the job. Worker’s compensation will help you pay for additional medical bills and make up for lost wages, so you can focus on your recovery. If you’ve lost a loved one in a chemical accident, worker’s compensation can help you pay for expenses.
  • Filing a Wrongful Death or Personal Injury Lawsuit. If worker’s compensation benefits and insurance aren’t enough to cover the cost of your long-term care, you may have a case for a personal injury lawsuit. If the company you work for or a third party is found negligent, you may be entitled to payment as a result of your injuries. If you’ve suffered the death of a loved one through a chemical plant accident, we may be able to pursue a wrongful death suit.

The first step to filing any claim is to meet with one of our legal experts. A risk-free initial consultation will allow us to review the facts of your case and determine if you have the grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death suit. To get started, get in touch with us today.

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