Burn Injuries at Beaumont Refineries: Understanding Your Rights After a Texas Workplace Accident

Beaumont, Texas, is home to ExxonMobil’s largest refinery, which employs many residents of the city. While refinery work is usually lucrative, it also puts Lone Star workers at risk for life-changing injuries like severe burns. These injuries can be physically debilitating and emotionally challenging, making it difficult or even impossible for you to return to work and support your family.

Burn injuries are often the result of preventable accidents. The Beaumont work injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw help injured victims pursue justice and compensation after a refinery accident. Our compassionate team offers free case reviews in English or Spanish. We are available 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260.

Refinery accidents can lead to a variety of burns, including:

• Thermal burns due to excessive heat exposure
• Chemical burns from exposure to toxic substances
• Electrical burns from defective equipment or faulty wiring
• Friction burns when skin comes in contact with an abrasive substance

Burns occur from fires, explosions, chemical exposure, or defective products. These injuries range from first-degree burns that only affect the outermost layer of skin to fourth-degree burns that often require amputation.

You have rights after a workplace injury. The steps you take after an accident help protect those rights, such as:

• Seeking medical treatment immediately
• Reporting the accident to your employer
• Getting photos of the accident scene
• Gathering contact information for eyewitnesses
• Contacting a Beaumont refinery accident lawyer
 

Once you secure legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney investigates your accident.From the investigation findings, your legal team can pursue compensation from the at-fault parties to cover your lost wages, medical expenses, and other related losses.

In Texas, workers’ compensation insurance is not mandatory for most private employers. This means some refinery companies may choose not to carry coverage and are considered non-subscribers. If your employer does not have workers’ compensation, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them to recover damages, including pain and suffering and full lost wages. Speak with a local Beaumont attorney as soon as possible to learn more.

If your company carries workers’ compensation, a claim with the insurance provider will likely be your first step. Workers’ compensation provides benefits for medical expenses and some lost wages. Your lawyer can help you complete your claim and ensure the insurance provider pays you all the compensation you are entitled to.

Workers' compensation protects employers from lawsuits filed by injured employees. However, refinery accidents often involve parties beyond your immediate employer. Under Texas law, you can file a lawsuit against these third parties, which might include:

• Equipment manufacturers
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Maintenance contractors
• Chemical suppliers

For example, an equipment manufacturer may be responsible for an equipment defect that sparks a fire. A subcontractor that creates an unsafe condition that leads to your accident may also be liable. Your attorney will identify potential third parties through a thorough accident investigation.

Workers’ compensation is available to all employees who are injured at work (if the employer is a subscriber), regardless of the cause of the accident. The only exception is when the injured worker’s actions, such as intoxication or horseplay, were involved. The claims process is relatively straightforward and can be started soon after the accident. Workers’ compensation is limited to medical bills and some lost wages. It does not cover intangible losses that are common after a burn injury, such as mental anguish and permanent disfigurement.

A personal injury lawsuit puts the burden of proof on the party filing the claim. You must show that the at-fault party’s negligence led directly to your accident and injuries. Negligence may involve a violation of an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulation. Make sure you work with a lawyer who is an expert in OSHA regulations for oil refineries.

If you can prove negligence, you can seek damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

A Texas workplace burn injury may render you unable to work or even care for yourself. These injuries often lead to post-traumatic stress, depression, and other psychological issues. Your legal team will ensure you receive sufficient compensation to cover the long-term costs of physical and psychological injuries.

If you are injured in a refinery accident, our team can help. Carabin Shaw offers its services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Our client reviews also reflect our strong commitment to helping accident victims like you. Call us 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Texas Department of Insurance
• Labor Code
• OSHA