Injured at a Beaumont, Texas Refinery? Legal Options for Workers — Get Help from an Attorney

Refinery workers risk injury even under the best conditions, but when employers or co-workers cut safety corners, the results can be catastrophic. Burns, exposure to toxins, and blunt force trauma are only some of the life-altering accidents that may occur at a refinery in Beaumont, Texas. Frequently, workers’ compensation insurance covers these injuries, but victims may be able to seek additional compensation by consulting with a lawyer and filing a personal injury claim. Your Texas employer may also choose not to subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance, meaning you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim directly against them.

The Beaumont workplace injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have a thorough understanding of Texas workers’ compensation laws and personal injury claims. We will negotiate with adjusters, collect evidence to prove damages, and hold third parties accountable. Our law firm offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. Read Carabin Shaw’s client reviews to discover more about our expert legal services and to book your free case review.

Liable parties in an oil refinery accident may include an employer or third parties. However, the Workers’ Compensation Act protects insured employers from litigation arising from ordinary negligence. If a Texas employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you can only sue them if you are the surviving family member or heir to a deceased worker who died due to the employer’s gross negligence. Unlike most states, Texas does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means some companies choose not to participate in the state system and are considered non-subscribers. Speak with a local attorney as soon as possible to learn more about these intricacies.

Workers’ compensation does not typically protect third parties on refinery sites in Beaumont, Texas, which means you could file a lawsuit against third parties if their negligence caused your injuries. This includes entities such as equipment manufacturers, tanker truck companies, construction companies, and vendors. These third parties, along with uninsured employers, may be defendants in a personal injury lawsuit for negligence after a petrochemical plant injury.

Injured workers must report their injury or illness to their employer within 30 days of an injury or 30 days of the discovery of a work-related injury. This allows the employer to start a workers’ compensation claim for Beaumont TX refinery accident damages, so the injured worker can collect income and medical benefits. If the accident resulted in a death, the surviving family could also collect burial and death benefits from a workers’ compensation claim.

At the same time, an injured worker can hire a Beaumont refinery injury lawyer to file a third-party claim against negligent parties who are not the employer. This provides the opportunity to receive compensation for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering, mental or emotional anguish, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. It also provides the opportunity for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim along with hiring a lawyer for a personal injury claim does not allow an injured worker to receive duplicate payouts. Instead, the insurance company can subrogate, or substitute, the injured worker’s interest. In other words, the third-party settlement will first pay back the workers’ compensation insurance, and whatever remains will go to the injured party.

In cases of severe injuries, the difference between a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim can be significant. It is wise to consult with the legal team at Carabin Shaw when making decisions regarding your claim, so you can maximize your compensation.

While hiring an attorney may seem complicated, in reality, it simplifies your legal journey and improves your financial recovery. We’ll handle the evidence collection, communication, and negotiation. You can work on your physical and emotional recovery while we handle your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

A Beaumont refinery accident lawyer from Carabin Shaw has the knowledge and connections to level the playing field for personal injury claims against big oil companies and third parties. Call our toll-free number at 1-800-862-1260 for a free consultation or contact us online. We have English- and Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to speak with you.

For more information:

• Workers’ Compensation Benefits
• Texas Department of Insurance
• Damages
• Exceptions