In the wake of a catastrophic refinery accident or explosion, injured workers or their survivors are left to ask, “Why did this happen?” But soon another question follows: “What am I supposed to do now?” Medical bills pile up, paychecks disappear, and what little victims receive in workers’ compensation benefits doesn’t come close to closing the gap. For those who decide to take legal action, the lawsuits filed after such a disaster aren’t about money—they’re about rebuilding lives and ensuring the responsible companies can’t simply walk away from the devastation they caused.
But what is a refinery lawsuit actually worth?
The truth is, no two cases are alike. Potential damages largely hinge on who is responsible, the circumstances of the accident, how badly a worker is hurt, and the consequences for their future, as well as the laws of the state where the refinery accident occurred.
Why Refinery Accidents Lead to Lawsuits
Refineries are inherently dangerous workplaces, but few accidents are ever “just an accident.” In fact, in our experience, the vast majority occur because a company took shortcuts merely to save money. When that kind of negligence is involved, injured workers and grieving families deserve compensation for their pain and suffering.
Negligence in refinery settings can take many forms. Sometimes it’s a failure to perform regular inspections or repair aging equipment that everyone knew was a hazard. Other times, it’s inadequate training, leaving workers unprepared for the risks of handling highly flammable chemicals. Poor communication between contractors, a lack of safety gear, or management decisions to push production at the expense of workers’ well-being have all led to disaster.
Lawsuits are one of the few ways injured workers and their families can hold companies accountable for these failures. They allow victims and their survivors to have a voice and demand compensation for the harm that could—and should—have been prevented.
Potential Damages After a Refinery Accident
When a refinery accident lawsuit is successful, workers and their families can receive two types of damages:
- Economic damages cover measurable financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These are calculated using pay stubs, medical records, and expert testimony on future costs.
- Non-economic damages cover the human losses that don’t come with receipts. They include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and—in wrongful death cases—the irreplaceable loss of a parent, spouse, or child.
In some refinery accident cases, victims may also recover punitive damages, which aim to punish defendants for extreme misconduct. For example, if a company ignored safety regulations, failed to maintain equipment, or knowingly exposed workers to dangerous conditions, a jury may decide to award the plaintiff punitive damages.
In Texas, punitive damages—called exemplary damages—are capped by a specific formula: twice the amount of economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000), or $200,000, whichever is greater. To recover punitive damages, plaintiffs must also present clear and convincing evidence that a company acted with fraud, malice, or gross negligence.
Calculating Damages in a Refinery Accident Lawsuit
When calculating damages in a refinery accident lawsuit, courts and juries are required to consider both the financial and human costs incurred by the injured worker and their family.
- The extent of the injuries: Burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and toxic exposure often result in lifelong disability. The more severe and permanent the injury, the higher the potential recovery.
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity: If an injury prevents a return to work—or reduces earning potential—the law allows recovery of both past lost wages and future lost earnings.
- Medical bills: Hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care can easily cost millions. Damage awards typically include compensation for both current and future medical bills.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life: Plaintiffs can also be compensated for their physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of independence.
- Wrongful death damages: For families who lose a loved one, damages can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship and guidance.
How Workers’ Comp Impacts Potential Damages
In most states, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for injured workers, meaning they are generally barred from suing their employer if they’re injured on the job. But Texas is different. Employers aren’t required to carry workers’ comp; if they choose not to, they lose this protection and can be sued.
Regardless of the state, collecting workers’ compensation doesn’t prevent an injured worker from pursuing claims against any liable third parties, such as:
- Contractors and subcontractors, who often perform construction, maintenance, or specialized operations at refineries.
- Equipment manufacturers, if defective machinery or parts contributed to the accident.
- Third-party maintenance companies, responsible for inspections or repairs.
For example, if a contractor failed to follow safety procedures, or if a defective valve manufactured by an outside company caused an explosion, those entities can be sued even if the injured worker is receiving workers’ comp benefits from their employer.
How Our Undefeated Refinery Accident Lawyers Help Our Clients Recover the Maximum Compensation Possible
Your choice of an attorney will also greatly impact the amount of damages you could be awarded in a refinery accident lawsuit. While many firms claim to handle these cases, few attorneys can say they have an undefeated record, and even fewer can say they’ve set records.
Our Undefeated Refinery Accident Lawyers have successfully represented thousands of refinery workers throughout Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and the United States, and we’ve recovered billions in record-breaking verdicts and settlements on their behalf:
- #1 Largest Burn Injury Settlement in History
- $100 Million settlement for workers injured in a refinery explosion
- $75 Million Settlement for workers injured in refinery explosion
- $85 Million Settlement for injured refinery contractors
Why are our attorneys so successful? We work longer and harder than our opponents, we understand how refinery companies and their team of lawyers operate, and we never agree to settle unless our clients are fully compensated for ALL their injuries and damages. We also begin preparing every case for trial from day one, so that if the company fails to negotiate in good faith, we’ll be ready for court—where none of our attorneys have ever been defeated.
Undefeated Refinery Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 For a Free Consult
Our Texas Refinery Accident Lawyers know what it takes to win against the largest oil and petrochemical companies in the world, and we’re ready to use that knowledge to ensure you and your family receive the maximum compensation possible for all your injuries and losses.
If you or someone you love were hurt while working in a refinery, our attorneys are ready to help you and your family rebuild your lives. Call 888-603-3636, use the “chat” button on our homepage, or click here to send us a confidential email through our “Contact Us” form.
All consultations are free, and you won’t owe us a penny unless we win your case.
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours