Undefeated Plant & Refinery Accident Lawyers
Plant & Refinery Accident Lawyers With Billions Won for Industrial Workers
Plants and refineries are the backbone of America’s industrial power, employing millions of workers and producing the energy that keeps our country running. But behind that progress lies immense danger. Every shift carries the risk of an explosion, fire, or chemical release that can cause devastating, lasting, or even permanent injuries.
It only takes a single spark from a welding torch or ignition source to set off a massive blast, engulfing an entire unit in flames and leaving workers fighting for their lives. And when that happens, the companies responsible are often quick to make promises to “take care of” their workers—promises they almost never keep.
At Zehl & Associates, our Undefeated Plant & Refinery Explosion Lawyers have won Billions for injured workers and their families, including the largest verdicts and settlements in history following the most catastrophic plant and refinery explosions in the U.S. We have the resources, experience, and results to take on the largest corporations and not only win, but set records, ensuring justice is served and your family’s future is secured.
Contact our Undefeated Refinery Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in a plant or refinery explosion, company representatives may promise to “take care of” you and your family. But the reality is that it’s the insurance company calling the shots, and their only goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Having represented more than 1,000 industrial workers against the largest oil and gas and insurance companies in the world, our Undefeated Refinery Accident Lawyers at Zehl & Associates know what it takes to go up against the biggest names in the energy sector and secure our clients’ futures.
Billions Won for Industrial Workers and Families Across the United States
Some of the recent record-setting victories we’ve obtained for plant and refinery accident victims throughout Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and the United States include:
- $100 Million Settlement on behalf of a group of Louisiana workers injured in a refinery explosion
- $85.7 Million Settlement for a refinery contractor seriously injured during a fall from improperly constructed scaffolding
- $75 Million Settlement for six workers injured in a petrochemical plant explosion
- Highly favorable (confidential) settlements for:
- Families whose loved ones were tragically killed during the Williams Station 62 explosion in Gibson, Louisiana.
- 65 workers injured in the Williams Geismar explosion in Louisiana.
- 5 workers aboard the BP Deepwater Horizon when it tragically exploded.
Our team is proud to represent refinery workers injured in the catastrophic Shell Deer Park, TX chemical fire and Pemex Deer Park, TX chemical release in 2024, and Louisiana chemical plant contractors harmed in the Smitty’s Supply Inc. fire and environmental disaster in 2025.
Call 1-888-603-3636, use the “Chat Now” button on our site, or Click Here to send us a confidential email.
More than Just Lawyers — Why Clients Say “We’re Like Family”
Plant and refinery workers hire us to win because we focus on setting records.
But our commitment to clients goes far beyond the courtroom.
In addition to ensureing that industrial workers receive the maximum compensation possible, our Plant Explosion Lawyers and staff make sure that we:
- Connect you with the best doctors and medical specialists in the country to ensure you receive the treatment you need for your injuries.
- Cover your medical bills and reasonable living expenses while your case is pending, so you and your family can focus on what matters most.
- Partner with top financial and tax professionals to safeguard your settlement and secure your long-term future once your case is resolved.
Our clients are more than just cases to us — they’re like family. That’s why we stand by your side every step of the way, during your case and long after it’s won. And it’s why so many of our clients say: “Zehl took care of everything.”
Want to hear directly from the people we’ve helped? Watch our Client Testimonials or visit our YouTube Channel to learn what it’s like to work with our team.
Where Most U.S. Refineries Are Located
As of January 1, 2025, there were 132 operable petroleum refineries in the United States, with a total capacity exceeding 18.4 million barrels per day (bpd).
Although refineries operate in nearly every state, the largest concentration is found in three key energy-producing regions:
- Texas: 47 operating refineries
- Louisiana: 19 operating refineries
- California: 18 operating refineries
The nation’s newest refinery, Texas International Terminals in Channelview, Texas, began operations in February 2022. A hydrogen-powered refinery from Element Fuels is under development in Brownsville and expected to open by 2027. However, the last U.S. refinery with significant downstream capacity opened in 1977 — Marathon’s Garyville Refinery in Louisiana.
Because of their concentration and capacity, refineries in Texas, Louisiana, and California have also experienced many of the most devastating explosions and accidents in U.S. history.
The Largest Refinery Explosions in History
The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has fined nearly every major refinery in the country for serious process safety and hazard management violations — many tied to the same issues that led to deadly explosions and chemical releases.
Each of these tragedies could have been prevented. But time and again, refinery operators put production ahead of safety — leaving workers and their families to suffer the consequences.
Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery — Texas City, Texas
Originally operated by BP, this refinery experienced one of the worst disasters in U.S. history in March 2005, when a series of explosions killed 15 workers and injured hundreds more. BP later paid over $21 million in OSHA fines. Tragically, the Texas City refinery has continued to see deadly incidents, including the fatal electrocution of a contract worker in February 2023 and a fire that killed another worker in May 2023.
ExxonMobil Refinery — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
With a capacity of 502,500 bpd and 2,100 workers, this facility has faced over $3 million in OSHA fines for safety violations. In November 2016, a massive explosion injured four workers — one suffering catastrophic burns — followed by another fire the next year.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation — Garyville, Louisiana
One of the largest refineries in the U.S., employing 1,500 workers and refining 596,000 bpd, the Garyville plant has faced $4.2 million in OSHA penalties over the last decade.
Major incidents include:
- February 2022: Explosion injuring five contractors.
- October 2022: Fire resulting in worker injuries.
- August 2023: Mandatory evacuations after a naphtha leak ignited a fire near storage tanks.
Chevron Richmond Refinery — Richmond, California
This 240,000 bpd refinery employs about 3,000 workers and has faced $1.5 million in OSHA fines for safety violations. In August 2012, a massive “wall of fire” released a toxic vapor cloud, injuring six workers and forcing thousands of Bay Area residents to seek medical treatment. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) later determined the blaze was caused by a corroded and leaky pipe.
Valero Energy Corporation — Port Arthur, Texas
Processing 395,000 bpd and employing 700 workers, this facility has been fined $6.2 million over the last decade. A large fire in September 2017 released over 1 million pounds of toxic emissions, while a 2022 construction accident at a related renewable diesel plant claimed the life of a 61-year-old contractor.
Citgo Petroleum Corporation — Lake Charles, Louisiana
The largest of Citgo’s U.S. operations, this refinery employs over 1,000 workers and processes 463,000 bpd. It has been fined $4.1 million for safety violations. Past tragedies include:
- 1991 explosion that killed six workers and severely injured six others.
- 2020 forklift accident that killed a contractor.
- 2016 hydrogen sulfide gas release injuring another worker.
ExxonMobil Baytown Complex — Baytown, Texas
One of the world’s largest refining and petrochemical complexes, Baytown spans 3,400 acres and employs more than 22,000 workers. The facility has incurred over $4.7 million in OSHA fines.
- December 2021: Explosion injured four workers, three with catastrophic burns.
- July 2019: Another explosion on a recovery unit at the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant injured 40+ workers and forced a three-hour shelter-in-place order.
- March 2019: Furnace fire sent flames visible across Houston.
Our Undefeated Refinery Explosion Lawyers represent several ExxonMobile Olefins workers in connection with that incident.
Chevron Pascagoula Refinery — Pascagoula, Mississippi
Employing 1,630 workers with 360,000 bpd capacity, the refinery has faced $3.9 million in OSHA fines. In November 2013, an explosion killed a 46-year-old worker following a power outage and failed shutdown procedures. In 2018, a contractor fell to his death inside the refinery’s processing unit.
Chevron El Segundo Refinery — El Segundo, California
In October 2025, a major explosion in the refinery’s Isomax 7 jet-fuel unit (capacity ~285,000 bpd) sent flames visible for miles and forced workers to flee as the blaze tore through the facility. Although no fatalities were reported, the incident prompted shelter-in-place orders across surrounding communities and raised new questions about Chevron’s ongoing safety practices — especially since the explosion occurred just three years after another major fire at the same refinery led OSHA to cite Chevron for failing to maintain safe work practices to prevent leaks, spills, and fires.
Common Refinery Explosion Injuries
Refinery explosions are catastrophic events that can lead to various injuries, some of which can be life-threatening or cause long-term health issues. The most common injuries resulting from refinery explosions include:
- Burn Injuries: Refinery workers can suffer burns when exposed to flammable substances, explosive chemicals, or intense heat generated during the explosion. Depending on the severity, treatment typically involves immediate first aid, such as cooling the burn with clean water, followed by specialized medical care, including wound cleaning, skin grafts, and infection prevention.
- Traumatic Injuries: Refinery workers often suffer fractures, dislocations, head and spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries due to the force of the explosion, flying debris, or structural damage caused by the blast. Traumatic injuries can also occur when workers are struck by objects, thrown against surfaces, or trapped in collapsing structures. Treatment for traumatic injuries often involves stabilizing the victim, addressing life-threatening conditions first, and then providing surgical or non-surgical interventions as needed.
- Respiratory Injuries: Inhalation of toxic fumes, gases, or smoke during a refinery explosion can cause damage to the airways and lungs. Respiratory injuries can range from mild irritation to chemical pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or long-term lung damage. Treatment may involve oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and supportive care for respiratory distress. The most severe cases may require mechanical ventilation.
- Eye Injuries: Flying debris, chemicals, or intense light produced by a refinery explosion can cause eye injuries, including e corneal abrasions, chemical burns to the eyes, foreign object penetration, and retinal damage. Treatment varies depending on the type of eye injury but may include flushing the eyes with clean water, applying eye ointments, or surgery in cases of severe damage.
- Hearing Loss: The loud noise generated by a refinery explosion can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Depending on the severity, victims may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty hearing conversations, a sensation of muffled or dulled hearing, or total deafness in one or both ears. Treatment options for hearing loss may include hearing aids or cochlear implants for permanent hearing loss.
- Psychological Trauma: Refinery explosion survivors often experience psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and survivor’s guilt. Treatment may involve counseling, therapy, medication, and support groups to help individuals cope with and recover from psychological trauma.
Common Causes of Plant and Refinery Explosions
There’s a common theme in every plant, refinery and oilfield explosion case we’ve handled: every single explosion was preventable.
The most common causes of refinery explosions and fires are entirely within the control of refinery operators and management:
- Flammable Materials: The presence of highly flammable materials such as crude oil, natural gas, and various hydrocarbons in refineries increases the risk of explosions.
- Chemical Reactions: Uncontrolled chemical reactions, especially exothermic reactions, can generate heat and pressure, leading to explosions. Examples include polymerization, decomposition, or reactions involving incompatible chemicals.
- Equipment Failure: Mechanical failures in equipment like pumps, compressors, valves, or storage tanks can result in leaks, overpressure, or fires that may lead to explosions.
- Corrosion and Erosion: Over time, corrosion and erosion can weaken equipment and piping, making them more susceptible to failure, leaks, and subsequent explosions.
- Lack of Maintenance: Poorly maintained equipment and infrastructure can result in deterioration, leaks, and potential ignition sources.
- Ignition Sources: Ignition sources, such as sparks, open flames, static electricity, electrical faults, or hot surfaces, can trigger explosions if they come into contact with flammable materials.
- Leaks and Spills: The release of flammable liquids or gases due to leaks, spills, or ruptures can create explosive atmospheres if not promptly contained and managed.
- Overpressurization: Overpressure events, often caused by blocked pipes, faulty relief valves, or improper process control, can result in equipment failures and explosions.
- Inadequate Ventilation: Poor ventilation can allow the accumulation of flammable gases or vapors, increasing the risk of explosions in confined spaces.
- Incompatible Chemicals: Mixing incompatible chemicals can lead to chemical reactions, releasing hazardous gases or substances that can cause explosions.
- Inadequate Safety Systems: The absence or malfunction of safety systems, such as fire detection and suppression systems, emergency shutdown systems, or gas detection systems, can exacerbate the risk of explosions.
- Inadequate Training and Procedures: Lack of proper training and safety procedures for refinery workers can result in unsafe practices and inadequate response during emergencies.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older refineries may have outdated equipment and infrastructure that are more prone to failures and accidents.
- Lack of Regulatory Compliance: Failure to adhere to safety regulations and industry standards can result in unsafe practices that increase the likelihood of refinery explosions.
Whether due to cutting costs, violating procedures, or prioritizing production over safety, workers are consistently placed at risk.
Plant and Refinery Explosions Are Preventable
As our Plant Explosion Attorneys have discussed on the news time and again: the problem is only getting worse.
Between 2021 and 2024, there were more plant and refinery explosions in the U.S. than over the previous 5 years combined. In fact, one coalition tracking these disasters reports fires, explosions, and toxic releases now occur every other day, on average, somewhere in the United States.
In 2025 alone, devastating plant explosions have erupted at facilities across the country — including Smitty’s Supply in Louisiana, U.S. Steel in Pennsylvania, and Accurate Energetic Systems in Tennessee — injuring and tragically claiming the lives of workers, destroying livelihoods, and leaving families searching for answers.
And for every major explosion that makes headlines, there are dozens more smaller incidents that go unnoticed by the public — chemical leaks, flash fires, and near-miss explosions that workers endure in silence. Each one is a warning sign that’s too often ignored until the next preventable tragedy occurs.
Until these companies are forced to take full responsibility — and provide real compensation to the workers and families whose lives they’ve upended — they’ll continue to put profits before safety. And workers across America will continue to pay the price in catastrophes that could, and should, have been avoided.
That’s where we come in.
How Zehl & Associates Recovers Record-Setting Settlements & Restores Livelihoods as Quickly as Possible
While every case is unique, our goal is always the same: to hold reckless companies accountable as quickly as possible, so our clients can move on with their lives and never have to worry about providing for themselves and their families ever again.
Unlike other law firms, we limit our caseload so we can dedicate our full resources, expertise, and energy to every client we represent. This focused approach allows us to recover record-setting compensation and secure our clients’ futures faster than our competitors — often before a case ever reaches trial.
Just one example: It took many law firms over 5+ years to resolve their cases against BP and Transocean after the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion. But our Explosion Lawyers were able to negotiate a highly-favorable (and confidential) settlement less than 18 months after the explosion on behalf of 5 workers injured onboard the rig.
Here’s how we move faster, fight harder, and do whatever it takes to secure the maximum compensation you deserve:
- Assembling a team of the best and brightest lawyers, staff, and experts to investigate, gather key evidence, and prove what really happened
- Working harder and being more prepared than our opponents
- Devoting whatever time and resources are necessary to maximizing the value of each and every case
- Never settling for less than the full compensation possible for all of your injuries and losses
- Preparing every case for trial so if the company refuses to fully compensate you, they must face us in the courtroom, where we’ve never lost a case — and where and where they’ll end up paying far more than they ever planned.
This approach has not only resulted in many of the largest verdicts and settlements in history, it ensures the families we fight for never have to worry about their future ever again.
Largest Verdicts & Settlements in History for Workers Injured in Plant Accidents and Refinery Explosions
At Zehl & Associates, our Refinery Accident Lawyers don’t just win — we set records for workers seriously injured, catastrophically burned, or tragically killed in plant, refinery, pipeline, and industrial workplace accidents.
As our track record demonstrates, we never back down against the largest oil and gas companies in the world — no matter how complex or high-stakes the case. For example, our recent landmark settlements for refinery and industrial workers include:
- $100 Million Plant Explosion Settlement recovered for refinery workers. Despite the plant owner’s attempt to limit our clients to less than $50,000 in workers’ compensation benefits, we secured the largest settlement in the defendant’s corporate history.
- Record-Setting Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement for a petrochemical plant worker injured in a fall. After 14 months of contentious depositions and the defendant’s failed attempt to have the case dismissed on summary judgment, we held the company fully accountable.
- #1 Largest Workplace Electrocution Settlement in Texas (2025). After taking more than 20 depositions and proving the companies involved violated federal safety requirements, the defendants agreed to a record-breaking confidential settlement just before trial.
- #1 Largest Burn Injury Settlement in U.S. History for our client who suffered burns over 60% of his body in an oilfield explosion. We secured the settlement in less than 18 months, ensuring our client, his wife, and their four children are financially secure for life.
Our trial lawyers are undefeated. Eight of our attorneys have been recognized among the nation’s best in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, including in personal injury and oil and gas law.
We are deeply committed to fighting for refinery accident victims, ensuring they receive the care, support, and full compensation they deserve.
Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers:1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consultation
Having won Billions for industrial workers in connection with the most catastrophic plant, refinery and workplace explosions in history, our Plant and Refinery Explosion Lawyers have seen the extraordinary lengths that companies will go to avoid responsibility when workers and contractors are seriously injured and killed.
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in a plant, refinery, oilfield, or pipeline accident or explosion, contact our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
When you contact us, we’ll answer your questions, explain your legal options, and make sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
All consultations are free, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Plant and Refinery Explosion FAQs
[/block_dropdown]If you’ve been hurt in a plant or refinery explosion, your employer, its insurer, and their teams of attorneys are probably already working to avoid responsibility and deny you and your family the compensation you are owed. Evidence might get “lost,” witnesses will be coached, and you’ll almost certainly be pressured to sign away your rights in exchange for a minimal payout. Try to negotiate with the company on your own, and there’s even a chance you’ll walk away with nothing at all.
When you hire an experienced plant and explosion lawyer at Zehl & Associates, you’re partnering with an undefeated legal team that has the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation of their own, as well as the knowledge and experience to ensure surveillance footage, equipment logs, internal safety reports and other critical evidence is preserved.
They’ll work hand in hand with leading accident reconstruction experts and engineers to determine exactly what caused the explosion and who was responsible. And they’ll be able to calculate the full value of your claim—not just current medical bills, but the lifetime impact of your injuries on your health, career, and quality of life.
Most states require private employers to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, but there are exceptions. Texas is the only state that does not mandate coverage for most private employers, which means some companies—sometimes even large petrochemical plants and refineries—choose to opt out to reduce costs.
In states where Workers’ Compensation is optional, injured workers may have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer if negligence contributed to their injuries. Even in states with mandatory coverage, there are often exceptions for certain types of employers or contractors, so it’s important to understand your rights in your state.
While Workers’ Compensation usually limits your ability to sue your employer for on-the-job injuries, companies that do not carry Workers’ Comp insurance may lose that protection. In many states, these employers cannot assert common defenses that might otherwise reduce or block your recovery.
This can make it easier to pursue a full recovery. You still must show that your employer’s negligence—such as failing to maintain safe equipment, providing inadequate training, insufficient supervision, or ignoring safety protocols—caused or contributed to the explosion. Unlike some claims, you generally don’t need to prove gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing to hold them accountable.
Unfortunately, Workers’ Compensation provides limited benefits and does not cover all the losses you may face after a refinery or plant accident. Typically, it only covers:
- A portion of lost wages (often around 60–70% of your average weekly earnings, depending on the state),
- Medical treatment—but usually only from doctors approved by your employer or the insurance provider,
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits, which are capped by state law.
Relying solely on Workers’ Compensation means you won’t receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of future earning capacity, or other damages that you could recover through a personal injury lawsuit.
In a refinery or industrial plant accident, multiple parties may be legally responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue claims against:
- Your employer: In states where you may opt out of workers’ compensation or if employer negligence contributed to the accident.
- Third-party contractors or subcontractors: Such as welders, scaffolders, electricians, or turnaround crews whose actions created or failed to address hazardous conditions.
- Equipment manufacturers or suppliers: If a defective valve, pipe, pump, or electrical system malfunctioned and contributed to the explosion.
- Facility operators or property owners: Especially if they failed to maintain safe premises or follow required safety protocols.
- Engineering or safety consultants: If flawed recommendations, improper designs, or inadequate safety assessments contributed to the incident.
Many states follow comparative fault rules, which allow damages to be allocated based on each party’s share of responsibility. However, the rules vary slightly by state:
- California: Pure comparative fault — damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
- Texas: Pure comparative fault — a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Louisiana: Modified comparative fault — a plaintiff can only recover if their fault is less than 50%.
With the assistance of experts in metallurgy, fire origin, process safety management, and OSHA compliance, an experienced refinery accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to identify all parties responsible and hold them fully accountable.
If you file a lawsuit after a plant or refinery explosion, you may be eligible to recover a broad range of economic and non-economic damages, depending on state law:
- Medical Expenses: All current and future costs related to your treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Income: Compensation for past lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or require a lower-paying job.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, disfigurement, scarring, and reduced mobility caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress / Mental Anguish: Compensation for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma resulting from the explosion.
- Loss of Consortium: For spouses whose relationships and family life have been disrupted due to your injuries.
- Punitive or Exemplary Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct—such as knowingly ignoring safety hazards or violating federal or state regulations—some states allow additional damages intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Damages can vary by state and case specifics. An experienced refinery accident attorney can evaluate your situation, document your losses, and pursue the maximum compensation available under local and federal law.
Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation for losses caused by the death of a loved one. While the exact types of damages vary by state, common recoverable damages across the U.S. include:
- Lost earning capacity of the deceased
- Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support
- Mental anguish or emotional distress suffered by survivors
- Loss of household services the deceased would have provided
- Medical and funeral expenses related to the injury or death
In some states, additional damages may be available, such as punitive damages for gross negligence or corporate misconduct.
It’s important to act promptly: laws and deadlines for filing vary by state, and insurance companies often move quickly to limit payouts. An experienced refinery accident attorney can help ensure your family recovers all damages available under state law.
Note on retaliation: In many states, including Texas, it’s illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who assert their legal rights. If you face threats, demotion, or termination after reporting unsafe conditions or filing claims, your attorney can advise on additional protections and potential remedies.
Texas law allows the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a deceased worker to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek In most U.S. states, wrongful death claims can be filed by certain surviving family members or, in some cases, by the deceased worker’s estate. These claims allow family members to seek compensation for losses caused by the death, including:
- Lost earning capacity of the deceased
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of household services
- Funeral and burial expenses
The specific individuals who can file a claim vary by state, but typically include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If eligible family members do not file a claim, an executor or administrator of the estate may pursue the lawsuit on their behalf.
Because rules and deadlines vary across states — including Texas, Louisiana, California, and others — it’s critical to consult an experienced refinery accident attorney to ensure the claim is filed properly and all potential compensation is recovered.
A survival claim is filed by the deceased worker’s estate, not by individual family members. It allows the estate to recover damages the person could have claimed if they had survived, including:
- Medical expenses incurred between the time of injury and death
- Pain and suffering endured before passing
- Lost wages or income the deceased would have earned before death
Unlike a wrongful death lawsuit, which compensates surviving family members for their own losses, a survival claim is essentially a personal injury claim that continues after death.
Compensation from a survival claim is distributed according to the deceased’s will, or under state intestacy laws if no will exists.
Note: Survival claims exist in Texas, Louisiana, California, and most U.S. states, though procedural rules and deadlines can vary. An experienced refinery accident attorney can help ensure the estate files correctly and recovers every available dollar.
Every state sets a statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims, which is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case.
Here’s a look at some key states with large refinery operations:
- Texas: Typically 2 years from the date of injury or death.
- Louisiana: 1 year for most personal injury claims and wrongful death cases.
- California: 2 years for personal injury; 3 years for wrongful death.
These are just examples — every state has its own rules, and some may include exceptions or shorter deadlines depending on circumstances, such as claims against government entities or minors.
Because refinery explosions often involve complex legal issues, multiple defendants, and corporate insurance companies, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our refinery accident lawyers across the U.S. can help determine the exact deadline for your case and ensure your rights are fully protected.
It costs nothing upfront to hire our Plant and Refinery Explosion Lawyers. We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. We advance all case expenses, including expert witnesses, court fees, and investigative costs. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t owe us a dime—no hourly fees, no surprise bills, and no hidden costs.
Our approach ensures injured workers and grieving families have access to the highest level of legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. It also means we’re fully invested in the outcome of your case—because we don’t get paid unless you do.
Helpful Resources for Injured Plant and Refinery Workers
- Refinery Accident FAQ
- What To Do if You’re Injured in a Plant or Refinery Accident
- What to Know About Filing a Refinery Accident Lawsuit and Recovering Damages
- How Much is a Plant & Refinery Accident Lawsuit Worth?
- The Most Common Causes of Plant and Refinery Explosions
- What Rights Do Injured Refinery Contractors Have After an Accident?
Recent Review:
5/5 Stars
“My husband almost lost his life in a refinery explosion and lawyers didn’t stop calling us. We wanted nothing to do with them, because we wanted to find the best on our own. We found Ryan from a friend who worked with their firm before, and everything instantly became easier for us. They got my husband to the best burn injury surgeon, who made his burns almost unnoticeable, got rid of his constant pain, and gave him his life back! His medications were delivered to our front door and when he needed transportation they supplied it for him. Zehl and Associates are hands down the best personal injury lawyers. As we know communication is the biggest problem with law firms. After you obtain a lawyer it is hard to speak with him afterward. These guys treat you like family not a client. As far as the outcome, they far exceeded our expectations. WE CAN’T BE HAPPIER! If you want results these are the guys. I could go on about these guys but words won’t do justice. THANKS ZEHL AND ASSOCIATES!”
– Patrick Bridges