Plant Explosions Lawyer
Plants and refineries are essential components of the Houston economy. But with every plant explosion, Houston plant workers are left in need of answers and assistance as they work to recover and rebuild their lives. The plant explosion lawyers at Mithoff Law are here to help those victims and their families.
If you or a loved one were severely injured or killed in a chemical plant or refinery explosion, consider working with a plant explosion attorney with real experience. Call Mithoff Law today at 713-654-1122 to get your case off to the right start.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
What causes chemical plant explosions?
Much like other industrial worksites, chemical plants are subject to OSHA regulations due to their high-risk nature. However, chemical plants and refineries are even more susceptible to accidents, and even the smallest of incidents can have life-long repercussions for victims and their families.
Generally speaking, negligence and human error are the most common causes of plant explosions and accidents. Regulations are in place for a reason, and when these regulations are ignored or otherwise treated with disregard, accidents can happen. Simple steps like employee training, proper supervision, and adherence to OSHA regulations can drastically reduce the likelihood of explosions and accidents.
Types of chemical plant and refinery accidents
In a chemical plant or refinery, even a small accident can have catastrophic results. From disasters that can affect entire cities to life-altering and fatal injuries, chemical plant and refinery employees face a number of significant dangers, including:
- Fires and explosions: Many of the chemicals handled by plants and refineries are highly flammable and their use comes with the risk that they may cause fires or explosions. Typically, worn, dated, or otherwise unserviced equipment is involved in chemical plant fires and explosions.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: Many of the chemicals handled at plants and refineries are completely unsafe for human exposure. Should you come into contact with a hazardous substance, the results can be catastrophic—both at the moment of contact and years after the fact.
- Slips and falls: As a fast-paced, high-stress work environment, plants and refinery employees can easily find themselves in precarious situations. But unlike a regular work environment, slipping and falling in a chemical plant or refinery can have drastic consequences beyond the physical impact of the fall—especially if the accident occurs near chemical containers or sensitive equipment.
The life-altering consequences of chemical plant accidents
Plant and refinery accidents can have big consequences both for plant employees and unsuspecting residents who happen to live in close proximity to the plant, particularly in the event of an explosion.
Due to the high flammability and highly toxic nature of the substances being handled, plant accidents have a variety of severe effects, including:
- Severe or fatal burns: Whether by contributing to a fire or through direct contact with the skin, chemicals can cause severe third-degree burns.
- Brain injuries: In some cases, direct exposure to toxic substances can permanently harm the brain in ways that cause mental disabilities that can make work or normal activity all but impossible.
- Respiratory illness: Inhaling toxic fumes due to an explosion or improper storage of harmful chemicals can result in lung impairment and illness.
- Cancers: Exposure to toxic chemicals can contribute to the development of certain cancers including lung cancer, bladder cancer, and mesothelioma.
Call Mithoff Law if you’ve been affected by a plant explosion
The plant explosion lawyers in Houston at Mithoff Law know how devastating a plant or refinery accident can be to victims and their families. We know how uncertain the future can seem in the wake of such a devastating accident and that you likely have many questions. At our firm, we strive to ease these burdens.
We offer the strategic advantage that comes with decades of experience and a small but professional team. Call a plant explosions lawyer at Mithoff Law today at 713-654-1122.