The reality of working in chemical and oil plants or refineries involves high-risk work tasks, such as being at high altitudes, working with flammable materials, and handling electric machinery. The potential for catastrophic injuries, and yet companies may deny any liability to avoid paying out compensation to cover the damages employees may suffer.
If you or a loved one was injured in a chemical or oil plant or refinery accident in St. James Parish, our legal team at Laborde Earles wants to help fight for the financial compensation you need. We can have a St. James Parish plant and refinery explosion lawyer build you a case and help you stand up to any parties that may be liable for your injuries and damages. We offer the first consultation for free to go over your legal options.
We Recovered $42 Million for a Chemical Plant Case in Louisiana
At Laborde Earles, our team is dedicated to helping out explosion victims in St. James Parish. Part of our top case earnings in verdicts and settlements includes a $42 million settlement for a burn victim in a plant explosion caused by a pipe burst. Our client was denied compensation for his injuries by his employer, who tried to pass liability onto other parties. Once our team got involved, we were able to help him begin the financial recovery he needed.
If you decide to work with our law firm, our team will be dedicated to investigating how your plant or refinery explosion accident occurred so that we can identify who we may take action against.
Plant Explosions Can Occur for Many Reasons
Plant and refinery explosions occur every year, with one recent accident occurring at Marathon Petroleum after a fire led to an on-site explosion, according to WAFB. Other causes for plant explosions can include:
- Toxic chemical emissions
- Lack of equipment and machinery maintenance
- Flammable hazards
- Electric hazards
- Corrosion in machinery or equipment
- Reckless behavior on the plant, such as smoking cigarettes or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working
Our team will read a copy of the incident report about the plant or refinery explosion that caused your injuries, then you collect evidence to support your claims.
Victims Can Suffer Severe Injuries After Plant Explosions
Injuries that may result from plant or refinery explosions include:
- Chemical burns
- Fire-related burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussion
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limb
- Musculoskeletal injuries, such as bone fractures
- Cancer
If you suffered another injury not listed in this article, you may still have grounds to pursue compensation. For example, the EPA sought action against a plant owned by Denka Performance Elastomer for causing environmental damage to nearby residents, such as air pollution. Residents developed several illnesses that may be related to breathing contaminated air. The case is ongoing, according to WWL-TV.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientWho Is Liable for a Plant and Refinery Explosion in St. James?
Plants and refineries that exist in or near St. James Parish include:
- AmSty
- Koch Methanol
- Occidental Chemical Corporation
- Mosaic Faustina Ammonia Plant
- Ergon
However, when it comes to liability for a plant explosion, several factors must be considered. Where the explosion took place, what caused it, what equipment or machinery was involved, and whether outside parties contributed to the explosion are all aspects that can determine whether a company or a third party may be liable for a victim’s injury and damages.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientHow a St. James Parish Plant and Refinery Explosion Lawyer Can Help You
Plant and refinery explosion cases generally fall under personal injury, yet the tasks required to build these cases can be complex since plaintiffs often face major corporations and institutions with extensive legal teams. When you work with Laborde Earles, we can explain how an explosion accident attorney in St. James Parish, Louisiana, can help you with your personal injury claim.
In fact, when you agree to work with us, we often:
- Read relevant reports and paperwork related to your plant or refinery explosion incident
- Investigate the accident to identify potentially liable parties beyond the plant or refinery company
- Collect evidence that supports your claims about how the explosion occurred and the damages you suffered afterward
- Fill out the legal paperwork necessary for your case and submit them on your behalf
- Meet with relevant parties, such as insurance representatives or defense teams, to discuss your case
- Represent you in all legal appearances, both in and out of court, to advocate for your right to financial compensation
If an opportunity to secure a settlement deal for you arises, our personal injury lawyers may counsel you on how to proceed with your case. Otherwise, feel free to connect with our team to ask questions or relay concerns you have about your case.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientA St. James Parish Plant Explosion Attorney Can Help You Pursue Compensation
If you were injured in a St. James Parish plant or refinery explosion, you may be entitled to collect compensation for various damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical treatment expenses, including future costs for treatment you may receive if you have permanent or long-term injuries or illness
- Loss of income, including loss of future wages if your injuries affected your ability to earn income in the long-term
- Reduced earning potential if your injuries forced you to take a lower-paying position or leave your field entirely
- Damages related to living with a permanent disability or physical disfiguration
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma caused by the explosion
- Diminished quality of life
This is not a complete list of compensatory damages. Our legal team will give you an opportunity to explain your case, then go over which damages you may claim as well as how much compensation you should pursue to recover them.
Surviving Families Can Demand Compensation for a Loved One’s Death
If you lost a loved one because of a St. James Parish plant or refinery explosion, you and your family may have grounds to sue for wrongful death. Surviving families also face several damages when having to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one that goes beyond emotional turmoil. In wrongful death cases, families may demand compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Medical debts
- Loss of financial support from your late loved one
- Emotional losses, such as loss of parental guidance or companionship
- Loss of inheritance
Our firm will remain respectful of your family’s wishes and provide guidance on how you can move forward with your case.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientLouisiana Gives a Short Window for Explosion Victims to Demand Compensation
Louisiana only gives plaintiffs a one-year statutory window to file personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, per CC Art. 3492 and CC Art. 2315.2. This means you do not have much time to decide to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation, as you will also have to factor how long it might take to investigate your case, collect evidence, and follow appropriate legal documentation.
Call Laborde Earles Today to Get a Free Consultation with Our Plant and Refinery Team
If you or a loved one was injured in a chemical plant or refinery explosion in St. James Parish, Louisiana, you may have grounds to pursue compensation from the plant company or a related third party. A St. James Parish plant and refinery explosion lawyer from Laborde Earles can investigate your case to identify which party or parties may be held liable for your damages, then represent you as they build a case on your behalf.
To start your legal journey, call our firm for a free consultation. One of our team members will go over your legal options, then discuss our no-win, no-fee policy when representing clients. We’ll fight for your right to financial recovery because when you work with Laborde Earles, you work with Louisiana attorneys who care. Call us today.
