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Can a Houston Refinery Explosion Lawsuit Result in Punitive Damages?

You can get punitive damages in a Houston refinery explosion lawsuit. A judge or jury will award these damages to deter a liable party from committing acts of carelessness and recklessness in the future. Punitive damages are separate from other forms of compensation. You can receive them in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Get legal help if you want to pursue damages after a refinery explosion in Houston. Our oil refinery explosion lawyer in Houston calculates your losses and determines if you are eligible to sue any liable parties. If so, they submit your lawsuit in alignment with Texas law. Meanwhile, if your attorney presents a compelling argument to a judge or jury, you may receive punitive damages.

A Closer Look at the Types of Damages Available in a Houston Refinery Explosion Lawsuit

Compensatory damages cover your monetary losses. In a refinery explosion lawsuit, a judge or jury considers economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could receive either of these damages for various reasons, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering
  • Costs of repairing or replacing your car, home, or other property that was damaged or destroyed
  • Burial and funeral expenses

Punitive damages, also referred to as exemplary damages, are defined by Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 41.001. They punish those who act with an extreme degree of negligence toward others. You can receive compensatory and punitive damages in a refinery explosion lawsuit. However, a judge or jury rarely awards exemplary damages.

When You Can Get Punitive Damages in a Houston Refinery Explosion Lawsuit

To recover punitive damages, your oil refinery explosion attorney must show that a liable party acted with gross negligence or malice or committed fraud. In this situation, the party was indifferent about the safety and well-being of others. Thus, they committed an act that put you in danger, leading to a refinery explosion and causing severe harm.

For example, an oil refinery has turbines, fans, and other equipment. If any of this equipment is faulty, it can contribute to a refinery explosion. On top of that, if a manufacturer did not practice a reasonable level of care when it produced various equipment, the business can be held responsible for a refinery explosion. Also, a judge or jury may say the company was grossly negligent and could require the company to pay compensatory and punitive damages to anyone who got hurt during the explosion.

How to Get Punitive Damages in a Houston Refinery Lawsuit

Work with a personal injury lawyer who has relevant oil refinery explosion case experience. Choose an attorney who has received dozens of positive client testimonials to represent you. This gives you access to a lawyer who prioritizes your legal rights and best interests. Plus, your lawyer will work hard to get you fair compensation for your losses.

Keep in mind that punitive damages are not guaranteed in a refinery explosion lawsuit. Your lawyer will establish realistic expectations for your case. They will gather accident scene photos, witness statements, and other evidence to support their argument. Your attorney wants to make it clear to a judge or jury that a liable party was negligent and should have to compensate you accordingly. Contact the Doan Law Firm for a free case consultation today.