Refineries are among the most critical components of the Houston economy and the city’s infrastructure. These systems keep the country running, but when something goes wrong, the risk of serious injury and life-threatening outcomes is very real. Any party that contributed to a Houston refinery explosion may be liable for the losses it caused. Talk to our Houston oil refinery explosion lawyer at The Doan Law Firm today.
When a Houston refinery explosion occurs, the risk of serious injury is high, and victims may seek legal action and compensation for their damages. To do so, you must know who is liable. Consider the following examples of potential at-fault parties.
This is typically the most likely at-fault party in these accidents. The company remains responsible for breakdowns, inefficient management, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of safety standards.
There are numerous OSHA regulations and safety standards that all refineries must comply with to ensure the safety of all persons in the area. These regulations depend on the specific type of refining. Routine inspections and adherence to numerous requirements make it clear that companies know what is at stake when they fail to maintain safety.
In some situations, the breakdown or failure results from the manufacturer’s defective equipment. If a component fails to operate as expected, this may be due to a design flaw or a manufacturing mistake. For example, there are situations in which a piece of equipment has a construction flaw, causing a buildup of fumes or toxins that can injure those nearby.
In these cases, victims must demonstrate that the manufacturer is at fault. To do so, we review investigative data, other manufacturing concerns in other areas, and any data supporting the failure.
In some situations, the party at fault is the contractor or a third-party on-site visitor who creates a risk. For example, a refinery may call in a professional to handle a specific repair or task at the location. That person makes a mistake, causing an accident that triggers an explosion. The contractor in this situation could be responsible if we can demonstrate that they contributed to the accident.
An investigation may reveal that numerous other parties are at fault. Examples may include:
We review all available data to determine who is at fault and why. The more information available, the easier it is for our legal team to build a comprehensive claim against those at fault. The complexity arises from obtaining access to that evidence. That is why working with a skilled and experienced Houston refinery injury attorney becomes so critical. You need to know what evidence is available to support your claim, and our legal team can help you identify it.
If you or your loved one suffered injuries and losses from a Houston refinery explosion, contact The Doan Law Firm. Our legal team will investigate your case, gather details about what occurred and who caused the incident, and then build an evidence-based claim. Set up a free consultation with a Houston refinery explosion attorney now.