Plant and refinery workers have one of the most dangerous occupations in the nation. Every day, they go up against heavy machinery, harmful chemicals and the knowledge that an accident could happen at any moment. In 2010, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) reported 4,690 total fatal workplace injuries, 329 of which were in the manufacturing industry. In 2011, the DOL reported nearly 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. The Carlson Law Firm offers legal representation to industrial workers such as this, and is passionate about pursuing their rights.
When working with dangerous materials, there are many things that could go wrong. One potential cause of industrial accidents of this nature is lack of proper regulation or adherence to those regulations. Plant and refinery companies are required to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. These regulations are in place to protect workers, the surrounding community and the environment from avoidable harm. Was there an incomplete inspection? Did the plant operator fail to adhere to standard safety regulations? Any of these factors can result in serious accidents and even deadly explosions.
Human error and equipment malfunctions are also common causes of industrial accidents. To err may be human, but even a minor error in this type of industry can have massive implications. When workers, supervisors and the like fail to perform their job duties safely and correctly, they run the risk of causing accidents that can seriously injure and even kill. Equipment malfunctions also often occur because of poor adherence to industry-wide regulations. Machinery must be inspected and corrected constantly so as to avoid wear-and-tear that could result in an accident of catastrophic proportions. When machines aren’t maintained, workers are at risk.
Plants and refineries should be inspected regularly by government entities such as the EPA and OSHA. If an inspection finds that the plant is not up to code, then it will be fined and required to fix whatever is necessary. Government investigations also occur after accidents to ascertain the cause. After any type of fatality or catastrophe, entities like OSHA conduct investigations as a response. An investigation of this nature can pinpoint the cause or causes of an accident. When workers and others are killed and injured, The Carlson Law Firm can step in and assist. Our firm will hold the negligent or carless party liable for their actions, so that victims can secure the compensation that is rightfully theirs.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a devastating plant or refinery explosion or a serious industrial accident, then trust The Carlson Law Firm with your case. Our firm has been serving the people of Central Texas since 1976. Currently, we have offices in Killeen, Waco and Temple making it easy for Central Texans to come and meet with our firm. An attorney on staff at our firm is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS), Bruce Phillips. According to the TBLS, “Board Certified lawyers earn the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. In fact, they are the only attorneys allowed by the State Bar of Texas to do so.”
Also, L. Todd Kelly (2011-2012) of the firm has been included in the list of Texas Super Lawyers®. We are no stranger to these types of cases. Our firm is passionate about the representation of victims so that they can pursue not only maximum financial compensation for their losses, but justice. To learn more about how The Carlson Law Firm can assist you with your case, please do not hesitate to call today. Consultations are free.
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