Austin Refinery & Processing Plant Accident Attorneys

When industrial accidents occur at refineries and processing plants in Austin, Texas, workers face devastating injuries that can change their lives forever. Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP stands ready to fight for the compensation you deserve after a refinery accident. Our Austin personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured workers, including substantial settlements in oilfield and refinery cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery or processing plant accident in Austin, don't wait to seek legal representation. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 512-842-7085 today!

Why Choose Shaw Cowart for Your Austin Refinery Accident Case

Proven Results in Refinery & Processing Plant Accidents

Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP has a demonstrated track record of success in refinery and processing plant accident cases throughout Austin and Texas. Our attorneys have secured significant recoveries for injured workers, including:

• $1,500,000 for an oilfield worker injured on a rig while working on a Blow Out Preventer
• $1,000,000 policy limits recovery for an oilfield worker injured in formation collapse
• $500,000 settlements for workers injured by drilling equipment and crane operations

Over 60 Years of Combined Trial Experience

Founding partners Ethan Shaw and John Cowart bring more than six decades of combined trial experience to every refinery accident case. Known as litigators who consistently produce favorable results in court, they have handled hundreds of trials between them, serving as both plaintiff and defense counsel.

Nationwide Reputation in Complex Litigation

Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP is a powerful boutique firm with a statewide and nationwide reputation in personal injury and civil litigation. Our trial lawyers consistently achieve positive results in complex and high-value cases, serving clients from Austin area individuals to Fortune 100 corporations.

Understanding Refinery & Processing Plant Accidents in Austin

Common Causes of Austin Refinery Accidents

Austin's industrial facilities, including refineries and processing plants, present numerous hazards that can lead to serious workplace injuries:

• Fires and Explosions: Refineries process over 100,000 barrels of highly combustible products daily, creating significant fire and explosion risks that can cause severe burns and fatalities.
• Equipment Malfunctions: Malfunctioning machinery can cause amputations, crush injuries, and broken bones when proper safety protocols aren't followed.
• Toxic Chemical Exposure: Workers face dangerous exposure to harmful chemicals, leading to respiratory illnesses, chemical poisoning, and long-term health complications.
• Falls from Heights: Poor safety standards or equipment failure can result in falls causing traumatic brain injuries and fractures.
• Struck-by Accidents: Falling objects, crane operations, and moving equipment create hazards that can cause serious injuries or death.

Types of Injuries in Refinery & Processing Plant Accidents

Refinery and processing plant accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment:

• Severe burns from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure
• Respiratory injuries from toxic gas inhalation
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or struck-by accidents
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Amputations from machinery accidents
• Chemical burns and poisoning
• Heat-related illnesses and injuries

Your Rights After an Austin Refinery Accident

Texas Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

Texas is unique in that private employers are not required to carry workers' compensation coverage. This creates different legal options for injured refinery workers:

• Non-Subscriber Employers: If your employer doesn't carry workers' compensation, you may file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer for negligence.
• Third-Party Claims: Even if your employer has workers' compensation, you may pursue claims against third parties such as equipment manufacturers, contractors, or other negligent parties.
• ERISA Plans: Some employers use private ERISA-governed plans instead of state workers' compensation, which can affect your legal options and time limits.

Statute of Limitations for Refinery Accident Claims

Time limits for filing refinery accident claims in Texas vary depending on your specific situation:

• Personal injury lawsuits: Generally two years from the date of injury
• Workers' compensation claims: Must report injuries within 30 days
• Third-party claims: Two years from the date of injury or discovery

Don't delay in seeking legal representation. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 512-842-7085 today!

Damages Available in Austin Refinery Accident Cases

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Prescription medications and medical equipment

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium for spouses

Wrongful Death Compensation

When refinery accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may recover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and grief

Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Refinery Accidents

What should I do immediately after a refinery accident in Austin?

Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to your supervisor, document the scene if safely possible, and contact an experienced refinery accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Can I file a lawsuit if my employer provides workers' compensation?

While workers' compensation typically limits lawsuits against your direct employer, you may still pursue claims against third parties such as equipment manufacturers, contractors, or other negligent parties who contributed to your accident.

How long do I have to file a refinery accident claim in Austin?

The statute of limitations varies depending on your specific case. Personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years, while workers' compensation claims require injury reporting within 30 days. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 512-842-7085 today! to ensure you meet all deadlines.

What if the refinery accident was partially my fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much compensation can I receive for my refinery accident injuries?

Compensation depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impact on your life. Shaw Cowart has recovered millions for refinery accident victims, including settlements exceeding $1 million in complex cases.

Do I need to pay attorney fees upfront for my refinery accident case?

No. Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP handles refinery accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Contact Shaw Cowart for Your Austin Refinery Accident Case

Austin refinery and processing plant workers deserve safe working environments and full compensation when negligence causes injuries. Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP has the experience, resources, and determination to take on big oil companies and insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.

Located at 1301 West 25th Street Suite 406 in Austin, Shaw Cowart serves refinery accident victims throughout Travis County and surrounding areas. Our attorneys understand the local courts, including the Travis County District Courts where many of these cases are heard.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Win. Get Your Case Reviewed

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you after a serious refinery accident. Shaw Cowart Attorneys at Law LLP offers free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. With millions recovered for injured workers and a track record of hundreds of successful trials, we're ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.