Chemical exposure is one of the most significant dangers facing refinery workers. Refineries handle a wide range of hazardous substances — from toxic gases to corrosive liquids — that must be carefully stored, transported, and processed. When safety systems fail or proper procedures are ignored, chemical exposure incidents can lead to severe injuries, long-term health complications, or even fatalities.
Many refinery chemical exposure injuries occur because third-party companies provided defective equipment, failed in their safety responsibilities, or performed substandard maintenance. In these situations, injured workers may have legal options to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation with the guidance of a refinery injury lawyer.
Common Chemicals Found in Refineries
Refineries process crude oil into a variety of products, including gasoline, diesel, and industrial chemicals. During these processes, workers may be exposed to dangerous substances such as:
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) — a highly toxic and potentially deadly gas
- Benzene — a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and other blood disorders
- Sulfur dioxide — an irritant that can cause severe respiratory problems
- Hydrofluoric acid — a highly corrosive chemical capable of causing severe burns
- Ammonia — dangerous in both liquid and vapor forms
Exposure to these substances can occur in the event of leaks, spills, fires, explosions, or improper handling.
How Chemical Exposure Injuries Occur
Chemical injuries in a refinery often happen because of preventable failures involving multiple parties. Causes of chemical exposure may include:
- Equipment failures such as leaking valves or ruptured pipelines
- Improper storage or transportation of hazardous substances
- Failure of ventilation or containment systems
- Poor maintenance practices by third-party contractors
- Defective safety equipment supplied by outside vendors
Refineries are complex environments, and third-party companies play a significant role in the safety of the facility. When those companies fail in their responsibilities, workers face unnecessary risks.
Types of Injuries Caused by Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure can harm workers in several ways depending on the type of substance, the level of exposure, and the method of contact. Common injuries include:
- Chemical burns to the skin or eyes
- Respiratory injuries from inhaling toxic gas vapors
- Neurological damage from repeated exposure to certain chemicals
- Cancer or other long-term health conditions linked to carcinogenic substances
- Organ damage due to internal absorption of harmful chemicals
Immediate medical attention is critical after a chemical exposure incident, but many injuries have lasting or permanent effects.
Pursuing a Third-Party Claim for Chemical Exposure
While workers’ compensation may provide limited benefits after a chemical exposure injury, workers may have the right to pursue a separate claim against third-party companies responsible for their injuries.
Potential liable parties may include:
- Equipment manufacturers who supplied defective parts or containment systems
- Maintenance companies responsible for faulty repairs
- Chemical suppliers who failed to provide safe containers or accurate labeling
- Contractors who performed unsafe procedures during work near hazardous materials
These third-party claims allow victims to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and future healthcare needs
- Lost wages and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or health complications
- Costs of rehabilitation and long-term care
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
Chemical exposure incidents in refineries can change a worker’s life in an instant. When unsafe conditions or defective equipment lead to injury, it is essential to understand your legal rights and potential claims.
Spagnoletti Law Firm can assist with evaluating the circumstances of your refinery chemical exposure incident. Our refinery injury lawyers will help identify all responsible companies and work to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered.
For a free and confidential consultation, call 713-804-9306 today. There are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.