Oil refineries rely on an enormous range of complex equipment to keep operations running. Pumps, pressure vessels, pipelines, valves, and control systems all work together to refine crude oil into usable products. But when even a single piece of this machinery fails, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Equipment failure is one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of refinery accidents. For injured workers, understanding how these failures happen is essential to determining liability and seeking compensation with the help of a refinery injury lawyer.
Common Types of Equipment Failure in Refineries
Refinery equipment is exposed to extreme conditions — high heat, intense pressure, corrosive chemicals, and continuous operation. Over time, these factors take a toll on every component of the system.
The most frequent types of equipment failure leading to injury include:
Pipe and Valve Failures
Corroded or poorly maintained pipes are prone to leaks or ruptures. When high-pressure systems fail, they can release scalding steam, toxic chemicals, or flammable gases. Valve failures can prevent workers from isolating hazardous sections of a refinery during an emergency.
Pump and Compressor Malfunctions
These critical components keep fluids and gases moving through the refinery. Mechanical failures can result in pressure buildup, overheating, or chemical release — all of which can lead to explosions or fires.
Pressure Vessel and Storage Tank Explosions
Storage tanks and pressure vessels must be built to withstand specific conditions. When defects, corrosion, or design flaws exist, a catastrophic rupture can occur — releasing dangerous substances or triggering a blast wave.
Electrical Failures and Arc Flashes
Refineries rely heavily on electrical systems. Faulty wiring, poor grounding, or lack of proper safety controls can lead to arc flashes — sudden electrical explosions that cause severe burns, hearing loss, and traumatic injuries.
Why Equipment Fails in Refineries
Equipment failure is almost never random. It usually occurs because of preventable issues like:
- Inadequate maintenance or inspection procedures
- Design defects or manufacturing flaws in equipment
- Use of outdated or substandard components
- Improper installation or repairs by third-party contractors
- Failure to follow safety standards or industry best practices
When a company cuts corners on safety, maintenance, or equipment quality, the risk of disaster rises dramatically.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Refinery Equipment Failure?
While workers’ compensation may cover some basic medical costs, refinery workers injured due to equipment failure may also have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against other responsible companies.
Potential third parties who may be liable include:
- Equipment manufacturers who supplied defective products
- Contractors responsible for installation or maintenance
- Inspection companies who failed to identify safety hazards
- Engineering firms who designed flawed systems
These third-party claims often provide a path to full compensation — covering not just medical expenses, but lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering.
Why You Should Contact a Refinery Injury Lawyer
In the aftermath of a refinery accident, it is critical to speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands the complex nature of industrial accidents. A refinery injury lawyer can investigate the cause of the equipment failure, identify all liable parties, and pursue every available legal option for compensation.
Industrial equipment failure cases require knowledge, expert witnesses, and a strategic approach to litigation. Workers and their families should not rely solely on workers’ compensation — especially when defective equipment or negligent third-party companies contributed to the injury.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery accident caused by equipment failure, Spagnoletti Law Firm can assist you in pursuing a legal claim. Our personal injury lawyers represent injured workers in claims against manufacturers, contractors, and other companies whose negligence contributed to accidents.
Contact us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Spagnoletti Law Firm — Providing representation for those injured in refinery accidents.