Crush injuries are among the most devastating types of trauma sustained in industrial settings — and oil refineries are no exception. Heavy machinery, tight spaces, moving equipment, and structural hazards make these environments especially prone to accidents where workers are caught between objects or struck by equipment.
While some crush injuries result from unavoidable accidents, many are tied to failures by third-party contractors, equipment suppliers, or maintenance firms. In such cases, injured workers may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim beyond workers’ compensation. A refinery injury lawyer can evaluate whether another company’s negligence played a role in the incident.
How Crush Injuries Happen in Refineries
Crush injuries are typically caused by forceful contact between a worker and an object or surface. At a refinery, that can happen in many ways:
Forklift or Vehicle Accidents
Workers may be pinned between a moving vehicle and a fixed object, especially in congested areas or during turnaround operations.
Equipment Failures
Hydraulic presses, cranes, or other heavy machines can cause crushing injuries if they malfunction or are operated unsafely.
Structural Failures
Scaffold collapses, falling pipes, or shifting materials can trap or crush workers, especially during construction or maintenance projects.
Improper Lockout/Tagout
When energy sources aren’t properly isolated, machinery can activate unexpectedly, catching workers in moving parts.
Common Crush Injury Outcomes
Crush injuries range in severity but often involve long-term or permanent damage. Typical consequences include:
- Broken bones or complex fractures
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
- Amputations or loss of limb function
- Nerve damage and paralysis
- Internal organ trauma
- Compartment syndrome (dangerous pressure buildup in muscle tissue)
These injuries frequently require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended time away from work.
Determining Liability for a Crush Injury
In many cases, the party responsible for a crush injury is not the refinery itself, but a third-party contractor or supplier. Examples of third-party negligence may include:
- A contractor failing to follow safety procedures during equipment operation
- A vendor supplying a defective machine or tool
- A maintenance firm performing faulty repairs that led to mechanical failure
- A site management company neglecting to mark off a hazardous area
Identifying these responsible parties is crucial in securing compensation that fully reflects the scope of the injury.
What Compensation May Be Available
Third-party personal injury claims can offer financial recovery for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical bills, surgeries, and ongoing care
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or loss of mobility
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Home modifications or adaptive devices
Unlike workers’ compensation, these claims consider the broader impact of the injury on your life and future.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you have sustained a crush injury in a refinery setting, it’s important to understand your legal options. When a third-party company’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what workers’ compensation can provide.
Spagnoletti Law Firm can help determine whether a third-party claim is appropriate and assist with holding all responsible parties accountable. Call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.