Bentonville, AR Oil + Gas Refinery Explosion Lawyer
Oil and gas refineries are businesses that should be operated with extreme caution. Unfortunately, some operators may underestimate the possibility of a catastrophic accident occurring at an oil refinery. As a result, victims of an explosion accident could suffer permanent or fatal injuries. If you or a family member was injured due to an explosion at an oil refinery, consult with an experienced Bentonville oil and gas refinery explosion lawyer.
Bentonville lawyer Ken Kieklak understands the severe injuries a victim can suffer due to a refinery explosion, and he is here to help you pursue compensation. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your claim, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438. You can also contact the firm online.
Common Causes of Oil and Gas Refinery Explosions in Bentonville, Arkansas
It is rare for an oil and gas refinery to explode. However, the possibility of an explosion occurring will always be present. While refinery explosions do not happen often, there are still some dangerous scenarios that could lead to a refinery explosion accident.
Mishandling of Chemicals
Oil and gas refineries require the use of a number of chemicals that are highly prone to ignite or combust. As a result, an operator of a refinery must ensure that strict guidelines are followed. For example, using impure chemicals is one scenario where an explosion is more likely to occur.
Improper Maintenance
Oil and gas refineries use a variety of heavy machinery to perform several processes. As this equipment is frequently used, the operator of a refinery needs to perform frequent maintenance. Unfortunately, some employers may fail to regularly service equipment, increasing the risk of an explosion occurring at a refinery.
Insufficient Safety Precautions
Due to the ever-present danger of an explosion at a refinery, extensive safety precautions must be instituted. For example, a refinery should not allow workers or other parties to smoke while on the premises. When safety precautions are not established and strictly adhered to, there is a high potential for an explosion to occur at a refinery.
There are several other causes of oil and gas refinery explosions that are not discussed above. If your refinery explosion accident occurred under different circumstances, our firm could help you explore your legal options. To learn more about common injuries that may result from a refinery explosion, continue reading and speak with an experienced Bentonville oil and gas refinery explosion injury attorney.
Common Injuries Caused by Oil and Gas Refinery Explosions
Oil and gas refinery explosions are dangerous for individuals in the vicinity of the blast and possibly for others in living near the refinery. When a refinery explosion occurs, there are a number of injuries that a victim could sustain.
Blast Injuries
Blast injuries can affect various parts of a victim’s body. For example, if a victim was extremely close to the blast, the sound from the explosion could rupture a victim’s eardrums. As you might expect, people that are closer to the blast radius are more likely to sustain severe injuries. Other injuries that can be suffered due to an explosion include:
- Eye injuries that can lead to blindness
- Lacerations
- Loss of hearing
Burns
Due to the volatility of chemicals used at oil and gas refineries, an explosion would likely lead to a raging fire. Under these circumstances, it is foreseeable that victims would suffer severe burn injuries. While some burn injuries can be minor, third-degree burns or higher could result in a victim needing extensive surgery.
Smoke Inhalation
An explosion of an oil and gas refinery is undoubtedly going to produce large amounts of hazardous smoke. This smoke would not only be a danger to workers at the plant, but also to homeowners that may reside near the plant. Severe smoke inhalation could lead to a number of respiratory illnesses and could even lead to death.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other types of explosion-related injuries that our firm can help you seek compensation for.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Refinery Explosion in Bentonville
If you were injured in an explosion at an oil refinery, you should consider your options for recovering compensation. For example, if you were a worker that was injured at the refinery, you may have the option of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit or Workers’ Compensation.
It is important to note that a worker cannot pursue a personal injury lawsuit and a Workers’ Compensation claim against an employer after an accident. However, if a third party was responsible for the accident, they may be able to file a lawsuit against that party while filing for Workers’ Compensation. Our firm can help you determine which course of action would be appropriate for your situation.
Additionally, if you were not employed at the refinery and were injured due to the explosion, you will have to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent company. Regardless of what you decided, our firm is here for you.
Contact Our Experienced Bentonville Oil and Gas Refinery Explosion Attorney Today
If your family member passed away due to injuries sustained at an oil and gas refinery explosion, contact an experienced Bentonville gas refinery explosion lawyer to discuss your claim. With over 20 years of experience, committed injury attorney Ken Kieklak is ready to use his litigation experience to provide you with the legal representation you deserve. Ken Kieklak has fought for residents of Bentonville and others across the State of Arkansas, and he would be proud to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, (479) 316-0438.