Who can be sued after a refinery accident?

Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties in a refinery accident may include the plant operator, equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, engineering firms, chemical suppliers, or other companies present on site. An attorney can investigate the full circumstances and identify all parties who may bear legal responsibility.

What if a refinery explosion injured me?

Refinery and plant explosions can cause catastrophic injuries and involve multiple liable parties. These cases require detailed investigation of the explosion cause, the equipment involved, and the safety procedures in place. An attorney experienced in industrial explosion cases can advise on the routes available in your state.

Can contract workers bring claims after a plant accident?

Contract workers and employees of subcontractors may have claims against the plant operator, the general contractor, or other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. The routes available depend on the specific employment relationship and state law. An attorney can advise on your specific situation.

What is the OSHA Process Safety Management standard?

OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard applies to facilities handling certain highly hazardous chemicals above defined threshold quantities. It requires employers to manage hazards associated with chemical processes. Violations of PSM standards can be relevant evidence in a plant accident claim.

Practice Area

Plant and Refinery Accident Lawyers

Quick answer

Plant and refinery accident lawyers handle serious injury claims from oil refineries, chemical plants, gas processing facilities, and industrial plants — including explosions, chemical releases, and equipment failures. Third-party claims against contractors and equipment manufacturers may exist alongside workers' compensation.

Fires and explosions caused 115 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2022, with industrial plants and refineries representing a disproportionate share, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (2022)

Plant and refinery accident lawyers handle serious injury and wrongful death claims from oil refineries, chemical plants, and processing facilities. These sites present extreme hazards — high-pressure systems, flammable gases, and toxic chemicals — and accidents typically involve multiple liable parties including site operators, maintenance contractors, and equipment manufacturers.

Reviewed by Gerald Lee Cross Jr, Managing Partner · Cross & York LLP

Hazards at Plants and Refineries

High-pressure systems and pipeline failures
Flammable gas and vapour releases
Explosions and fires
Toxic chemical releases
Hot work incidents
Falls from elevated structures and tanks
Electrical hazards
Confined space incidents

Common Causes of Plant and Refinery Accidents

Failure to follow safety management procedures
Equipment failure or poor maintenance
Defective pressure relief systems
Contractor negligence during maintenance shutdowns
Inadequate hazard communication and training
Failure to conduct process hazard analysis
Hot work permits not properly controlled
Override or bypassing of safety systems

Who May Be Responsible

Plant and refinery accidents often involve multiple companies — the site operator, one or more maintenance contractors, engineering firms, equipment manufacturers, and chemical suppliers. Each may have duties under OSHA, site-specific safety plans, and general negligence law. An attorney can investigate which parties may bear legal responsibility.

OSHA and Process Safety Requirements

OSHA's Process Safety Management standard imposes extensive requirements on operators of facilities handling large quantities of highly hazardous chemicals. Failure to comply with PSM requirements — including conducting proper process hazard analyses, maintaining mechanical integrity of equipment, and controlling hot work — can be relevant to a legal claim.

How an Attorney Can Help

Plant and refinery accident cases are complex and typically require industrial engineers, process safety experts, and detailed investigation of facility records. Related: burn & explosion injury lawyers, toxic chemical exposure claims, and third-party claims.

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Legal Notice: The information on this page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances affect all legal claims. Contacting this firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. This content may be considered attorney advertising.

Who May Be Legally Responsible?

In industrial accident cases, legal responsibility may extend beyond the immediate employer. Other companies, contractors, or manufacturers may have contributed to the conditions that caused the injury.

Equipment manufacturers

Where defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment contributed to the injury

Maintenance contractors

Where poor maintenance of machinery or the worksite created dangerous conditions

Site owners and premises operators

Where the condition of the premises contributed to the accident

General contractors

Where a general contractor had responsibility for site safety

Subcontractors

Where a subcontractor's work or conduct contributed to the incident

Trucking and logistics companies

Where industrial vehicle operators or their employers were involved

Chemical suppliers

Where a supplier provided inadequately labelled or unsafe chemicals

Safety contractors

Where a company responsible for safety systems or training failed in its duties

Other negligent third parties

Other companies or individuals whose negligence may have contributed

Whether any of these parties may be legally responsible depends on the specific facts of each case. An attorney can investigate what happened and identify all potentially liable parties.

What a Claim May Cover

Types of Compensation That May Be Available

The types of compensation available depend on the specific facts of each case, the applicable state law, and who is found legally responsible. An attorney can review your situation and explain what may apply.

We do not promise any particular outcome. Every case is different and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Medical care and treatment costs

Including emergency care, surgery, hospitalisation, and specialist treatment

Lost wages and income

Earnings lost during recovery or absence from work

Reduced earning capacity

Where an injury affects future ability to work or earn at the same level

Pain and suffering

Where available under applicable state law

Future medical care

Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care where required

Disability

Permanent or partial disability damages where applicable

Disfigurement

Where the injury has caused lasting physical disfigurement

Wrongful death damages

Available to qualifying family members where an industrial accident caused death

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Practice Areas

Toxic Chemical Exposure →

Chemical exposure injury claims.

Burn & Explosion Injuries →

Plant explosion and burn injury claims.

Third-Party Claims →

Claims against contractors and equipment manufacturers.

Wrongful Death Claims →

Fatal plant and refinery accident claims.

Industrial Accident Lawyers →

Overview of industrial accident claims.

Serious Injury Claims →

Catastrophic injury claims.