Thousands of people work for chemical plants across Louisiana. This line of work may be considered inherently dangerous, meaning workers could be at an increased risk of suffering serious injury or death due to the high-risk work environment. If you suffered a devastating injury on the job, there are several ways you can go about recovering the compensation you need to cover your costs and start rebuilding your life.
Working with a reputable New Orleans chemical plant injury lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers could give you the edge you need to maximize your payout.
With decades of trial experience and over $100 million recovered for our clients in trial verdicts and insurance settlements, you can breathe easier when a top-rated New Orleans personal injury lawyer from our firm is advocating for your rights. Contact us to request a free consultation today and learn more about how you can get the most out of your case.
Common Types of Accidents at Chemical Plants
Chemical plant accidents can come in many forms. A wide variety of hazardous and volatile materials are used in chemical plants. Some of the most common types of accidents our clients have struggled to deal with include:
- Chemical spills
- Equipment malfunctions
- Failure to properly train employees on safety protocols
- Fires and explosions
- Improperly mixing chemicals
- Failure to properly store chemicals
- Slip and fall accidents
- Failure to provide employees with the necessary safety equipment or tools
- Machinery accidents
- Exposure to toxic gases
- Failing to comply with state or federal safety regulations
These are only a few of the most common ways chemical plant accidents can happen. With so many different processes regarding the transportation, storage, handling, and processing of materials and finished products, there is a lot that could go wrong.
Whether your accident was caused by human error, equipment malfunctions, or other unforeseen circumstances, you may have multiple opportunities to recover the compensation you are going to need to rebuild your life.
Common Types of Injuries at Chemical Plants
The types of injuries that chemical plant workers can suffer in an accident may cause dire health consequences. Not only could you be dealing with catastrophic injuries, but depending on the types of chemicals you were exposed to, you could be dealing with respiratory issues, chronic diseases, skin irritation, or even terminal illnesses.
Some of the most common injuries and conditions our clients have suffered from include:
- Burn injuries caused by corrosive chemicals, hot equipment, or fires
- Eye injuries caused by flying debris or chemical splashes
- Bone fractures, sprains, or breaks caused by slips and falls or being struck by heavy equipment
- Internal injuries, including organ failure or crushing injuries from chemical plant crushing accidents
- Neurological damage caused by exposure to certain types of chemicals that can disrupt the nervous system
- Respiratory conditions caused by the inhalation of toxic gasses or fumes
- Traumatic brain damage caused by falling equipment, slip and falls, or heavy machinery accidents
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis caused by equipment malfunctions or falls from elevated heights
- Fatal injuries resulting from exposure to dangerous chemicals or inhaling toxic vapors
Of course, this is only a small sampling of the types of injuries and conditions your chemical plant injury lawyer in New Orleans has seen. The extent of your injuries is what matters most, not the type of injury you have suffered. The greater the impact your injuries have had on your life, the more compensation and benefits you could expect to recover in your claims.
You Have Several Options for Legal Recourse
After a chemical plant accident, your New Orleans chemical plant injury attorney from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will carefully review the way your accident happened. This will allow us to determine who should be held accountable, if anyone, and which legal options are available to you. Some of the different ways you may be able to recover compensation for your damages include:
Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you were injured in a work-related chemical plant accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as described by the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law under LA R.S. § 1020.1.
This will provide compensation for your medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation where necessary, and disability benefits to replace a portion of your lost income while you are out of work. Death benefits may also be available to surviving family members.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you can hold the individual or entity responsible for causing the accident and your resulting injuries accountable. However, you may give up your right to file a personal injury claim against your employer since you are covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy unless another third party is responsible for causing the incident.
Be aware that Louisiana law generally gives you one year to file a personal injury lawsuit for an injury that occurred before July 1, 2024. For injuries or damages arising on or after July 1, 2024, the general prescriptive period is two years under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, as established by 2024 La. Acts No. 423. Because exceptions may apply, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine the deadline for your specific claim.
Filing a Claim Against the Liable Party’s Insurance Policy
Sometimes, civilians suffer injuries that happen at chemical plants. If this happens, you may be protected by the chemical plant’s general liability insurance policy. We will know more after reviewing the circumstances of your case.
It is important to keep your options open as the specific circumstances of your case may require the knowledge of your New Orleans wrongful death lawyer if you lost a loved one in a chemical plant accident. Not every case unfolds the same way. Be ready to fight for the full compensation you are entitled to across every avenue if you hope to maximize your payout.
Connect with a New Orleans Chemical Plant Injury Attorney for Help Today
Chemical plant workers or civilians who suffer catastrophic injuries as a result of a chemical plant explosion, industrial accident, or other incident at a chemical plant may struggle to cope with the trauma of their injuries.
Although your injuries may be profoundly impactful, with the right chemical plant injury attorney in New Orleans from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, you can fight for the fair compensation you need to get you through some of the most difficult times in your life. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
Unfortunately, liable parties and insurance companies may go out of their way to avoid financial liability. With our firm handling the legal details of your case, you can ensure those responsible are held accountable. Call 504-474-6158 or contact us online today for a free case review. Our team is available 24/7, and there are no fees unless we win.
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- New Orleans Workplace Injury Lawyer
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- New Orleans Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
- New Orleans Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
- New Orleans Oil Rig Injury Lawyer
- New Orleans Offshore Injury Lawyer
- New Orleans Shipyard Accident Lawyer
- New Orleans Maritime Lawyer
- New Orleans Wrongful Death Lawyer
- New Orleans Truck Accident Lawyer
- What to Do If You’re Injured in a Chemical Plant Explosion
- What Is a Blast Injury?