Facial Disfigurement After a Refinery Accident
Refineries are dangerous workplaces, brimming with huge quantities of toxic and flammable chemicals. In fact, at least 58 people lost their lives in refinery accidents between 2005 and 2015.
Even when workers survive a refinery disaster, a serious fire or explosion may cause burns, scars, and facial disfigurement that lasts a lifetime.
Facial Disfigurement Causes
Most facial disfigurements resulting from refinery accidents are due to fires and explosions. These disasters are frequently the result of:
- Equipment malfunctions. Improperly-maintained equipment, such as pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks, can weaken and corrode over time. Continued use of this dangerous equipment may result in a fire or explosion.
- Lack of training. Employers are obligated to provide workers with the training they need to avoid accidents, Companies must also teach their employees to respond appropriately when an accident does occur. This training should include proper operation of machinery; handling and storage of volatile chemicals; and the correct usage of safety equipment.
- Poor facility maintenance. When a refinery isn’t cleaned and inspected properly, it becomes an unsafe work environment. A disorganized facility exposes workers to hazardous materials and dangerous equipment, leading to serious refinery fires and explosions.
The Impact of Disfigurement
Some facial disfigurements are medically reversible. This means that treatment and cosmetic surgery can be used to make injuries less noticeable, or even cause them to disappear completely.
Tragically, other disfigurements are irreversible, leaving injury victims to struggle with them for the rest of their lives. Disfiguring facial injuries can lead to depression, anger, and social anxiety.
If you’ve suffered facial injuries due to a workplace accident, you’re entitled to compensation. Your employer may be legally obligated to cover your medical bills, loss of income, reduction in future earnings, and to compensate you for pain and suffering.
Refineries have teams of experienced lawyers on their side, and you need your own attorney to help you collect the damages you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.