The Gulf Coast boasts a uniquely rich blend of culture, history, and commerce, setting it apart from any other region in the United States. Known for its vibrant tourism, diverse cuisine, and pristine natural reserves, the area is also a powerhouse of economic activity. The immense oil and gas industry is at the heart of this thriving region, serving as a critical hub for offshore drilling and petroleum production. In addition, the Gulf Coast is home to numerous chemical plants, petrochemical facilities, and vast energy infrastructure, including pipelines, oil platforms, and gas terminals. The Gulf Coast is a critical player in the nation’s energy sector and employs millions of hard-working American men and women.
Despite the immense pride that the oil, gas, and energy industries bring to the Gulf Coast, it’s important to recognize that refinery workers along the Gulf Coast face some of the most hazardous working conditions in the nation. These hard-working individuals are exposed to numerous dangers, such as the constant threat of fires, explosions, volatile substances, extreme heat, and chemical exposure. Refinery accidents range from mild to catastrophic, some of which are life-threatening and can impact one’s quality of life.
Burns are a commonly seen injury in the oil and gas industry. They are usually caused by a fire, explosion, or flammable materials, vapors, or fluids such as H2S (hydrogen sulfide). Even minor ignition sources, such as welding or electrical sparks, can cause a significant fire or explosion. Furthermore, plants and refineries commonly store and ship chemicals such as fertilizers, hydrochloric acid, and ammonia, which are highly acidic to the skin and respiratory system.
Understanding the profound impact of burn injuries can empower you to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and well-being. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, it’s crucial to comprehend the types of burns, how they occur, their long-term effects, and the potential for legal recourse. This knowledge can make you feel informed and prepared to navigate the challenges ahead, and it’s important to remember that you have legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
Types of Burns
Burns are classified based on their severity and depth. Understanding these classifications can help assess the extent of injury and determine the appropriate treatment.
- First-Degree Burns
- Description: These affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, minor swelling, and pain.
- Example: Touching a hot pipe.
- Second-Degree Burns
- Description: These involve the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). Symptoms include redness, swelling, blistering, and severe pain.
- Example: Scalding from hot liquids or caustic chemicals.
- Third-Degree Burns
- Description: Extend through the entire skin and may affect underlying tissues. The skin may appear white, charred, or leathery. These burns often require skin grafts and can result in permanent scarring, reduced mobility, and disability.
- Example: Severe electrical burns or chemical burns.
- Fourth-Degree Burns
- Description: Go beyond the skin and damage underlying muscles, tendons, and bones. These burns are severe and can be life-threatening.
- Example: Extensive burns from high-voltage electrical accidents.
How Burns Occur
Burns can occur through various means, and understanding these can help in identifying potential sources of liability:
- Thermal Burns: These are caused by exposure to heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, or steam.
- Example: Commonly seen in steam stripping used in petroleum refineries.
- Chemical Burns: These occur due to contact with hazardous chemicals or substances.
- Example: Industrial accidents, improper handling of chemical agents or spills. Additionally, the worker may not have had the proper protective equipment (PPE).
- Electrical Burns: These occur from electrical currents passing through the body.
- Example: Faulty wiring or electric shocks.
- Radiation Burns: These are caused by exposure to radiation.
- Example: These are seen in workers who commonly use gamma rays for non–destructive, a process used to inspect the integrity of the pipes and welds.
Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can have lasting consequences, including:
- Physical Effects:
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scars and changes in skin texture can occur, affecting appearance and self-esteem.
- Reduced Mobility: Severe burns, especially those affecting joints, can lead to decreased range of motion and functional impairment.
- Chronic Pain: Nerve damage from burns can result in persistent pain or sensitivity.
- Emotional and Psychological Effects:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Burn survivors may experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Body Image Issues: Scarring and disfigurement can impact self-esteem and social interactions.
- Functional Limitations:
- Daily Activities: Burns can affect the ability to perform everyday tasks, impacting quality of life and independence.
Determining Liability
In cases where burns result from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it’s essential to identify who may be liable:
- Employer liability: Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment under OSHA standards. Failure to do so can result in legal liability.
- Example: Poorly maintained equipment, inefficient training, lack of appropriate protective equipment, or failure to perform routine inspections or repairs.
- Third-party contractor liability: Third-party contractors are often hired because of their specialized services. They might perform inspections, repairs, or manage shutdowns. While the refinery still bears the overall responsibility for its workers, contractors assume some degree of liability for the quality of their work and any accidents or injuries due to their actions or missteps.
- Example: A contractor improperly installs equipment that later causes a fire.
- Product liability: A worker is severely burned when safety equipment meant to protect them fails (defective equipment).
- Example: A brand new respirator fails to work, causing the worker to inhale caustic vapors.
- Chemical manufacturer liability: The chemical manufacturer or plant facility failed to properly label the chemical’s ability to cause severe burns, or instructions were unclear regarding the type of protection equipment required.
- Example: A worker is responsible for loading a chemical into a tank; however, the wrong labeling was provided, and the worker does not wear the appropriate PPE. The worker was exposed to dangerous vapors causing respiratory burns and required hospitalization.
What should I do next?
Burn injuries can have severe and long-lasting effects on your life, impacting both your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the types of burns, their causes, and potential long-term consequences is essential in addressing these injuries comprehensively. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can provide the support and guidance needed to pursue a successful claim and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
If you or a loved one has been injured or burned while working at a refinery or chemical plant, contact Ghuneim Law Firm at 833-GHU-NEIM or at 281-487-8929 to schedule a free consultation. We will investigate whether your burn injury resulted from someone else’s negligence so you can focus on your recovery.