Archive for April, 2020

Workers in the oil and gas industries face some of America’s most dangerous job sites on a daily basis. One of the greatest risks they face is the potential for explosions. Each year, numerous workers suffer serious injuries and/or lose their lives in explosions throughout the U.S.

When you get hurt in a gas plant or oil refinery accident, there are three primary ways you can seek compensation for your injuries. But, depending on the circumstances, you may only have certain options available, and you may need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. As a result, after being injured in an explosion, we urge you to contact our Lancaster hurt-on-the-job lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Seeking Compensation for Oil and Gas Injuries

Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania

In most cases, job-related injury claims in the oil and gas industry are covered by workers’ compensation. Pennsylvania law requires the vast majority of private employers to either carry workers’ compensation insurance or self-insure for their workers’ on-the-job injuries. In Pennsylvania and other states, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that you can recover your medical expenses and at least a portion of your lost wages regardless of whether your employer was at fault for your injuries.

Suing Your Employer

The “no-fault” nature of workers’ compensation is designed to provide something for everyone. All injured employees (with limited exceptions) are eligible for compensation, though workers’ comp does not offer the full scope of damages available in non-work-related situations. This is – at least in theory – so that employers can stay in business without paying all of their money to insurance companies and their injured workers.

But, what if your employer deserves to be sued? What if your employer made an ill-advised decision or an egregious mistake that led to your injuries? Fortunately, these are examples of situations where you can sue your employer outside of workers’ compensation. If your employer ignores critical safety standards or puts you in an unreasonably dangerous situation, these are examples of situations where you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover all of your damages.

Suing a Contractor, Equipment Manufacturer, or Other Third Party Who is Responsible for Your Injuries

Importantly, the limits of workers’ compensation only apply to claims against work injury victims’ employers. If a company or someone other than your employer is to blame, you can hire a lawyer to help you vigorously pursue maximum compensation. In oil and gas explosions, the responsible parties often include:

• Contractors and subcontractors
• Drivers of third-party vehicles
• Engineers and designers
• Manufacturers of defective materials
• Manufacturers of dangerous equipment, machinery and tools

Get the Legal Help You Need From Our Lancaster Hurt-On-The-Job Lawyers Today

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an explosion, we want to help you win the compensation you deserve.  Contact one of our Lancaster hurt-on-the-job lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options.