Louisiana Plant Accident Lawyer

Louisiana Plant Accident Attorney

Factories and refineries make up a major part of Louisiana’s economy. These industries rely on workers who risk their lives every day. If one of these plants experiences an explosion, it can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Workers affected by this should contact a Louisiana plant accident lawyer.

Experienced Plant Accident Lawyers in Louisiana

Sanchez Burke, LLC is a local law firm. This means that we see our fair share of people who have been directly affected by plant accidents. We know firsthand how tolling these accidents can be. Our experience with a variety of personal injuries enables us to help victims of these accidents receive compensation to support their healing journey.

Why Do Plant Accidents Happen?

There are many reasons why plant accidents happen. Unfortunately, however, most of them could have been prevented. Some of the most common reasons for accidents include:

• Old equipment. Maintenance is required to keep older machines working without failure. If the plant owners do not take inspections seriously, these machines can fail. While some machines fail in ways that do not directly harm others, many can explode or collapse. This can lead to injuries from explosions or crushing injuries.
• A lack of training. Employees have to be properly briefed on how to use the equipment they need to do their jobs. If not, they are more likely to make mistakes that endanger many others in the plant. Every employee also needs basic safety training to know what to do in the event of an accident.
• Turnarounds. These happen when a plant is shut down for a period of time so that facilities can be inspected to ensure they are functioning properly. Turnarounds are extremely important, but many things can go wrong. These are often the times in a plant’s operation when accidents happen the most.
• Accidents with chemicals. If the plant in question processes chemicals, they need to be handled in a specific way. Chemicals that are handled or refined incorrectly can be volatile and react negatively with other chemicals and the surrounding atmosphere, leading to severe explosions.
• Poor safety training. Regardless of where they work, every employee at a plant should be educated on safety standards. A failure to do this can lead to accidents. Other areas of concern include damaged or outdated safety equipment, such as helmets or harnesses. If safety equipment fails in a dangerous environment, it can lead to disastrous consequences.

There were 148 workers hospitalized in Louisiana in 2024. These injuries can occur from simple mistakes, but many result from negligence. This is where an attorney can be helpful.

What to Do After the Accident

After any kind of plant accident, your first priority should be to find medical attention. You might not need to call an ambulance, but you should still consider seeking a professional’s opinion to make sure your injuries are documented.

The next step is to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you figure out what type of claim to file after an accident. Most people file workers’ compensation claims, but some people might be eligible for personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Why Hire a Plant Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?

A plant accident lawyer in Louisiana can help you determine what to do next. One of the most difficult hurdles to overcome after a plant accident is determining the next steps. Not everyone qualifies for the same type of damages. An attorney can explain which ones you do qualify for.

An attorney can also bolster your claim. If you are struggling with a denied workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, a lawyer can review the reason for a denial from an insurance company.

If needed, a lawyer can help you submit more evidence and even file an appeal for your claim if you are eligible.

Why Choose Us?

Plant accidents do not happen in a vacuum. There are often many factors to blame when reviewing the cause of a plant accident. At Sanchez Burke, our experience and professional connections with individuals like engineers can lend more credibility to your case. The more evidence that is available, the higher your odds of success.

FAQs About Louisiana Plant Accident Laws

How Common Are Chemical Plant Explosions?

Chemical plant explosions are not common, but when they do happen, they tend to bring serious consequences. It is more likely for a chemical plant to explode if it is poorly maintained. It is the responsibility of the parent company to ensure its plant is safe for people to work in and to prevent explosions.

What Happens if a Plant Explodes?

If a plant explodes, it is likely to damage many employees as well as affect those who live in the area. These explosions release both heat and toxic chemicals, exposing employees and the public. This can lead to burns, being injured from the explosion, or even negative health effects due to exposure to toxic chemicals.

What Do I Do if There Is a Plant Explosion?

If there is a plant explosion, you need to protect your own safety. If you work at the plant, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine or were not right at the scene of the primary explosion, you could have injuries that become worse later. Depending on the scope of the injuries you experienced, you might need to file a workers’ compensation claim.

How Long Does Radiation Last After a Nuclear Power Plant Explosion?

How long radiation lasts after a nuclear power plant explosion tends to be around 24 hours. This timeframe reduces the amount of nuclear material in the area by around 90%. There is still radiation after this point, but the amount is dramatically less than it was at the point of the explosion.

Don’t Be a Bystander

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 173 severe injuries occurred in Louisiana in 2024. Many of these come from plant explosions that could have been avoided. To learn about your rights after a plant explosion, schedule a consultation with Sanchez Burke.