When oil, gas, or chemical plants explode or leak, the results can be devastating for workers, families, and entire communities. At Law Done Right® – Schreiber | Knockaert, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand the toll these disasters take. Joseph M. Schreiber and Erik A. Knockaert personally investigate every case to hold powerful corporations accountable. We offer strategic, efficient, and fearless representation to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
What Are Oil, Gas & Chemical Plant Disasters?
Oil, gas, and chemical plant disasters are large-scale industrial accidents that often cause severe injuries, fatalities, and environmental devastation. These incidents can occur due to equipment failure, human error, inadequate safety measures, or negligence. Explosions, toxic leaks, and fires can destroy entire facilities and impact nearby communities for years. At Law Done Right®, we understand the science, engineering, and legal issues involved, and we fight to hold powerful corporations accountable for the harm they cause.
Common Reasons for Oil, Gas & Chemical Plant Disasters:
- Failure to follow proper safety and maintenance protocols
- Negligent supervision or inadequate employee training
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment and pipelines
- Ignoring known safety hazards or prior warnings
- Improper handling or storage of flammable materials
- Overpressurization or uncontrolled chemical reactions
- Inadequate emergency response or evacuation planning
- Violations of federal or state safety regulations
- Cost-cutting measures that compromise worker safety
- Contractor or subcontractor negligence during operations or repairs
What Types of Compensation Are Available in
Oil, Gas & Chemical Plant Disasters?
When investigating oil, gas, and chemical plant disasters, we move quickly to determine who is responsible, whether it’s the facility operator, a negligent contractor, or a defective equipment manufacturer. Joe and Erik personally lead every investigation, working with experts to gather evidence, reconstruct events, and identify all liable parties. Our goal is to hold powerful corporations accountable while ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Depending on your circumstances, potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses and future care costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage and environmental cleanup costs
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Punitive damages for gross negligence or misconduct
Steps to Take After Oil, Gas & Chemical Plant Disasters:
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor
- Report the incident to emergency responders and your employer or site supervisor
- Evacuate the area safely and avoid exposure to toxic fumes or fire hazards
- Document the scene with photos or videos if it’s safe to do so
- Collect contact information for witnesses and coworkers present during the event
- Avoid signing statements or speaking with insurance representatives without legal counsel
- Preserve any medical records, employment files, or safety reports related to the incident
- Contact Joe Schreiber or Erik Knockaert as soon as possible to protect your rights
Oil, Gas & Chemical Plant Disasters FAQs
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. In Texas, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partly responsible, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. We carefully examine every detail, from safety procedures to management failures, to show how corporate negligence or unsafe working conditions contributed to your injuries. We ensure responsibility falls where it truly belongs.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Oil, Gas, or Chemical Plant Disaster?
Liability can extend to multiple parties, including plant operators, contractors, maintenance companies, or equipment manufacturers. Joseph and Erik work closely with engineers, safety experts, and environmental specialists to identify every responsible entity. We then build a strong case that connects their negligence directly to the harm you suffered.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Texas generally allows two years from the date of the disaster to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, certain factors, such as when the injury was discovered or who is being sued, can affect the timeline. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible so we can preserve key evidence, meet all deadlines, and protect your rights from the start.
Go Call Joe or Erik
When powerful corporations cause devastation, you deserve attorneys who won’t back down. At Law Done Right®, Joseph Schreiber and Erik Knockaert have spent years standing up to oil, gas, and chemical companies, holding them accountable for explosions, leaks, and negligence. We have faced government agencies, global energy giants, and major defense contractors, and we don’t flinch. We are strategic and relentless in the pursuit of justice. Contact Joe or Erik today to discuss your oil, gas, or chemical plant disaster case.
