Our Pasadena Lawyers Can Help You Seek Compensation For a Chemical Plant Back Injury
If you injured your back while working at a Pasadena chemical plant, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The pain, coupled with the stress of not being able to work, can be tough to handle. At SJ Injury Attorneys, our plant and refinery accident lawyers are here to help lighten that burden. We’ll walk you through your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and well-being.
Understanding the Risks of Back Injuries
Working in a chemical plant comes with risks, even when there are safety measures in place. These environments expose workers to numerous hazards, and serious injuries can happen, including those involving your back. Each of the following elements of chemical plant work can cause or contribute to back injuries:
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Repetitive stress and strain. Many tasks in chemical plants require repetitive movements such as lifting, twisting, or bending. Over time, these actions can cause significant wear and tear on your spine, leading to chronic back pain or sudden injuries.
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Awkward postures. Working in tight spaces or operating heavy machinery often means staying in an uncomfortable position for extended periods, which can strain your back muscles and spine.
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Slips and falls. Even a minor slip or fall can result in a serious back injury. The sudden jolt as you try to catch yourself can strain muscles or even cause a spinal injury.
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Heavy lifting. Chemical plant jobs may involve manual lifting of heavy objects. Without proper lifting techniques, this can lead to severe back injuries.
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Prolonged standing or sitting. Some jobs in chemical plants require long hours in one position, whether standing or sitting. This can cause muscle fatigue and increase your risk of a back injury.
Your Options After a Back Injury
If you injured your back while working at a chemical plant, it’s important to know that you have options for seeking compensation. You can seek compensation through:
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Workers' compensation. Many Texas employers carry workers' compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, some employers in Texas opt out of this system, becoming what’s known as non-subscriber employers. If your employer is a non-subscriber, seeking compensation might require legal action against them in court.
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Third-party lawsuits. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or your employer does not subscribe to workers’ compensation, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. This can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve, even if your employer has workers' compensation, but it doesn't cover all your losses.
Types of Damages You Could Recover
Back injuries can have long-lasting effects on your life, impacting your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and even perform everyday tasks. While workers' compensation provides some relief, it may not cover everything. In a lawsuit, you can pursue compensation for:
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Pain and suffering. Unlike workers' comp, a lawsuit allows you to seek damages for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured.
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Full loss of wages. If your injury prevents you from returning to work, a lawsuit can help recover your full lost wages, not just a portion.
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Other non-economic damages. Non-economic damages account for the overall impact on your quality of life.
How Our Texas Attorneys Can Help
At SJ Injury Attorneys, our plant and refinery accident lawyers are here to make sure your claim is filed on time so you don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve. The sooner we get started, the sooner you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet. We do the following to help your case:
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Conducting a personalized case review. Our attorneys will review the circumstances surrounding the accident that caused your back injury. We will review your medical records and employment history to determine the best course of action.
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Gathering evidence. We will gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong case on your behalf.
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Handling communications with insurers. We will handle all communications with the insurance company and work to negotiate a fair settlement that meets your needs. If the insurance company does not offer a fair and reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the outcome you deserve.
At SJ Injury Attorneys, we will keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.
We secured a $5,000,000 settlement for a client who sustained lower back injuries while working a turnaround at a chemical plant in Pasadena. Additionally, we recovered a $10,000,000 settlement for a client who sustained shoulder, neck, and lower back injuries while working a turnaround at a Pasadena chemical plant. While no outcome is guaranteed, we encourage you to check our case results and testimonials to see how we’ve helped others in similar situations.