Refinery and Chemical Accident Attorneys in Savannah, Georgia
We Help Industrial Workers Address Unsafe Working Conditions
Ignoring problems, delaying maintenance, and failing to provide proper safety gear: These are just some of the preventable causes behind tragic accidents at chemical plants and oil refineries. With the recent recision of EPA standards meant to cut down on fatal incidents, employees and the families who live by these plants may be at an increased risk of chemical exposure. Even small amounts of toxic substances can have long-ranging health effects.
We are here to help anyone whose livelihood brings them into contact with dangerous chemicals, or who has been affected by a large-scale incident. Reach out to our team at (912) 234-3030 if you’re looking for representation.
Chemical Accidents Are Common and Foreseeable
When researching the best approach to stemming the tide of dangerous chemical exposure caused by industrial accidents, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found some worrying data. In just 10 years, America saw more than 1,500 chemical accidents—an average of 1 every 2.5 days. In these disasters, 58 people died, over 17,000 were injured, and half a million were asked to evacuate or shelter in place to avoid exposure. 11% of those injured were schoolchildren—1 in 3 of whom sit in classrooms that are in the “danger zones” of facilities that use hazardous chemicals.
With the distressing frequency of incidents and the tragic outcomes attributed to them, managers should dedicate more attention to workplace safety. Their failure to do so is directly connected to the loss of employee health and lives.
Where they refuse to step up, our team will. We represent the victims of chemical leaks or explosions, helping them receive the care they need and holding their employers accountable.
It’s Up to Companies to Keep People Safe
There are copious amounts of dangerous chemicals stored and used in factories across our nation. Our government helps these companies ensure toxic substances are treated according to safety standards and handled as little as possible. However, the ultimate responsibility rests with the owners and managers of such workplaces. They must set and enforce practices to ensure no one is exposed to toxic chemicals.
What Causes Chemical Accidents?
Though poor planning and maintenance issues can cause problems in any workplace, factories where dangerous chemicals are stored and/or used must be held to an even higher standard. One mistake can be the difference between a safe workplace and an evacuation. Disasters are often caused by:
- Safety analyses that miss potential dangers
- Equipment that does not meet safety standards or is used for unapproved tasks
- Faulty or insufficient warning systems
- Managers ignoring warning signs
Lack of proper training and individual worker errors can also contribute to these incidents, but in many cases, these issues also link back to organization-wide management deficiencies.
Exposure Doesn’t Always Come from Accidents
When a plant catches fire or seeps dangerous toxins into the environment, local reporters usually pick up the story. On-the-job employee injury receives much less press though it is no less dangerous. An examination of chemical exposure and inhalation in the workplace found that, between 2011 and 2017, almost 300 employees died from such an incident. Chemical exposure can also cause burns, internal damage, and increased risk of cancers.
Employers can improve safety conditions relatively easily by implementing changes such as:
- Improvements to ventilation
- Use of respirators or other personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Providing onsite medical monitoring
- Creating plans to mitigate the risks should an accident occur
- Training workers on workplace hazards and safe practices
Companies that take these measures aren’t going above and beyond—they’re doing what they should to keep employees safe. Those that fail to make one or more of the above adjustments in their workplace are neglecting employee health and safety. That means they could be held liable should anyone receive a chemical injury while on the job.
What Are The Top Chemical Dangers?
Not all chemicals bring equal risk: Some of the substances used in factories, plants, and refineries across the country are extremely toxic. They may cause devastating effects after a short exposure. Others may, through continued exposure, gradually increase an employee’s risk of cancer. A study of 57,975 chemical incidents in the workplace analyzed the factors in each to compare their relative danger.
The chemicals responsible for the most injuries were:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Sulfuric Acid
Every item on this list can cause serious injury in small doses, and prolonged exposure and/or high concentrations could lead to death. If you have suffered symptoms connected with chemical toxicity, you could be able to receive compensation from the employer who put you in danger.
Should I File a Chemical Exposure Suit After a Plant or Refinery Accident?
Chemical accidents can result in dangerous exposure as well as other hazards like fires, explosions, and environmental contamination. The injuries victims sustain do not always show up right away. However, that does not make the company behind the incident less liable for them.
If you were working at a factory during an accident or received shelter or evacuation notices at your home, you can’t be too careful with your health. Seek medical care if you haven’t already and ask your doctor if you face ongoing risks. Then, reach out to our team at Tate Law Group, LLC. We can help you understand your legal options and provide the advice you need.
We stand up to companies that deliberately endanger others. Contact us online or call (912) 234-3030 to discuss your experience.
WHY HIRE TATE LAW GROUP?
Your Case Deserves the Best Possible Legal Care
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Advocates for ChangeWe leverage our litigation experience to advocate for positive change in our community & across the nation, including taking a proactive role in the opioid crisis.
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Committed to ExcellenceThe Tate Law Group is an award-winning, nationally-recognized firm with memberships in the Milion Dollar Advocates Forum & more.
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Fearless AdvocacyThe Tate Law Group is not afraid to do whatever it takes to advocate for the full & fair compensation you deserve, including going to trial.
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Record-Setting ResultsThe Tate Law Group has fought for many successful verdicts & settlements, including many record-setting results in Georgia & South Carolina.
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Trial ExperienceWe have litigated hundreds of cases and recovered damages totalling over $100 million for our clients in numerous courts of law since 2007.
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Available & AccessibleWe are available to hear about your case over the phone or in-person, so schedule a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we win.
Successful Verdicts & Settlements
Millions of Dollars Recovered for the Injured
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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$19,000,000 Tractor Trailer Injury
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$18,000,000 Nationwide Pharmaceutical Liability Resolution
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$13,100,000 Georgia Industrial Disaster Recovery
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$10,000,000 Chatham County Jury Verdict
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$5,000,000 Nationwide Pharmaceutical Liability Resolution
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$5,000,000 Nationwide Pharmaceutical Liability Resolution
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$3,900,000 Medical Malpractice Verdict
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$2,300,000 Personal Injury Involving Traumatic Brain Injuries
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$2,200,000 Maine Wrongful Death Recovery
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$2,100,000 Florida Wrongful Death Recovery
Client Testimonials
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At Tate Law Group, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Tate Law Group did a great job today in Vidalia, Ga. If I ever need a great lawyer, I wouldn't think twice to call them.
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I was referred to 5 attorneys before the 6th one The Tate Law Group had the courage to take the case despite the odds. That, ...
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