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Experienced Trial Attorneys Fighting for the Injured
Chemical Plant & Refinery Accidents

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
  • Advocates for Change

    We leverage our litigation experience to advocate for positive change in our community & across the nation, including taking a proactive role in the opioid crisis.

  • Committed to Excellence

    The Tate Law Group is an award-winning, nationally-recognized firm with memberships in the Milion Dollar Advocates Forum & more.

  • Fearless Advocacy

    The Tate Law Group is not afraid to do whatever it takes to advocate for the full & fair compensation you deserve, including going to trial.

  • Record-Setting Results

    The Tate Law Group has fought for many successful verdicts & settlements, including many record-setting results in Georgia & South Carolina.

  • Trial Experience

    We have litigated hundreds of cases and recovered damages totalling over $100 millionĀ for our clients in numerous courts of law since 2007.

  • Available & Accessible

    We 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
  • Tractor Trailer Injury $19,000,000
  • Nationwide Pharmaceutical Liability Resolution $18,000,000
  • Georgia Industrial Disaster Recovery $13,100,000
  • Chatham County Jury Verdict $10,000,000
  • Nationwide Pharmaceutical Liability Resolution $5,000,000
  • Nationwide Pharmaceutical Liability Resolution $5,000,000
  • Medical Malpractice Verdict $3,900,000
  • Personal Injury Involving Traumatic Brain Injuries $2,300,000
  • Maine Wrongful Death Recovery $2,200,000
  • Florida Wrongful Death Recovery $2,100,000

Client Testimonials

Our Clients Come First
  • “Thank you for your work on my case, your guidance, and helping to keep me calm and comfortable at mediation.”

    - Jill
  • “Mr. Tate and his firm are very well organized and friendly. The first time I visited the office of Tate Law Group I felt very welcomed and important.”

    - Carla
  • “He kept my husband and I very well informed and did exactly what he said he would do.”

    - Former Client