Industrial Plant Accident Attorney in North Carolina
Were You Injured at Work? Talk to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
When an industrial plant has a problem, workers and nearby residents can suffer from explosions, fires, or exposure to toxic chemicals. The physical damage can include disfiguring burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, damaged lungs, crush injuries, or loss of life.
When an industrial accident has been caused by some form of negligence, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed by the victims to recover compensation. Call (910) 772-9960 or (866) 772-9960 to speak to Rhine Law Firm, P.C., and get top legal guidance.
Who Is Liable in an Industrial Plant Accident?
Industrial accidents are complex situations. Identifying all liable parties may require an extensive investigation into the facts - what contributed to the explosion or release of chemicals, gases, or other toxic substance? The owner of the facility may be liable. In some cases, a utility, chemical-manufacturing company, or a company that produced a holding tank or other transfer system could be responsible.
All industries that use toxic substances are required to comply with stringent worker health and safety regulations. When federal and state safety regulations are violated, legal action can be taken to seek full compensation.
Workers’ Comp or Third-Party Lawsuit?
Under North Carolina law, injured workers typically only have access to medical care and some percentage of lost wages through the workers’ compensation program. The amount available through this system is often much too low to provide adequate support for an injured person and family. If the underlying cause of the industrial accident is found to lie with a third party, a lawsuit can be filed against them to pursue compensation above and beyond what is available through workers’ compensation.
Types of Industrial Accidents in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the most attractive states for industrial plants. It is also the location of many accidents, with serious or fatal injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following were the most common fatal occupational injuries in the state:
- Exposure to electricity
- Exposure to temperature extremes
- Exposure to environmental heat
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Exposure to oxygen deficiency
- Fires and explosions
Proving Negligence in an Industrial Plant Accident
Proving negligence can be lengthy and involved, since both state and federal agencies will review the scene of the accident. Your attorney may need to engage a team of professional accident investigators before filing a lawsuit to recover compensation. It is essential to establish that one or more parties breached what is termed the “duty of care,” the responsibility to ensure that workers are safe. In some cases, several parties can be held accountable.
Contact a Wilmington Industrial Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after an industrial plant accident, contact a Wilmington work injury attorney at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. Our firm’s founder, Joel R. Rhine, is nationally recognized for his cases and is an exceptionally skilled trial lawyer, with over 28 years of experience in difficult personal injury lawsuits. We are dedicated to pursuing justice for the injured and their families in North Carolina, and offer a free initial consultation. Call us today at (910) 772-9960, or (866) 772-9960 (toll free).
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