Drilling Rig Accidents
Drilling Rig Accident Lawyers
Work in the oil patch poses numerous hazards to workers, such as blowouts, high-pressure fracking pipe failures, electrocution, fall hazards, and working with and around heavy machinery. At Mithoff Law, we leverage our decades of experience handling complex oilfield injury cases to help our clients designate who or what caused their injury and represent their best interests during the legal process. From cases involving everything from negligence claims to product liability to wrongful death, our nationally renowned team has built a track record of success and integrity.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drilling rig accident, contact the proven team at Mithoff Law today by calling 713-654-1122 to set up a free consultation.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– David Barron, Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
Mithoff Law has won cases involving injuries in the oil patch over several decades for individuals, families, and companies. Some of our work in this area includes:
Fracking Pipe Failure
Mithoff Law represented the surviving family members of a worker who was killed when a high-pressure fracking pipe failed and fractured during fracking operations, ejecting shrapnel that resulted in his death. The plaintiffs alleged that the pipe in question had been eroded through prior use, and had not been properly removed from service. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Oilfield Service Truck Accident
Mithoff Law represented the surviving family members of a driver who was killed when struck head-on by an oilfield services truck on a public roadway near an operating site. Plaintiffs alleged that the driver of the oilfield services truck was negligent and inattentive, and caused the collision. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Offshore Helicopter Crash
Mithoff Law represented surviving family members of offshore rig personnel who died when the helicopter transferring them from a base on land to an offshore rig crashed. The plaintiffs alleged that there were design defects in the helicopter’s control systems. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Mr. Mithoff was also lead counsel for five of the 15 families suffering the loss of a loved one in the Texas City refinery fire and explosion.
Does the Jones Act apply to drilling rig accidents?
The Jones Act enables seamen who’ve been injured offshore during their employment to bring a personal injury action against their employers under certain circumstances. Generally, for a seaman to be covered under the Jones Act, they must work on “a vessel in navigation,” which typically refers to a vessel that was in motion or capable of motion and operating in navigable waters at the time of the incident.
The Jones Act may provide remedies to injured seamen beyond the scope of typical workers’ compensation. Whether the Jones Act or other laws (such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act) may apply to an offshore drilling rig injury often turns on the particular facts of each case. The type of work you performed, the type of vessel or platform you worked on (drill ships, spar platforms, jackup rigs, etc.), and where the injury occurred could all affect the type of claims that can be brought.
Our team of drilling rig accident lawyers can help to analyze the particular facts of your claim, to assist in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Get the right help, right now with Mithoff Law
Drilling rig accident lawyers know rig hands work long hours in dangerous conditions are one wrong move or negligent act away from a catastrophic injury or death.
When employers cut corners or otherwise neglect their duties to their employees, you have the right to fight back for the care and compensation you deserve.
The team at Mithoff Law has won major cases for injured persons and families by utilizing a network of expert witnesses to thoroughly investigate the situation at hand. We collect the smallest details to paint a clear picture of why the injury happened and which parties are responsible.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a drilling rig accident, call our case-winning drilling rig accident lawyers today at 713-654-1122.
Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield Injury Lawyer
The oil and gas industry is full of dangerous jobs, and as any experienced oil field accident lawyer can tell you, few carry as many risks as those in the oilfields. Between the complex heavy machinery, highly flammable substances, and tight schedules, the potential for injuries and accidents is astronomical. And when injuries do happen, they can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury during an oilfield accident, don’t let the oil companies convince you to settle for less than you deserve. Get aggressive, trial-tested representation from an experienced oilfield injury lawyer at Mithoff Law.
Call us today at 713-654-1122 to discuss your case with one of our oilfield injury lawyers.
“Mithoff, a Houston personal injury lawyer, is no stranger to winning big payoffs for large groups of people. He negotiated a $2.3 billion settlement with the tobacco industry for Harris and other counties, and he won $80 million for residents of a nursing home who were killed in a 2005 bus explosion while fleeing Hurricane Rita.”
– Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2017
Common oilfield injuries
When oilfield workers injure themselves on the job, the consequences can be lifelong, or worse, fatal. These are just some of the catastrophic injuries workers can face after an oilfield accident:
- Eye injuries from flying debris
- Lung damage from toxic gases and substances
- Wrongful death
Common causes of oilfield accidents and injuries
The modern oilfield is practically a minefield of potential hazards and liabilities. Combine heavy-duty machinery, flammable chemicals, and unseasoned workers and the possibility for severe or catastrophic injuries is astronomical.
These are just some of the ways oilfield workers are injured or killed on the job:
- Inadequate training
- Failure to abide by procedures and regulations
- Poorly maintained or constructed equipment (Rig and crane collapses)
- Dropped tools
- Vehicle accidents and collisions
- Gross employer negligence
Why hire an oilfield injury lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident, you can’t rely on the company or even the federal organizations to look out for your best interests. Despite OSHA studies that show 78% of oilfield accidents are attributable to unsafe practices, the government response is usually minimal, and oil companies are unlikely to accept responsibility of their own accord.
An experienced oilfield injury lawyer understands the complex sets of factors at play in an oilfield injury case and will work—both independently and with subject matter experts—to investigate your accident and build a trial-ready case against the oil company responsible for your injury.
The only simple truth of an oilfield accident is that you can’t see your claim through alone. Because of the complicated technology and regulations at play, getting to the core of an oilfield accident can be a layered process requiring a team of professionals, including oil and gas industry experts whose perspective can shed valuable light on the factors that contributed to your accident or injury.
Get the compensation you deserve: Talk to the experienced oilfield injury lawyers at Mithoff Law
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in an oilfield accident, the amount of time you can act upon it is limited The state of Texas only gives victims two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. When you’re trying to win a claim to receive worker’s compensation, that number goes down to just one year.
From thorough investigations to trial-ready strategies, Mithoff Law spares no expense to ensure you and your family’s rights are protected in the fight for your lives. The oil and gas companies have entire teams dedicated to protecting them and their interests — it’s only fair that you do, too.
Call us today at 713-654-1122 and get your case off to the right start.
Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Attorney
The longshore attorneys at Mithoff Law know that any job on or near an open body of water presents unique dangers to workers. And while the Jones Act may not cover all offshore workers, there are other laws providing workers’ compensation, medical benefits, and more to injured harbor workers and other civilian employees injured on the job.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed during an offshore accident, navigating complex maritime laws to determine your options can be a challenge. Don’t get lost in red tape; let an experienced longshore attorney fight for you.
Learn more about the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) and contact the experienced longshore attorneys at Mithoff Law by calling 713-654-1122.
“Mithoff, a Houston personal injury lawyer, is no stranger to winning big payoffs for large groups of people. He negotiated a $2.3 billion settlement with the tobacco industry for Harris and other counties, and he won $80 million for residents of a nursing home who were killed in a 2005 bus explosion while fleeing Hurricane Rita.”
– Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2017
What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
Originally enacted in 1958, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, commonly known as LHWCA, extends workers’ compensation-style benefits to offshore workers not covered by the Jones Act.
Maritime employees who may be eligible for benefits under LHWCA include longshoremen, harbor and dock workers, those employed on military bases, shipyard employees, and other civilians who aren’t classified as seamen but still work near a body of water.
While non-seamen maritime workers are still eligible for benefits through the workers’ compensation programs office, the benefits offered by the LHWCA are often more beneficial than state workers’ comp benefits, covering a greater percentage of your lost weekly wages as well as permanent partial disability benefits.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act benefits
Maritime employees who meet the criteria for LHWCA benefits can receive several monetary benefits for their workplace injury, including both temporary and permanent benefits for total and partial disabilities.
Additionally, the LHWCA provides for injured maritime employees to have their medical treatment covered in addition to any toll, parking, or other associated fees necessary to obtain treatment.
Who qualifies for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?
Because the benefits provided by LHWCA are often more generous than those provided by traditional workers’ compensation, LHWCA has established two criterion maritime employees must satisfy in order to be eligible for benefits: the status test and the situs test.
The status test is used to determine whether or not your work can truly be considered maritime work, meaning a significant portion of your time on the job involves water, marine transport, or contributes to the maritime nature of your employer’s business. Employees who may qualify for LHWCA benefits include:
- Longshoremen
- People who load/unload ships
- Ship repairpeople
- Shipbuilders
- Truck drivers who assist with offshore shipping containers
However, not all employees whose work involves bodies of water satisfy the status test. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act specifically excludes the following types of employees from coverage:
- Marina employees who do not participate in its construction or expansion (i.e., administrative staff)
- Shipbuilders and/or mechanics who work on recreational boats under 65 feet long
- Aquaculture workers
- Captains or crewmembers on navigable vessels
The situs test
In order to pass situs test requirements, the location where you work must be on, near, or adjacent to navigable water. Generally speaking, to pass the situs test your work must be within about one mile of navigable water, either on a vessel, dock, wharf, terminal, shipyard, or any other maritime worksite.
Contact a longshore attorney at Mithoff Law today
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act may be there to protect maritime workers, but that doesn’t always mean that winning benefits is a straightforward process. The situs and status tests aren’t always cut and dry, and disputes over seemingly minor details of your employment can keep you and your family from receiving the benefits you desperately need.
Get help from the experienced longshore attorneys at Mithoff Law. We are here to fight for you with the trial-tested strategies these complex cases require.
Call us today at 713-654-1122 and get your case off to the right start.
Jones Act Claims
Experienced Houston Jones Act Lawyer
The Houston Jones Act lawyers at Mithoff Law understand the dangers faced by seamen and crew members who work offshore and the complex laws they must navigate in order to obtain compensation for their on-the-job injuries.
Unlike land-based workers, maritime workers are unable to claim traditional workers’ compensation. Instead, maritime workers rely on laws like the Jones Act to protect them financially in the event of injury. In some cases, determining Jones Act qualification is simple, but this isn’t always the case.
Learn more about the Jones Act, and contact the experienced maritime accident and Jones Act lawyers at Mithoff Law for a consultation by calling 713-654-1122.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
What is the Jones Act?
Originally known as the Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act is a federal law protecting maritime workers injured at sea, allowing seamen injured on the job to sue their employers for benefits under certain circumstances.
In order to file a claim under the Jones Act, your case must meet three key criteria:
- You must be classified as a seaman
- The injury/accident must have occurred on a “vessel in navigation” or a vessel capable of navigation
- Your injury was caused or contributed to by the employer, owner, or crew member negligence
Who are considered seamen for purposes of the Jones Act?
In addition to the key criteria, a Houston Jones Act lawyer can help navigate the additional claim requirements. In order to file a Jones Act claim, maritime workers must be considered proper seamen. In general terms, a person who spends at least 30% of their work time aboard a vessel in navigation may be considered a seaman for purposes of the Jones Act.
Typically, a worker must directly contribute to the work of the vessel in order to be considered a Jones Act seaman. The rules governing Jones Act seaman status are complex, and the Jones Act attorneys at Mithoff Law can assist you in evaluating your potential claims. (Further reading: Personal Injury Compensation)
What is a vessel in navigation?
Jones Act cases can often turn on whether a person worked aboard a “vessel in navigation.” Criteria utilized by courts to determine whether a vessel is considered “in navigation” at the time of your injury include:
- Whether the vessel was afloat
- Whether the vessel was in operation
- Whether the vessel was capable of moving
- Whether the vessel was in navigable waters
The term “in navigation” does not necessarily require that the vessel had been moving at the time of your injury.
For example, a seaman injured aboard a tanker that is at anchor on open water but not currently moving may be covered by the Jones Act. A worker aboard a docked and decommissioned vessel in drydock, however, may not meet the criteria.
Determining negligence under the Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, a seaman’s employer is typically required to both provide the seaman with a reasonably safe place to work and to maintain safe conditions through basic upkeep and repair. Failures to do so may be considered negligence and may subject the employer up to liability under the Jones Act.
Examples of negligence by a Jones Act employer may include:
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Unclean worksites
- Poor training
- Lack of proper equipment or resources
- Injuries caused by coworkers
Speak to a Houston Jones Act attorney at Mithoff Law today
Don’t let the technicalities of the Jones Act and other maritime laws keep you from seeking the benefits you need to recover from your injury. If you think you may have a Jones Act claim, you need an experienced Jones Act attorney who is well-versed in maritime law to help you explore your options.
Our Houston Jones Act lawyers are trial-tested and prepared to help you work through your Jones Act claim. Call us today at 713-654-1122 and get your case off to the right start.
Related Practice Areas from Mithoff Law
Offshore Injuries
Offshore Accident Attorney
The offshore accident attorneys at Mithoff Law represent offshore workers—including longshore and harbor workers and those on offshore platforms—who face incredible risks every day. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, there were nearly 1,500 offshore accidents between 2015 and 2017 alone, and more than a third of those involved injury.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or even killed as the result of an offshore accident, an experienced Houston offshore injury lawyer may be able to provide you and your family with guidance and knowledge.
To ask us your questions, contact the offshore accident attorneys at Mithoff Law today by calling 713-654-1122.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
Laws protecting offshore workers
Offshore accidents can be broadly defined as any workplace accidents that occur off-land. As such, cases involving offshore injuries or fatalities are frequently covered under maritime law. The following are just some of the jobs that maritime law covers:
- Roughnecks, derrickmen, toolpushers, offshore installation managers (OIMs), deck engineers
- Seamen, deckhands, engineers, mates
- Tankermen and barge workers
- Longshore and harbor workers
However, not all offshore workers are covered by the same maritime laws.
The Jones Act
If you work on a “vessel in navigation,” your offshore accident or injury may be covered under the Jones Act. Under the Jones Act, employers are required to take all necessary precautions to ensure the following:
- That the seaman has a reasonably safe place to work
- Ordinary procedures necessary for safe conditions are being followed and maintained
Proving negligence is at the core of any offshore injury involving a Jones Act claim, something you and your Houston offshore injury lawyer will work on closely. In order to be covered by the Jones Act, you must have been injured while working on a vessel that was moving or otherwise navigable. Therefore, offshore workers including longshoremen and rig workers on “fixed” offshore platforms may not be able to pursue benefits under the Jones Act.
The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act extends legal protections to offshore workers not covered by the Jones Act. This law applies to longshoremen, harbor workers, civilian employees on military bases, as well as workers on docks and in shipyards.
Unlike workers covered by the Jones Act, longshore and harbor workers may be eligible to receive worker’s compensation. However, the benefits offered under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act are more generous—an important distinction given the severe nature of many offshore accidents.
However, your offshore accident attorney will have to work to prove that your accident or injury makes you eligible for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act. In order to qualify, you must satisfy the requirements of two tests:
- The status test: In order to pass the status test, you and your offshore accident attorney must establish that the work you perform is considered maritime work. In this context, maritime work can include shipbuilding, maintenance and repair, aquaculture, and other work performed on a marina.
- The situs test: In order to pass the situs test, you and your offshore accident attorney must establish that you generally work “on, near, or adjacent to navigable water”. Employees who can prove that they generally work on piers, wharves, dry docks, harbors, etc. are generally able to pass the situs test.
The OCS Lands Act
Unfortunately, neither the Jones Act nor the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act provides coverage for those injured on fixed offshore drilling platforms such as those in the Gulf of Mexico.
Offshore platform workers injured on the job are often subject to the OCS Lands Act, which stipulates that only the laws of the state most adjacent to the site of the offshore accident may apply to that accident—not maritime law. In OCS Lands Act cases, the state law is effectively acting as a surrogate for federal law.
There is a three-part test to determine whether or not your accident/injury can be properly addressed under the OCS Lands Act:
- The incident must have occurred on a site covered by the OCS Lands Act (generally, a stationary offshore structure not otherwise defined as a vessel)
- Federal maritime law cannot apply to the circumstances of your accident
- The laws of the adjacent state cannot be inconsistent with relevant federal laws
Fight for the compensation you deserve: Hire a Houston offshore accident attorney at Mithoff Law
When dealing with the devastating aftermath of an offshore injury, the last thing you want to be worried about is the complicated technicalities of maritime law. Let the experienced Houston offshore injury lawyers at Mithoff Law work through these complex issues so that you can focus on recovery.
We’ve helped families recover from serious accidents in the Gulf of Mexico using the trial-tested strategies that these complex cases require. Call us today at 713-654-1122 to speak with one of our offshore injury attorneys and explore your options.
Heavy Machinery Accidents
Experienced Lawyer for Heavy Equipment Accidents
Construction and industrial jobs can pose significant dangers to workers, and even with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulating working conditions and unions advocating for worker safety in these industries, tragic accidents still occur. Mithoff Law has deep experience trying and winning cases related to heavy machinery accidents and injuries, including those involving industrial and construction worksites.
Mithoff Law has worked with teams of subject matter experts for decades to investigate, pursue, and resolve claims that involve accidents related to cranes, excavators, bulldozers, forklifts, dump trucks, or other pieces of heavy equipment. Contact the experienced team at Mithoff Law by calling 713-654-1122 for a free consultation.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
Recently, Mithoff Law represented a client who suffered an amputation of the leg below the knee in a workplace accident along the Houston Ship Channel. The client was seriously injured by a tow motor (a large forklift used in industrial or shipping applications), which ran over him as he was working. The case was settled for a confidential amount prior to trial.
Mithoff Law also recently represented a crane operator who sustained severe spinal injuries when the pedestal crane he was operating in a drydock facility collapsed. Plaintiffs alleged that the pedestal crane had defective bolts affixing it to its platform, and that it had been improperly inspected and/or maintained. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Common causes of heavy equipment accidents
With equipment that weighs thousands of pounds and exerts enough force to handle the toughest tasks, even the smallest errors can cause catastrophic injuries. Heavy equipment accidents can be caused by:
- Dangerous conditions
- Improper loading of materials
- Lack of proper equipment maintenance
- Inadequate machine operator training
- Human error
Every accident is different, which is why our lawyers for heavy machinery accidents partner with industry experts and use the most advanced investigative practices available to determine the underlying causes of an accident.
Injuries caused by heavy machinery
When working with heavy machinery, it can take less than a second for a devastating accident to unfold. It can happen on your first day of work or your last day before retirement. Hard work is part of the job, but risking your life shouldn’t be.
The results of an injury caused by heavy machinery could be severe and life-changing, including:
- Broken Bones
- Electrocution
- Amputation
- Degloving (the removal of skin from underlying tissues)
Heavy machinery accidents caused by a third party
In some cases, a third party, such as a manufacturer, contractor, or equipment reseller may be responsible for heavy machinery accidents. Our experienced attorneys have direct experience trying and winning cases against third parties involved in serious accidents.
Our team has consistently proven capable of identifying all responsible parties as a way to maximize compensation for our clients and prevent future accidents.
Injured in a heavy machinery accident? Get experienced representation from Mithoff Law.
At Mithoff Law, we care about construction workers and those who operate heavy machinery to build the world in which we live. We will work tirelessly to protect your interests.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a heavy machinery accident, call us today at 713-654-1122 to speak with an experienced heavy machinery accident attorney today.
Construction Accidents
Houston Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction work poses numerous hazards to workers at a job site, such as crane collapses, electrocution, fall hazards, and working with and around heavy machinery. At Mithoff Law, we leverage our decades of experience handling complex construction accident cases to help our clients designate who or what caused their injury and represent their best interests during the legal process. From construction accident cases involving everything from negligence claims to product liability to wrongful death, our nationally renowned team has built a track record of success and integrity.
The experienced attorneys at Mithoff Law have extensive experience in handling construction accident claims, including recently representing a crane operator who sustained severe spinal injuries when the pedestal crane he was operating in a drydock facility collapsed. Plaintiffs alleged that the pedestal crane had defective bolts affixing it to its platform, and that it had been improperly inspected and/or maintained. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Mithoff Law also recently represented the surviving family of a contractor who was electrocuted and killed, when he came into contact with an appliance that had been improperly wired during the course of home construction. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Work with construction accident lawyers who know the tremendous impact that injuries can have construction workers and their families. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligence of another party, call 713-654-1122 to discuss your case with the experienced Houston construction accident attorneys at Mithoff Law.
“Mithoff, a Houston personal injury lawyer, is no stranger to winning big payoffs for large groups of people. He negotiated a $2.3 billion settlement with the tobacco industry for Harris and other counties, and he won $80 million for residents of a nursing home who were killed in a 2005 bus explosion while fleeing Hurricane Rita.”
– Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2017
What should I do if I’ve been injured in a construction accident?
Your job site should have safety and emergency protocols in place, but should they not, the following instructions may help mitigate further injury.
If you are injured in a construction accident, you should:
- Get prompt medical attention for the injury.
- Report the injury to the employer but do not sign anything without speaking to your lawyer.
- Collect witness testimony, photos of the injury and equipment and any other evidence that could be helpful for your case
- Contact an attorney from Mithoff Law to learn about your legal options
Although our team will run a thorough investigation with subject matter experts, we do encourage clients to collect evidence if possible, such as photographs of the accident scene, as the conditions at a construction site can change quickly.
Common causes of construction accidents
Construction can span activities as varied as homebuilding, commercial projects, and maritime and offshore construction, the work itself is labor-intensive, and injuries can be serious when accidents occur.
Some of the leading causes of construction accidents include:
- Improper use or maintenance of equipment
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Insufficient training
- Defective equipment
- Poor safety precautions and oversight
- Crane or hoist accidents
- Collapsed structures
- Fires and explosions
- Falling objects
- Electrical accidents
- Misuse of tools
- Welding accidents
A construction accident lawyer from Mithoff Law will work diligently and with the assistance of industry experts to understand and identify the factors at play in your accident, and to determine who may be responsible for your injuries.
Is a third-party responsible for my construction accident?
In the construction field, there are often persons or companies responsible for injuries other than a person’s employer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help identify the parties responsible for your injury, potentially negotiate a settlement, and prepare your case for trial.
Potentially responsible third parties may include:
- Owners of the construction site
- Architects
- Engineers
- General contractors
- Equipment manufacturers
Need help? Contact a construction accident lawyer from Mithoff Law.
We understand how stressful an injury or loss of life can be on you and your family’s wellbeing. At Mithoff Law, our trial-tested lawyers represent you so that you and your family can focus on healing. We have received national recognition for our performance in the courtroom.
If you or a loved one needs someone experienced to guide you through the legal process, then contact Mithoff Law. Call 713-654-1122 today.
Industrial Accidents & Explosions
Industrial Accidents and Explosions Lawyer
Explosions, fires, and industrial accidents are hazards that make industrial work environments incredibly perilous to employees. The trial-tested attorneys at Mithoff Law have extensive experience conducting independent, thorough investigations of industrial accidents and explosions using our team of subject matter experts. Our investigations commonly include an analysis of root causes and contributing causes, detailed materials analysis (including metallurgical testing or industrial CT scanning), human factors, and many other scientific and engineering disciplines.
Call us today at 713-654-1122 to discuss your case and litigation options.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
The experienced lawyers at Mithoff Law have helped multiple clients win or resolve high-profile cases involving industrial accidents and explosions, including:
Tens of Millions Paid in Texas City Plant Explosion Settlements
Mithoff Law represented the families of five workers killed in an explosion at a Texas City refinery. Those cases were ultimately resolved on a confidential basis.
$5.5 Million Settlement for Man Severely Burned by Explosion at Sugar Mill
Obtained a $5.5 million settlement for a man who received second and third-degree burns over approximately forty percent of his body as a result of an explosion at a sugar mill.
What are industrial accidents?
An industrial accident refers to any accident that occurs in a non-office work setting, typically in mines, construction sites, chemical or electrical plants, and factories. Because these worksites often feature dangerous chemicals, heavy machinery, and sometimes require employees to work odd or long hours, the effects of industrial accidents may include catastrophic injuries, such as:
What are industrial accidents caused by?
Because of their potentially devastating consequences, employers are required by law to work toward the prevention of industrial accidents and can be held legally accountable should they fail to do so. Despite these regulations, industrial accidents still happen. These are just some of the many types of industrial accidents:
- Explosions and fires: When working with hazardous chemicals or machinery on job sites such as refineries or oil rigs, explosions and fires can occur due to a number of potential factors.
- Falling objects: Jobsites such as construction yards that feature heavy or sharp equipment require workers and supervisors to pay close attention. When dangerous objects are left in perilous positions, people can sustain devastating or even fatal head injuries should those objects fall.
- Chemical exposure: In addition to burns, blindness, and severe injuries caused at the moment of exposure, harmful chemicals can contribute to fatal diseases including cancers.
- Slips and falls: In fast-paced, high-intensity work environments, it’s crucial that employees and their supervisors remain vigilant in keeping job sites clean and enforcing safe behaviors. Failure to do so can result in multi-story falls that can permanently injure or even kill the employee and those around them.
Contact an Experienced Industrial Accident and Explosion Lawyer at Mithoff Law Today
Accident victims and their loved ones should seek representation from a skilled industrial accident and explosion attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Mithoff Law have decades of experience in this area, and can assist with your claim.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in an industrial accident, call us today at 713-654-1122 to meet with one of Mithoff Law’s industrial accident and explosion attorneys to learn about your options.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Houston Spinal Injury Lawyer
At Mithoff Law, part of the work of a spinal injury lawyer is to provide hope to accident victims and their families. Even with today’s advances in medical technology, a spinal injury is often frightening and life-changing both for the person who receives the injury and for their loved ones. If you or a loved one obtained a spinal injury, a Mithoff Law spinal injury lawyer can work to help identify the cause of your accident and navigate the litigation process.
Help prevent future accidents and get the support you deserve. Call a Mithoff Law spinal injury lawyer in Houston at 713-654-1122 today.
“Mithoff, a Houston personal injury lawyer, is no stranger to winning big payoffs for large groups of people. He negotiated a $2.3 billion settlement with the tobacco industry for Harris and other counties, and he won $80 million for residents of a nursing home who were killed in a 2005 bus explosion while fleeing Hurricane Rita.”
– Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2017
Unfortunately, spinal injuries can occur from a wide variety of common causes, such as vehicle accidents, industrial accidents and explosions, and medical malpractice. The experienced attorneys at Mithoff Law have decades of experience representing clients and families of those who have suffered spinal injuries, including claims such as:
Vehicle Accidents
Mithoff Law represented a man who suffered severe spinal injuries and quadriplegia as the result of a defective bicycle component, when he was ejected from the bicycle while riding. The case was settled for a confidential amount.
Medical Malpractice
Mithoff Law successfully resolved for a confidential amount the claims of a patient who suffered spinal cord injuries and paralysis as a result of an outpatient medical procedure. The plaintiffs alleged that, during the procedure, a physician improperly guided a needle that punctured the spinal column, resulting in partial paralysis.
Industrial Accidents
Mithoff Law represented a crane operator who sustained severe spinal injuries when the pedestal crane he was operating in a drydock facility collapsed. Plaintiffs alleged that the pedestal crane had defective bolts affixing it to its platform, and that it had been improperly inspected and/or maintained. The case settled for a confidential amount.
Spinal injuries often involve complex questions regarding future care, and the magnitude of the injuries are often daunting for those living with the consequences. Mithoff Law’s experienced attorneys have developed long-lasting relationships with medical and subject-matter experts across several fields, such as neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic care, and life care planning, who are invaluable to assessing and evaluating questions of future care or ongoing treatment in a litigation context.
What to do if a spinal injury occurs
When someone is injured in a construction accident, a plant explosion, a car accident or another situation, you should try to remain as calm as possible. If a spinal cord injury is suspected, follow these steps.
- If you are injured, have someone call 911 and describe what has happened. If a loved one is injured, call 911 yourself and do the same.
- If you are conscious and injured, remain completely still. If a loved one is injured, encourage them to keep still. You can help support their head to keep it in place, but do not restrain them. Try your best to avoid any twisting motions.
- If your loved one is unresponsive and not breathing, perform CPR if possible and you are properly trained to do so.
- If you or your loved one has a helmet on, keep the helmet on. Any movement of the head or neck should be avoided.
- Continue to keep still until a paramedic or another trained medical professional takes over.
Our experienced lawyers win catastrophic injury cases
A spinal injury, traumatic brain injury, and amputations are examples of catastrophic accidents our lawyers try to get clients the compensation they deserve. The team at Mithoff Law, along with our network of subject matter experts, has experience helping victims and families affected by accidents involving:
What type of spinal cord injury do I have?
There are multiple types of spinal cord injuries that someone involved in a spinal cord personal injury accident can receive.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries: These injuries allow the person to retain some function because the spinal cord is only partially severed.
- Complete spinal cord injuries: Complete injuries occur when the spinal cord is fully severed, which eliminates all functions. With treatment and extended physical therapy, it may be possible to regain partial function, but it is not guaranteed.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries account for 60% of spinal injuries, attributable in part to advancements in emergency response and treatment.
Some of the most common types of incomplete or partial spinal cord injuries include:
- Anterior cord syndrome: This syndrome involves an injury to the front of the spinal cord, which controls movement. Those diagnosed may retain some sensation but will struggle with movement.
- Central cord syndrome: This syndrome involves an injury to the center of the spinal cord, which carries signals to and from the brain. Those diagnosed may experience a loss of fine motor skills, paralysis of the arms, and partial impairment in the legs. A thoracic spinal cord injury with a spine fracture can lead to central cord syndrome.
- Brown-Sequard syndrome: This variety of injury is the result of damage to one side of the spinal cord. Those diagnosed may lose movement and sensation in only one side of their body.
Put your case in the hands of a trusted spinal injury lawyer at Mithoff Law
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident involving serious spinal injuries, let our team of experienced spinal injury lawyers protect your best interests and fight to get you exactly what you deserve.
To talk with a spinal injury lawyer in Houston you can depend on, call 713-654-1122.
Paralysis
Paralysis Attorney in Houston
A catastrophic injury like paralysis can permanently change your life and the lives of your loved ones. Working with a paralysis attorney in Houston will give you a chance to make the best of a terrible situation. To learn if your situation may give rise to claims against responsible parties, and determine if our office is the right fit for you, call Mithoff Law at 713-654-1122.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
Unfortunately, paralysis can occur from a wide variety of common causes, such as vehicle accidents, industrial accidents and explosions, and medical malpractice. The experienced attorneys at Mithoff Law have decades of experience representing clients and families of those who have suffered paralyzing injuries, including claims such as:
Vehicle Accidents
Mithoff Law represented a man who suffered quadriplegia as the result of a defective bicycle component. As a result of the defect, he was ejected from the bicycle while riding, and suffered a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia. The case was settled for a confidential amount.
Mithoff Law represented the family of a young man who sustained severe and permanent paralysis and brain injuries when he was involved in an offset frontal collision. The young man’s injuries required a plan for lifelong care, as he was no longer able to care for himself following the accident. The case was settled for a confidential amount.
Medical Malpractice
Mithoff Law successfully resolved for a confidential amount the claims of a patient who suffered paralysis as a result of an outpatient medical procedure. The plaintiffs alleged that, during the procedure, a physician improperly guided a needle that punctured the spinal column, resulting in partial paralysis.
Paralyzing injuries often involve complex questions regarding future care, and the magnitude of the injuries are often daunting for those living with the consequences. Mithoff Law’s experienced personal injury attorneys have developed long-lasting relationships with medical and subject-matter experts across several fields, such as neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, and life care planning, who are invaluable to assessing and evaluating questions of future care or ongoing treatment in a litigation context.
What are the forms of paralysis?
Paralysis can be defined as a loss of strength and control over a group of muscles in your body. In most cases, paralysis is not caused by an injury to the muscles, but rather an injury to the spinal cord or other nerves.
Force and type of impact often affect the type or severity of paralysis, with paraplegia and quadriplegia being the most severe spinal cord injuries.
Typical forms of paralysis include:
- Monoplegia, which only affects one limb, such as an arm or a leg.
- Hemiplegia, which only affects one side of the body.
- Diplegia, which affects the same limb or area on both sides of the body.
- Paraplegia affects both legs and is often referred to as paralysis from the waist down.
- Quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia) affects both arms, both legs, and in some cases, everything from the neck down.
Do you need a paralysis lawyer in Houston?
Whether you’re dealing with permanent or temporary paralysis in the legs or other extremities, the experienced team at Mithoff Law is ready to assist in evaluating your claims. Most personal injury claims in Texas must be filed with the court within two years of the date of the accident that caused the injuries. However, the sooner you file, the faster evidence can be collected and preparation for trial or resolution can begin.
If you or a loved one was involved in a serious accident involving paralyzing injuries, Mithoff Law’s team of skilled paralysis lawyers can help you seek justice. We have extensive experience with personal injury suits and have helped hundreds of clients in the Houston area.
To talk with a paralysis lawyer in Houston you can trust, call 713-654-1122 today.