Oakland Oil Refinery Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Workers from Refineries Across the Bay Area

Oil refineries are essential to California’s economy—but they’re also some of the most hazardous workplaces in the state. From toxic exposure to catastrophic explosions, refinery workers face serious risks every day they’re on the job. 

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we’re here to protect those workers when things go wrong.

With over $300 million recovered for clients, our team is a trusted advocate for workers who’ve been hurt on the job. We know the challenges of navigating the workers’ compensation system, especially when insurers dispute or deny claims. Whether you’re looking to file a claim, are dealing with a denial, or want to know your options after a refinery accident, we can help.

Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We serve workers throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

We Represent Injured Workers from Major Northern California Refineries

Our firm proudly serves refinery workers employed at some of the largest and most dangerous industrial facilities in the region, including:

• Chevron Richmond Refinery – Richmond, CA
• Phillips 66 Refinery – Rodeo, CA
• Marathon Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility (formerly Tesoro Golden Eagle) – Avon, CA
• Shell Martinez Refinery – Martinez, CA
• Valero Benicia Refinery – Benicia, CA

Whether you were hurt in an explosion, suffered burns from a chemical leak, or developed long-term health problems from toxic exposure, we’re ready to help you understand and assert your legal rights. We handle cases involving workers from Oakland other areas of Northern California. 

Common Oil Refinery Accidents & Injuries

Refineries are high-risk workplaces where even small mistakes can lead to catastrophic injuries. Common incidents we see include:

• Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to benzene, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic chemicals can cause cancer, respiratory illness, skin disorders, and neurological issues.
• Burn Injuries: Fires and flash burns are a constant risk when working near pressurized and flammable materials.
• Explosions: Equipment failure or human error can lead to devastating explosions with widespread injury.
• Falls & Crushing Injuries: Slips, trips, falls from heights, and being caught in machinery are frequent hazards.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Lifting, bending, or working in confined spaces can cause long-term damage to the back, shoulders, and knees.

Many refinery workers develop occupational illnesses that don’t appear until years later—especially those related to chemical exposure. If you suspect your condition is work-related, don’t wait. Call us to explore your options.

Your Right to Workers’ Compensation After a Refinery Injury

California law requires employers, including oil refineries, to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers employees injured on the job. If you were hurt at work, you have a right to file for benefits—regardless of who was at fault.

Workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Medical care: Full coverage for treatment, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Temporary disability benefits: Partial wage replacement while you recover.
• Permanent disability benefits: Compensation for lasting impairment.
• Supplemental job displacement benefits: Vouchers for retraining if you can’t return to your prior role.
• Death benefits: Payments to surviving spouses and dependents of workers who died from workplace injuries.

We can help you file a claim, respond to denials, and fight for the full benefits you deserve.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Refinery Accident?

In most cases, workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may have a third-party personal injury claim if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer—such as:

• Equipment manufacturers (defective valves, pumps, PPE, etc.)
• Outside contractors or subcontractors
• Negligent drivers in work-related vehicle accidents

If someone other than your employer—such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer—was responsible for your injury, our attorneys may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to your workers' comp case. We handle both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases and can discuss your options during a consultation. 

How Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers Helps Refinery Employees

Refinery workers need aggressive and experienced advocates who know how to handle high-stakes cases. That’s where we come in. Our full-service team supports you through every step of your case, allowing you to focus on healing while we focus on everything else. 

We offer:

• Free case evaluations – No obligations, just answers.
• Claim filing assistance – We handle paperwork and deadlines.
• Access to trusted doctors – We help you get the treatment you need.
• Denied claim appeals – We challenge insurance denials aggressively.
• Settlement negotiations – We fight for maximum compensation.
• Trial-ready representation – We’re always prepared to take your case to court.

Challenges Refinery Workers Face in Getting Claims Approved

Refinery workers often encounter more resistance than other employees when filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Insurers and employers may attempt to:

• Downplay the severity of injuries, especially in cases involving soft tissue damage or repetitive use injuries
• Blame the worker for failing to follow protocols or wear protective gear
• Claim the condition was pre-existing or unrelated to work
• Delay medical authorization or deny treatment altogether
• Dispute the employee’s classification, especially for temporary or contract workers

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we know how to confront these tactics head-on. Our legal team works closely with occupational medicine experts and industrial safety professionals to document the full extent of your injuries, prove your eligibility, and demand the benefits you’re entitled to under California law.

Oil Refinery Injury FAQ

What Should I Do After a Refinery Injury?

1. Report the injury to your employer immediately.
2. Seek medical attention. Make sure to inform the doctor it was work-related.
3. File a workers’ compensation claim.
4. Call a lawyer. Early legal help can make a huge difference.

Can I Get Workers’ Comp If I Developed a Disease Years Later?

Yes. If your illness is linked to workplace exposure—even years later—you can still file a claim. The deadline usually begins when you discover or should have discovered the link between your illness and your job.

What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?

Don’t panic. Many claims are denied at first. We can help you file an appeal and fight for approval through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) process.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire You?

You pay no upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Call For a Free Consultation: (888) 740-6434

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we’re proud to stand with the men and women who keep California’s refineries running. If you or a loved one has been hurt while working at a refinery in Rodeo, Benicia, or anywhere in Northern California, our team is ready to fight for you.

Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today. We’re available 24/7 and speak English, Spanish, and multiple other languages.