Richmond Oil Refinery Accident Lawyer

Serving Injured Refinery Workers Across Richmond & Beyond

Refineries are a major part of Richmond's industrial landscape. But for the workers behind the scenes—pipefitters, operators, welders, and contractors—these facilities come with serious risks. Explosions, toxic exposure, and mechanical accidents can change lives in an instant.

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we focus exclusively on workers' compensation and have recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for injured workers in Northern California. If you were hurt at the Chevron Richmond Refinery or another industrial site in West Contra Costa County, we’re here to help. We’ve successfully handled complex refinery cases involving catastrophic injuries, occupational illnesses, and denied workers’ comp claims.

Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. Our firm proudly serves English- and Spanish-speaking workers across the Bay Area.

Why Workers Trust Our Firm After Refinery Accidents

We know what’s at stake after a serious refinery injury: your health, your paycheck, and your ability to support your family. Our legal team brings decades of experience, a 98% success rate, and a deep understanding of the refinery industry to every case we handle.

What sets us apart:

• $300+ million recovered for California workers
• Proven track record handling refinery and heavy industry claims
• Bilingual representation: Hablamos español
• Focused solely on workplace accidents
• Experience with union and non-union employment structures
• Hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied clients

Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim or trying to understand your rights after an injury, we’re here to protect you.

Accidents & Injuries at the Chevron Richmond Refinery

The Chevron Richmond Refinery is one of the largest refineries on the West Coast—and has a long history of safety incidents. From the 2012 fire that hospitalized workers and released toxic smoke over the city to everyday hazards involving high-pressure systems and volatile substances, this site poses daily risks to its workforce.

We handle refinery injury claims involving:

• Chemical exposure (hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride)
• Fires, explosions, and blast injuries
• Respiratory damage from airborne toxins
• Thermal burns from pipe ruptures or machinery
• Falls from scaffolding, catwalks, or ladders
• Crushed limbs or amputations from mechanical failures
• Occupational illnesses such as cancer or lung disease

If you’ve suffered a serious injury or developed a long-term illness after working at Chevron or any other refinery in northern California, we can help you pursue the full benefits you’re entitled to under California law.

Common Challenges in Refinery Workers' Comp Cases

Refinery cases are rarely straightforward. Employers and insurers may try to minimize their liability by blaming outside contractors, downplaying the severity of injuries, or challenging whether the injury was work-related.

Workers often face issues such as:

• Denied or delayed claims
• Employer retaliation or intimidation
• Lack of documentation or accident reports
• Exposure-related conditions that take months or years to diagnose

We know how to cut through the noise and build a strong case, using site records, witness testimony, and expert medical evaluations. Whether you need help filing a new claim or appealing a denial, our team has you covered.

Learn more about what to do if your claim was denied.

Can I Sue After a Refinery Injury?

In most cases, workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy after a job-related injury. But some refinery workers may have additional claims against third parties, such as:

• Negligent contractors
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance vendors

If a third party played a role in your injury, we can evaluate whether a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate. These claims may provide compensation above and beyond workers' comp, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost earnings
• Future medical expenses not covered by workers' comp

We pursue both workers' comp and third-party personal injury claims when appropriate to help maximize your recovery.

Workers' Comp Benefits for Refinery Workers in Richmond

Injured workers in California are entitled to no-fault benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation system, which may include:

• Medical treatment: 100% coverage for approved care
• Temporary disability: Partial wage replacement while you recover
• Permanent disability: Ongoing payments if you have lasting impairment
• Supplemental job displacement benefits: Vouchers for retraining if you can't return to your old job
• Death benefits: For families who lose a loved one in a refinery accident

Even if you were hired through a labor contractor or staffing agency, you may still be covered. Let us help confirm your eligibility and secure your benefits.

Union Workers and Subcontractors: Know Your Rights

The Chevron Richmond Refinery and other facilities often rely on both unionized employees and subcontracted labor. Each type of employment comes with its own set of complications.

We’ve represented:

• Union members: Navigating overlapping protections and benefit programs
• Contracted workers: Ensuring accountability when the employer of record tries to dodge responsibility
• Subcontractors: Evaluating whether third-party negligence justifies a civil claim

Don’t assume your rights are limited based on how you were hired. We’ll help you understand your options and hold the right parties accountable.

What to Expect When You Call Our Office

We know how confusing and overwhelming it can be to deal with the workers’ comp system while you’re injured. That’s why our process is designed to reduce stress and put you in control.

When you call, here’s what happens:

1. You’ll speak directly with a team member who understands workers' comp.
2. We’ll schedule a free consultation to assess your case.
3. If we take your case, we handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations.
4. You focus on healing. We focus on results.

Throughout your case, we’ll keep you updated and make sure you understand what to expect at every stage.

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

If you were hurt at the Chevron Richmond Refinery or another industrial facility in West Contra Costa County, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner we get involved, the more effectively we can protect your rights and secure your benefits.

Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Hablamos español. We represent Spanish-speaking refinery workers throughout the Bay Area.