Refinery Workers’ Compensation in Chicago

Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Refinery workers’ compensation cases are among the most complex workplace injury matters we handle. Oil refineries are high-risk environments where employees face hazards from flammable substances, heavy machinery, and exposure to toxic chemicals. A refinery accident can cause severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and, in tragic cases, loss of life.

In Illinois, injured workers are protected under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), which allows them to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent or temporary disabilities. If you’ve been injured at an oil refinery, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our legal team has recovered over $490 million for workers in Chicago and across Illinois. We understand how refinery accidents occur and the challenges employees face when employers and insurance companies try to minimize payouts.

What Are Common Types and Causes of Refinery Accidents?

Common causes of accidents in oil refineries include:

• Fires caused by sparks, hot surfaces, or equipment malfunction near flammable vapors
• Explosions from uncontrolled chemical reactions or improper handling of pressurized systems
• Negligence by the employer, contractors, or other involved parties
• Equipment failures due to poor maintenance or defective parts
• Exposure to toxic chemicals leading to occupational disease
• Slips, trips, and falls in high-traffic or poorly lit areas

What Are Common Injuries Sustained by Oil Refinery Workers?

Common work injuries at refineries include:

• Burns from fires or explosions
• Crush injuries from heavy machinery
• Fractures and orthopedic damage from falls or falling objects
• Respiratory injuries caused by inhaling hazardous fumes
• Traumatic brain injuries from blast waves or falling debris
• Occupational disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cancer from long-term chemical exposure

These injuries often require extensive medical attention, ongoing treatment, and may result in permanent impairments.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available to Refinery Employees?

If you are an injured worker in Illinois, you may be entitled to a variety of workers’ compensation benefits, including:

• Medical expenses covering hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages through temporary total disability (TTD) payments while you cannot work
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) if you return to lighter duties at reduced pay
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) for lasting impairments affecting your ability to work
• Permanent total disability (PTD) if you cannot return to any job
• Survivor benefits for families of employees who lose their lives in refinery accidents

These benefits are available regardless of fault in most cases, as long as the injury occurred during your job duties.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Refinery Accident

To pursue a workers’ compensation claim, you must notify your employer within 45 days of the refinery accident. Your report should include the date, location, and nature of the injury, along with any initial medical treatment received. The formal claim is then filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Failing to provide timely notice or missing the filing deadline—generally three years from the accident date or two years from your last benefits payment—can affect your ability to recover compensation.

What Are Third-Party Claims in Refinery Work Injury Cases?

While workers’ compensation awards cover many losses, they do not include pain and suffering or other economic damages. In some situations, a personal injury lawsuit may be possible against the following parties: an equipment manufacturer whose defective machinery caused the accident or a negligent contractor whose actions led to an explosion. Pursuing a lawsuit alongside workers’ compensation can allow you to recover additional compensation beyond standard benefits.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A skilled lawyer from our team can help you:

• Gather evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim
• Ensure your employer complies with Illinois law
• Negotiate with the insurance company for full benefits
• Identify possible third-party claims to maximize your recovery
• Represent you in court if your claim is denied

Most cases benefit from early legal involvement to protect the injured worker’s rights and avoid costly mistakes.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, employees generally have three years from the date of a refinery accident to file a workers’ compensation claim or two years from the date they last received benefits, whichever is later. For occupational diseases, the deadline usually begins when the worker becomes aware, or should have become aware, of the work-related nature of the condition.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’ve been hurt in a refinery accident, our law firm can help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits, explore additional recovery options, and ensure your medical bills and lost wages are covered. Contact Chicago Injury Center today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the benefits you’re entitled to under Illinois law.