Fort Martin Power Plant and Longview Power Station Accident Lawyer
Fort Martin Power Plant – Maidsville West Virginia – FirstEnergy Corp
Power Plant Accident Lawyers Based in Morgantown, WV
The experienced Morgantown, West Virginia, power plant accident lawyers at the Robinette Legal Group have successfully fought for injured workers and their families. In addition to common hazards workers face in industrial settings, power plant workers face the added danger of working with electric or nuclear power. This could lead to accidents that result in horrific injuries. If you have been injured in a West Virginia power plant accident, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your legal rights and options.
Example of a Power Plant Wrongful Death Case
A young husband/father was performing his duties as ordered and, having been put in harm’s way, was backed over by a truck and crushed. Jeff Robinette successfully represented this man’s widow and small child and obtained a substantial settlement that allowed this family to begin to rebuild their broken lives.
Review from One of the Clients whose Husband Was Killed in a West Virginia Power Plant Accident:
“A few years ago, my husband died, and it was a terrible time. I needed to figure out where to go or who to turn to. I found myself at Jeff Robinette’s door, asking for his help. We had never met before, but he was so kind and helpful. He did an excellent job with my case. He worked so hard and kept me very informed of the progress. He started as my lawyer, and now I count him as my friend.”
Types of Hazards That Cause Injuries in Power Plants
Power plants produce electricity and supply energy that powers communities across West Virginia. However, they can also be dangerous workplaces not just because of the inherent dangers present in these worksites but also because of other factors caused by negligence that could harm workers. As a result, power plant workers face a heightened risk of catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
Here are some of the most common risks and injuries power plant workers face in West Virginia that require the knowledge and help of our dedicated work accident lawyers:
Fires and explosions: In a power plant, fires and explosions could have life-changing consequences. They could cause painful and disfiguring burn injuries requiring long-term treatment and care. Workers might require surgical procedures, including costly skin graft surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and ongoing pain management. Despite treatments, they may never recover from their permanent disabilities or scarring. In addition to the physical effects, such injuries also cause severe psychological damage.
Electrocutions: Because workers in power plants deal with electricity and electrical equipment, electrical injuries or electrocutions are dangerous. Electrocution is death or severe damage caused by electric shock or an electric current passing through the body.
Falls: Falling from heights is a danger in any industry. Power plants are no exception. Falls often result in significant injuries, including head injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones, internal organ trauma, etc. Many of these injuries could require lengthy treatment and rehabilitation and often require time off work.
Excessive noise: Loss of hearing from an explosion or the work environment is a common injury suffered by workers at power plants. Workers subjected to several years of loud noises and not given protective gear could suffer partial or total hearing loss. Some experience symptoms such as ringing in the ears or needing to increase the volume to hear better.
Toxic Exposure: Burning fossil fuels in power plants could result in the emission of many harmful chemicals, gases, and particulate matter that could be harmful to human health. Such toxic exposure could result in respiratory and cardiovascular problems, immune system damage, and even cancers.
Fatal Power Plant Accidents in West Virginia
If you have lost a loved one in a power plant accident, you may be able to seek workers’ comp death benefits. These benefits for survivors of the wrongful death of a deceased worker might cover medical expenses incurred by the decedent as well as funeral and burial costs. However, it is essential to remember that death benefits provided through the workers’ compensation system in West Virginia alone would be woefully inadequate when compensating victims’ families.
The experienced Morgantown, West Virginia, power plant accident lawyers at the Robinette Legal Group have successfully fought for injured workers and their families.
It is difficult to fathom that such compensation would suffice for a family that has just lost a primary wage earner or breadwinner. In such cases, a West Virginia power plant accident injury lawyer can explore other avenues of compensation to help families bear their financial losses.
Third-Party Claim
Whether you’ve lost a loved one in a power plant accident or if you are a worker who has suffered catastrophic injuries and is unable to return to work, you might be wondering how to seek just compensation in your case. In some situations, workers may seek monetary compensation in addition to their workers’ comp benefits.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to file what is known as a third-party claim, which is essentially a personal injury lawsuit against a party other than your employer who may have caused your injury or your loved one’s death. Third-party claims are worth more than workers’ comp benefits because they include compensation you cannot seek through workers’ comp.
For example, workers’ compensation benefits may not include loss of earning capacity or compensation for pain and suffering. However, when you file a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for those losses and others, such as the cost of ongoing treatment and care. Examples of third parties include property owners, contractors, manufacturers of defective products or equipment, etc.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Injured?
You would be well advised to take several steps if you were injured in a power plant accident. First, report your accident and injuries to your employer and supervisor. Obtain a copy of these reports for your records. Third, get medical attention immediately, even if you believe you may not be injured. If you are bleeding or have suffered apparent injuries, go to the emergency room.
Getting immediate care not only helps you recover faster but also helps you document your injuries and the treatment you received for them. Keep all invoices, receipts, and documents about your accident and injuries.
Be sure to file a workers’ compensation claim within the required deadline. For example, West Virginia requires injured workers to apply for benefits within six months of the date of injury. Finally, make sure you contact an experienced West Virginia power plant accident injury lawyer who will remain on your side, fight for your rights, and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
You may be able to seek compensation for losses, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The experienced personal injury lawyers at the Robinette Legal Group will fight hard to protect your rights and help achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Call one of our experienced West Virginia power plant accident lawyers at (304) 594-1800 to schedule a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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