Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’re hurt on the job at a California oil refinery. When you work for Chevron as a contractor, it changes your path toward getting financial support. But it doesn’t change how the process works or the guidance you’ll need. Our team will be there to help you through it all. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
Accidents at Chevron refineries don’t all look the same. Some are sudden and obvious—a fall from scaffolding, a serious cut, or a broken bone. Others are slower to show up, like breathing problems from chemical exposure or chronic pain from repeating the same heavy tasks shift after shift. Whether the injury is immediate or develops over time, what matters most is taking the right steps early so you can protect both your health and your future. You’re not required to hire a lawyer after a refinery accident, but many workers find it makes the process less overwhelming. Our lawyers can:
- Explain your legal options in plain terms
- Look closely at what caused the accident
- Gather the proof you’ll need for a claim
- Step in when insurance adjusters—or even Chevron’s legal team—try to downplay your situation.
Having someone in your corner early allows you to put your energy into healing while knowing your claim is being handled the right way.
How Could I Get Hurt as a Contract Worker at a Chevron Oil Refinery?
Chevron’s oil refineries are packed with risks–and that’s even before there’s negligence or carelessness in play. Some injuries happen suddenly, while others creep up slowly over time. Here are a few we often see:
- Slips, trips, and falls – Spilled oil, wet floors, or uneven ground can send you down hard. Carrying tools or gear makes these falls even more dangerous, often leading to broken bones or head injuries.
- Poor safety oversight – Sometimes the biggest danger is pressure to “get it done fast” instead of “get it done safely.” Missing warnings, inadequate training, or ignored hazards create conditions where injuries become almost inevitable.
- Chemical exposure – Refineries like Chevron’s in Richmond deal with toxic substances every day. Even with protective gear, one mistake can mean chemical burns or breathing problems that may not show up until later.
- Machinery accidents – Pumps, conveyors, and heavy equipment keep the refinery running—but they can also cause crush injuries, amputations, or serious cuts if something goes wrong.
- Fall from elevation – Platforms, ladders, and scaffolding are part of the job. But one missed safety rail or loose footing can cause life-changing injuries.
- Defective tools or gear – A broken valve or faulty protective mask may not sound dramatic, but even a small defect can cause major harm.
No matter how it happens, a refinery accident is never “just part of the job.” If you’ve been hurt, it’s worth exploring whether someone else’s negligence played a role.
Who’s Responsible When I’m Injured on the Job at a Chevron Oil Refinery as a Contract Worker?
One of the toughest parts of being a contract worker at a Chevron refinery is figuring out who’s actually responsible for your injury. Unlike full-time employees, you usually don’t have workers’ comp to fall back on. That means your main option is a personal injury claim—but only if you can show someone else’s negligence caused the accident.
Here are some of the parties that could be held accountable:
- Chevron management – They’re in charge of day-to-day safety and keeping the refinery in compliance. If they cut corners or overlook hazards, the company itself may be liable.
- Supervisors – Your direct supervisor should be making sure you get safe instructions and clear guidance. When they fail to do that, accidents happen.
- Coworkers – Everyone on-site has a duty to work safely. If another worker’s reckless or careless actions put you in danger, they may share responsibility.
- Staffing agencies or subcontractors – Many contract workers are brought in through third-party staffing companies. Those agencies are responsible for providing proper training and oversight.
- Equipment and product manufacturers – A defective tool, faulty valve, or broken safety harness could mean the manufacturer—not just Chevron—is on the hook.
- Government inspectors or regulators – State and local agencies are supposed to make sure refinery safety standards are met. If they fail in their oversight, it may open the door to accountability.
- Other contractors or vendors – Refineries often have multiple companies working on-site. If another contractor’s mistakes created unsafe conditions, they could be responsible for your injuries.
Sorting this out on your own can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover. That’s where having legal guidance early can make all the difference. And it also helps as you move forward with a claim.
What Claims Options Do I Have as a Contract Worker That’s Been Hurt at a Chevron Oil Refinery?
Being hurt while working at a Chevron refinery doesn’t close doors—it defines the legal paths available to you. The kind of claim you file depends on your situation, the type of injury, and who is responsible. Two main routes exist for civil injury claims:
- Insurance claim (out of court) – This option is often faster and less formal, but it puts much of the control in the hands of the insurance company. Their priority is to minimize payouts, so you may be offered less than what you actually need.
- Personal injury lawsuit (in court) – This takes longer and is more structured, but it allows you to fully present your case and potentially recover the full value of your damages.
When we talk about “recovery” in a legal sense, we’re not just referring to medical care. It also means making sure you don’t bear the financial and emotional burden of an accident that wasn’t your fault. Depending on your situation, damages may include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income now and in the future if you can’t work anymore
- Repair/replacement costs for your gear, clothing, shoes, or any other property that was damaged
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
Timing matters. In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like a long time, but building a strong case takes investigation and evidence-gathering. Acting quickly not only preserves evidence but also gives you peace of mind that your rights are being protected while you focus on getting better.
Maison Law Can Help You Move Forward After a Chevron Oil Refinery Injury
An accident at a Chevron refinery can turn your world upside down. You’re likely dealing with pain, medical appointments, and financial stress all at once. It’s a lot to carry, especially if you’re a contract worker without the safety net of workers’ compensation. At Maison Law, we understand how refinery injuries affect not just workers, but their families too. Our team will take the time to hear your story, explain your options clearly, and build a strong claim for you. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
