Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’re a contract worker that’s been injured at a California oil refinery. Refineries for companies PBF Energy are–even under the best of circumstances–dangerous to work in. And while that can lead to accidents and injuries, it also opens the door to legal help. To get started with a free consultation, contact us today.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
An injury at work on a PBF Energy refinery is, obviously, pretty damaging–not just to your health, but to your entire family’s lives. Being an independent contractor at one of these sites comes with a huge amount of risk, but it also gives you the opportunity to work hard and prove yourself. That could go away when you’re hurt in an accident, and you don’t want to be left out in the cold because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence. That’s why you have legal options and our team will be there to support you by:
- Explaining what your options are and what the path ahead looks like
- Find out what caused the accident and who all is responsible
- Gathering the information and evidence you’ll need for your claim
- Guiding you through the claims process, whether that’s with insurance or a lawsuit
No matter how your injury shows up, one thing stays the same: taking the right steps early on can protect your health, your claim, and your future. But it’s all about knowing what your options are to begin with.
What Legal Options Do I Really Have?
Contract workers like you are a big part of daily refinery operations for PBF Energy, but that doesn’t mean the system always makes things easy for you after an accident. That said, the law is on your side. If you were hurt in an accident because of someone else’s actions (or inactions), you can file an injury claim either through:
- An insurance claim out of court – This option is less formal and usually quicker, but the downside is that insurance companies control the process, and their goal is to limit what they pay.
- A personal injury lawsuit in court – This takes longer and is more formal, but it allows you to pursue the full scope of damages if your claim is successful.
No matter which path your case takes, the purpose is the same: to help you recover from the losses the accident caused. This means you can potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses, from emergency care to ongoing treatment.
- Lost income, including wages you miss during recovery.
- Property damage, like tools, gear, or clothing ruined in the accident.
- Pain and suffering, for the physical toll an injury takes.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or trauma tied to the accident.
- Loss of quality of life, when your injury makes everyday activities harder.
- Wrongful death expenses, including funeral and burial costs if the accident takes a life.
In California, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Acting quickly not only keeps you within that deadline, it also helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case. With that said, it’s ultimately going to come down to what happened-and who’s fault it was.
Who Pays For My Damages If I’m a Contract Worker That’s Hurt at a PBF Energy Refinery?
Working as a contractor at a PBF Energy refinery comes with unique risks—and unique challenges when something goes wrong. Even though you have every right to file a civil claim, PBF Energy and its insurance companies may try to shift blame or downplay what happened, leaving you to untangle a maze of rules and paperwork at the very moment you’re trying to recover.
On top of that, working in a refinery is dangerous even on days when everything runs smoothly. With so many moving parts, heavy equipment, and hazardous substances, accidents can happen in countless ways:
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Chemical exposure
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Falls from platforms
- Defective equipment or safety gear
- Poor safety oversight
After an accident, one of the hardest questions to answer is: who’s at fault? To have a strong claim, you’ll need to show that someone’s negligence—or failure to take proper safety steps—caused your injury. In refinery accidents, that responsibility can fall on many different people or groups, including:
- PBF Energy (the refinery owner) – They must provide a reasonably safe work environment.
- Refinery management – They oversee day-to-day operations and are supposed to enforce safety standards.
- Supervisors – They’re responsible for giving safe instructions and ensuring the job site runs properly.
- Coworkers – Everyone on-site is expected to follow safety rules and avoid endangering others.
- Staffing agencies or subcontractors – If they placed workers on the site, they’re responsible for proper training and supervision.
- Manufacturers – If defective tools, safety gear, or machinery caused your accident, the company that made or sold that product may be liable.
- Inspectors or regulators – Agencies that miss or ignore hazards during inspections can also play a role.
- Other contractors on site – When multiple contractors work together, one group’s mistake can create unsafe conditions for everyone.
In short, liability doesn’t always fall on just one person or company. Anyone who was supposed to protect your safety but failed to do so could be part of your claim. PBF Energy and its insurance companies know these rules inside and out—and they may use that to their advantage. This makes information and evidence of what happened absolutely crucial to your claim.
What Evidence Will I Need If I’m Hurt at a PBF Energy Refinery?
Getting hurt on the job isn’t something you ever expect, even at a PBF refinery. One moment you’re focused on tightening a valve, climbing scaffolding, or checking equipment, and the next you’re left trying to figure out what just happened—and what to do next. The truth is, the details matter. The more information you’re able to gather, the stronger your claim can be. Here are some of the most important things you’ll want to keep track of:
- What happened – Write down exactly what went wrong, including the date, time, location, and what you were doing right before the accident. Small details can make a big difference. If management creates an official incident report, be sure to get a copy for yourself.
- Who was in charge – Make note of who was responsible for your work that day. Was it PBF directly, a subcontractor, or the staffing agency that placed you? This helps identify who could be liable.
- Witnesses – If anyone saw the accident, get their names and contact info. People who witnessed what happened can back up your story and help show the accident really happened.
- Medical records – Keep every doctor’s note, test result, or treatment record. These documents show how your injuries are connected to the accident and how they’ve affected your health.
- Photos and videos – Snap pictures of the scene, the equipment involved, and even your injuries. A visual record can really show what went wrong and how serious it was.
- Work and pay records – Hang onto schedules, timesheets, and pay stubs. These show what you were earning and help document any income lost while recovering.
- Unsafe conditions you noticed – If you saw hazards before the accident—like broken tools, missing safety gear, or ignored warning signs—write them down. This helps show that the risk was known but not addressed.
- Messages and emails – Keep any texts, emails, or written reports you sent or received from supervisors, management, or insurance reps. They show you reported the accident and how it was handled.
- Organize everything – Put all your records together in one folder—digital or physical. Having everything in one place makes it easier to reference later and ensures nothing gets lost.
Collecting this evidence isn’t just paperwork—it’s your way of showing exactly what happened, who may be responsible, and the real impact on your life. Even a few pieces can make a big difference when you’re trying to protect your rights and recover from your injuries.
Contractors Injured on PBF Energy Refineries in California Can Trust Maison Law
After a refinery accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is paperwork, insurance adjusters, or being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault. That’s where our California personal injury lawyers at Maison Law can step in. We’ll explain your options, what your rights are, what you can do, and how the process works.
Most importantly, having our team in your corner gives you space to focus on what matters most—getting better and getting your life back. You can put your trust in us. Set up a free consultation today.
