Maison Law helps contract workers get through the claims process when they’re hurt on the job at a Phillips 66 refinery. Working at a refinery is demanding, with high-risk tasks, tight schedules, and constant pressure to keep things moving. One wrong step—a slip on an oily platform, a malfunctioning machine, or exposure to hazardous chemicals—can change your life in seconds. We’ll be there to support and guide you. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
What Legal Options Do Contractors Have After a Refinery Injury?
After an accident, contractors like you have a lot of unanswered questions: Can I file for workers’ comp? Should I file an insurance claim, or file a lawsuit? Generally speaking, contractors don’t have access to workers’ comp benefits, so that leaves you with a civil injury claim. And while that isn’t as easy as workers’ comp benefits, it does give you the chance at getting more financial support. So, here’s how you can do that:
- Filing an insurance claim – This is usually faster but controlled by insurers who aim to minimize payouts.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – A longer, more formal process that allows you to pursue the full range of damages, decided by a judge and jury.
Regardless of the option you choose, it’s all about getting “damages.” And while that depends on your particular losses, it opens the door to recovering financial support for your:
- Emergency medical care and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential.
- Physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of quality of life when everyday activities become difficult.
- Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases.
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Acting quickly makes it easier to get the information you’ll need, but again, it’s all going to be unique to what actually happened.
Why Are Accidents So Common at Phillips 66 Refineries?
Refineries are fast-paced, complex workplaces where even a small mistake can have serious consequences. As a contractor at Phillips 66, you’re often tasked with high-risk jobs—emergency repairs, maintenance on scaffolds, or specialized work near volatile systems. Accidents can happen in an instant, and some of the most common causes include:
- Falls from elevation – Ladders, scaffolds, and elevated platforms are part of daily work, but even a small slip can be dangerous.
- Explosions and fires – Sparks, leaks, or a minor misstep can quickly escalate into a serious hazard.
- Chemical exposure – Fumes, spills, and other hazardous substances can cause both immediate injuries and long-term health problems.
- Heavy equipment accidents – Forklifts, cranes, and trucks are constantly moving, and mistakes can have devastating consequences.
- Faulty safety gear – A defective harness, respirator, or glove can turn a near-miss into a serious injury.
- Slips and trips – Spilled oil or cluttered walkways may seem minor, but they can lead to significant injuries in seconds.
Accidents like these rarely have a single cause. In a busy refinery, responsibility can fall on multiple parties, from supervisors to contractors, equipment manufacturers, or even oversight agencies. That’s why understanding who may be liable is a critical next step for any contractor trying to protect their rights after an injury.
Who’s Liable For Injuries After an Accident on a Phillips 66 Refinery?
Figuring out who’s at fault after a refinery accident can be tricky. Unlike workers’ comp, which doesn’t require proving fault, a civil claim means showing that someone’s negligence caused your injury. At a busy refinery like Phillips 66, more than one person or company could be responsible.
Negligence can take many forms. It might be safety rules being ignored, shortcuts to meet deadlines, or broken equipment that wasn’t fixed. Some of the people or groups who could be responsible include:
- Phillips 66 – The company owns the refinery and must keep it safe.
- Managers and supervisors – They are supposed to make sure safety rules are followed.
- Your staffing agency or employer – If they didn’t train you properly or supervise your work, they could be partly responsible.
- Other contractors – Mistakes by other workers on site can put everyone at risk.
- Equipment makers – Faulty machines, tools, or safety gear can cause injuries.
- Inspectors or regulators – Agencies that miss obvious hazards may share responsibility.
In a refinery, it’s rarely just one person at fault. But again, it’s going to come down to what happened and why. So, the information and evidence you have is going to be vital to how things play out.
What Evidence Can Help My Injury Claim?
Evidence is the backbone of any civil claim. But especially in a workplace injury as a contractor, you should start collecting documentation immediately to support your claim. veery situation is different, but generally, here’s a few pieces of information that could help you:
- Incident reports – Any reports about the accident, whether created by Phillips 66 or written by you, help document exactly what happened.
- Supervisor and contractor names – Keep track of who was in charge that day, since it helps establish who may be responsible.
- Medical records – Save every test result, diagnosis, and treatment note to show how your injuries are linked to the accident.
- Witness information – Collect the names and contact details of coworkers or other contractors who saw the accident, as they can support your account.
- Photos and videos – Pictures or videos of the scene, equipment, or your injuries can show details that words sometimes can’t capture.
- Pay records – Timesheets, pay stubs, or other proof of income help document lost wages and your regular earnings.
- Messages and emails – Keep copies of any texts, emails, or other communication with supervisors, management, or insurers that show how the accident was reported and handled.
Keeping all evidence organized in a single folder—digital or physical—helps protect your claim and makes the process smoother. But it’s also about taking the right steps, especially doing the following:
- Getting medical attention immediately and following all treatment instructions.
- Documenting everything: incident details, hazards, and people involved.
- Getting witness information and taking photos or videos.
- Saving all communications and pay records.
Taking these steps early can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and building a strong claim. And remember, our team will be there from the very start with guidance and support.
Maison Law Helps Injured Contract Workers at Phillips 66 Refineries in California
No contractor expects to be hurt doing their job. When accidents happen at Phillips 66, it can feel overwhelming—medical bills, lost wages, and insurance calls piling up all at once. Maison Law sees the person behind the paperwork: the contractor whose livelihood has been disrupted, the family worried about the future, and the individual who deserves a fair shot at recovery.
We handle the legal side so you can focus on getting better. If you’ve been injured at a Phillips 66 refinery, reach out for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you get back on your feet.
