[04-02-2025] Contra Costa County, CA – Worker Injured in Fire at Martinez Refining Company During Refueling Operation

A worker sustained injuries after a fire broke out at the Martinez Refining Company during a refueling operation in Contra Costa County, on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025.

According to refinery officials, the incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. when a portable air compressor caught fire while being refueled by a contract worker.

The worker was transported offsite for medical evaluation and treatment.

The refinery confirmed that the fire was unrelated to its process units and was successfully extinguished.

A Community Warning System Level 1 alert was issued, and the appropriate agencies were notified.

Contra Costa County health officials confirmed that the unit involved in the incident was not part of the refinery’s scheduled process unit restarts following a previous fire on February 1.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the refinery is expected to submit a report to Contra Costa Health within 72 hours.

Contact Our Skilled Workers’ Compensation Lawyers In Contra Costa County

Workplace accidents can result in severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial difficulties. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, securing legal support is essential to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We are here to guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests.

Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Contra Costa County are prepared to help you with your insurance claim and, if necessary, represent you in court. With over $750 million recovered for clients, Arash Law is recognized as one of California’s most trusted personal injury law firms.

For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form today.

What To Do After A Workplace Accident In Contra Costa County

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Contra Costa County, you are entitled to compensation under California’s workers’ compensation law, regardless of who was at fault. In the event of a wrongful death, surviving family members may also be eligible for additional compensation.

To safeguard your health and protect your legal rights, take the following steps immediately after a workplace accident:

1. Report The Incident To The Employer — Notify your employer or supervisor immediately. This will ensure the incident is documented, and appropriate measures can be taken.
2. Seek Medical Attention — Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but could worsen over time. Medical records will also serve as valuable evidence in your claim.
3. Document The Scene — If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any equipment, conditions, or other factors that contributed to the incident. This evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim.
4. Gather Witness Information — Obtain contact details and statements from any witnesses to the incident. Their testimonies can strengthen your case.
5. File A Workers’ Compensation Claim — In California, most workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Report the incident to your employer and file a claim as soon as possible.
6. Keep Detailed Records — Keep a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any impact the injury has had on your daily life. This documentation will be important in building your case.
7. Consult With An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer — Call our skilled workers’s compensation lawyers to discuss your case and explore your legal options. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and pursue additional compensation if third-party liability is involved.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,486 fatal work injuries in the US in 2022, a 5.7% increase from 5,190 in 2021. The BLS stated that in 2022, a worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury, compared to every 101 minutes in 2021.

Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal event, accounting for 37.7% of all occupational fatalities. There were 2,066 fatal injuries from transportation incidents in 2022, a 4.2% increase from 1,982 in 2021.

Additionally, work-related fatalities due to falls, slips, and trips increased by 1.8% in 2022, resulting in 865 fatalities, up from 850 in 2021. Most fatalities in this category (80.9%) were due to falls to lower levels, which accounted for 700 fatalities in 2022, a 2.9% increase from 680 fatalities in 2021.

Navigating the process of recovering the financial compensation an accident victim is entitled to can be challenging. To have the best chance of recovering financially, individuals should ensure they are working with experienced Contra Costa County workplace injury lawyers.