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by The Stoddard Firm - July 24th, 2023
The sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, at the north end of Savannah, has been in operation almost continuously since 1917. The most infamous day in its history was February 7th, 2008, when a buildup of sugar dust under one of the conveyor belts ignited, leading to a massive particle explosion that killed 14 workers, injured 38 more, and leveled large portions of the facility.
Sadly, one major accident might not sound like a terrible record for a high-volume industrial facility that had been in operation for over 90 years, but the kind of carelessness that allowed for all those deaths should not have happened anywhere, on any timeline.
OSHA levied an $8.7 million fine, the third largest in its history at the time, after determining that the company that owned the plant, Imperial Sugar, had fully understood the danger of particle explosions and done nothing to stop them. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board also called the incident “ entirely preventable.”
The company began rebuilding immediately with promises of safety improvements, and was later bought out by U.S Sugar in September 2022.
It seems, however, that none of these changes have turned the refinery into a safe workplace.
On the morning of June 9th, fifteen years after the Imperial Sugar blast, another deadly explosion occurred in one of the refinery’s silos.
The victim was 61-year-old Robert Sallette, a Richmond resident who leaves behind a wife, Margie Sallette, as well as four children and two grandchildren.
The explosion that killed Sallette started, not with sugar particles, but with the water-based pressure lance he was using to cut metal inside the silo. Pressure lances work by focusing small jets of water at thousands of pounds or pressure per square inch. The apparent catastrophic failure of the device was enough to propel metal shrapnel at deadly speeds.
The Chatham County police and coroner’s departments are still investigating, and OSHA will presumably do the same. So far, it appears that Sallette was following all safety procedures, and the cause of the failure is unclear.
Finding out the truth of what happened in that silo is important for multiple reasons. Aside from offering closure and guiding future safety policies, those details can affect the family’s legal options for compensation.
The worker’s comp system can make it challenging to hold companies truly accountable for worker safety. Under worker’s comp law, employers are generally immune to personal injury and wrongful death suits from employees and their families, even in cases of gross negligence.
What accountability does exist comes in the form of government organizations like OSHA, which do not compensate victims. The worker’s comp system itself provides small payouts, but not nearly the full amount a civil court would award.
However, many industrial accidents are the result of negligence from more than just once source. Only the employer is immune to lawsuits — other companies involved in the accident are valid defendants for a suit.
In the Sallette accident, for example, it’s possible the pressure lance was defective. If so, the company that sold the lance to U.S. Sugar would be fully liable for Sallette’s death.
If you are Margie Sallette, or if you have also lost someone to an industrial accident in Georgia, reach out to learn more about your options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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