Undefeated Louisiana Plant Explosion Lawyers
A tank explosion at a Westlake Chemical plant in Louisiana left six workers injured yesterday morning.
Westlake Chemical Explosion Heard and Felt Across Lake Charles Area
The January 26th explosion erupted at roughly 10:45 a.m. local time at Westlake’s south plant, near Pete Manena and PPG Drive in Sulphur, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the air.
The blast was heard and felt for miles in the Lake Charles area, and nearby schools and industries were briefly ordered to shelter in place. Fortunately, crews extinguished the resulting fire within 15 minutes, and no vapors were detected in the air.
Paramedics rushed two injured workers to Oschner Christus St. Patrick Hospital, while three others were transferred to Lake Charles Memorial. A sixth worker received first-aid at the scene.
Their injuries reportedly ranged from lacerations and abrasions to a first-degree burn. None were considered life-threatening.
Explosion Involved Empty Ethylene Dichloride Tank
So far, it’s not known what might have triggered yesterday’s explosion. However, officials have confirmed that the blast involved an empty ethylene dichloride tank.
Ethylene dichloride is primarily used in the production of vinyl chloride. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it is also used in solvents in closed systems for various extraction and cleaning purposes in organic synthesis and as an additive in lead gasoline.
The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration is investigating.
Explosion Was 3rd Incident at a Westlake Chemical Plant Since June 2021
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Westlake Chemical is an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers, and building products. The company has approximately 9,200 employees worldwide and operates plants in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Yesterday’s explosion was the third serious incident involving one of Westlake’s four Louisiana facilities in less than a year.
Just four months ago, on September 27, 2021, a flash fire erupted during a maintenance turnaround at Westlake Chemical’s Petro Complex 2 Unit, an ethylene production facility located along State Highway 108 in Sulphur. Six contractors were hospitalized due to that incident, including one man who suffered severe burns over 50% of his body.
In June 2021, another fire erupted at the Westlake Petro 1 Unit. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
What to Do After a Chemical Plant Explosion
If you were hurt in a chemical plant explosion or accident, you must act quickly to protect your rights and your future.
Don’t speak with the company’s insurance adjuster, make a recorded statement, sign anything, or accept any payments (other than your regular paycheck) until you’ve contacted an experienced plant explosion lawyer with a record of success against the largest corporations in the world.
In addition to being Undefeated, our Louisiana Plant Explosion Attorneys have won Billions in record-breaking verdicts and settlements following the worst industrial explosions and disasters in recent history, including:
- #1 Largest Individual Burn Settlement in U.S. History
- $75 Million Settlement for workers injured in a refinery explosion
- $85 Million Settlement for injured refinery contractors
- Largest verdicts and settlements in our opponents’ corporate histories
- Largest accident verdicts and settlements in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and across the United States
Why is our law firm so successful?
We limit our caseload to give each client the full attention they deserve, we never accept anything less than the maximum compensation available, and we possess a deep knowledge of the safety rules and regulations governing industrial facilities.
Most importantly, we’re always prepared for trial if the company refuses to fully compensate our clients for all of their damages and losses.
To learn more about our success representing injured workers and their families, visit our “Results” page or Click Here to see what our clients have said about their experience with our firm.
Undefeated Louisiana Plant Explosion Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult.
Our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers are monitoring developments related to yesterday’s Westlake Chemical explosion and will post an update if new information becomes available.
If you or someone you love were hurt due to the January 26th explosion, our plant explosion attorneys are ready to help. Please call 1-888-603-3636 or click here to fill out our confidential contact form.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
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