Undefeated Chemical Plant Explosion Lawyers
Chemical manufacturing is a relatively large industry in the United States. The industry has thousands of plants nationwide, employing almost 900,000 workers. Chemical manufacturing involves producing products using a chemical process to transform raw materials. Chemical manufacturing includes numerous industry groups, including:
- Pharmaceuticals and medicine
- Basic chemical manufacturing
- Soap and cleaning compounds
- Fertilizer, pesticide, and other agricultural chemical manufacturing
- Coating, painting, and adhesive manufacturing
- Synthetic rubber, resin, and artificial synthetic fibers
- Other chemical products
Chemical manufacturing is a dangerous industry. Explosions are common in chemical plants. Texas leads the country in refinery and chemical plant accidents. Some of the worst chemical plant explosions happen in Texas.
Our undefeated chemical plant lawyers at Zehl & Associates have won billions for our clients in personal injury cases, including a $75 million plant explosion settlement and a $100 million refinery explosion settlement.
Fatal and Catastrophic Chemical Plant Explosions in Texas
There have been numerous chemical plant explosions throughout Texas. Some of the worst chemical plant explosions include:
- October 1989 – Phillips Petroleum Company Houston Chemical Complex explosion in Pasadena, TX
- November 2019 – TPC Group explosion in Port Neches, TX
- May 2018 – Kuraray America explosion in Pasadena, TX
- January 2020 – Watson Grinding explosion in Houston, TX
- April 2019 – KMCO, LLC explosion in Crosby, TX
- March 2019 – Baytown Complex explosion in Baytown, TX
- September 2019 – Celanese Corporation explosion in Pasadena, TX
- August 2017 – Arkema Chemical Plant explosion in Crosby, TX
- March 2018 – Cresson Chemical Plant explosion in Cresson, TX
The above examples are just a few of the chemical plant explosions in Texas history. Sadly, many of these explosions could have been avoided.
Common Causes of Chemical Plant Explosions in Texas
Chemical manufacturing is a hazardous industry. Many things can go wrong during manufacturing, resulting in an explosion. However, negligence (carelessness) often plays a significant role in a large number of chemical plant explosions in Texas.
Examples of negligence that lead to chemical plant explosions include:
- Lack of training and supervision for plant workers
- Failing to implement safety procedures and train workers about safety procedures
- Human error and negligence, including distractions, working under the influence of drugs/alcohol, horseplay, and general mistakes
- Intentional acts to cause explosions
- Defective equipment and tools
- Failing to collect, store, and dispose of combustible dust
- Contamination of raw materials
- Manufacturing defects
- Failure to use safety standards for “hot work,” including soldering, heating, brazing, torching, and welding
- Failing to store and handle flammable liquids and gases safely
- Lack of maintenance, including inspecting, cleaning, and repairing equipment
Violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules also contribute to the cause of some chemical plant explosions. OSHA rules and regulations are designed to reduce the risk of situations that could result in a chemical plant explosion.
In addition to negligence and intentional torts, natural disasters can cause chemical plant explosions, including hurricanes, floods, electrical storms, and tornados.
What Types of Worker Injuries Are Reported After a Chemical Plant Explosion in Texas?
Chemical plant workers can be severely injured or killed in explosions at chemical plants. Depending on the circumstances of the explosion and the chemicals on site, a worker may sustain one or more of the following injuries:
- Respiratory injuries from inhaling asbestos, dust, silica, smoke, chemicals, and other particulates released during the explosion and fire
- Severe burns, disfigurement, and amputations
- Crushed, fractured, and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury and head injury
- Injuries to the eyes and ears cause vision and hearing loss
- Neurological damage from the release of chemicals
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
Workers at a chemical plant may develop long-term conditions because of a chemical plant explosion. Examples include reproductive issues, cancer, aplastic anemia, cognitive problems, neurological damage, and life-threatening conditions.
What Should I Do After a Chemical Plant Explosion in Houston, TX?
If you are injured because of a chemical plant explosion, seek immediate medical treatment. Discuss long-term conditions that you might develop with your physician.
From there, talk with a Houston chemical plant explosion lawyer about your legal options for recovering compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may receive compensation for both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party claim.
Call 888-603-3636 or Contact the Undefeated Houston Chemical Plant Explosion Lawyers from Zehl & Associates for Help Today
You could be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries caused by a chemical plant explosion.
For more information, please contact our Undefeated Chemical Plant Explosion attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours