Undefeated Texas Refinery Explosion Lawyers
As the second-largest refiner in the nation, Valero Energy operates 15 petroleum refineries in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The 400-acre Valero Three Rivers Refinery, located halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, employs around 290 workers and has a total throughput capacity of 100,000 barrels per day.
Despite its size and reach, Valero has a history of putting profits over safety.
On New Year’s Day 2025, a large fire broke out at the refinery, alarming nearby residents who shared video footage and concerns about their safety on social media. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Valero’s History of Refinery Fires, Explosions, And Safety Violations
Valero’s pattern of explosions, fires, and safety violations stretches across the Gulf Coast:
- February 2022 – A contractor was tragically killed at the Valero Port Arthur Refinery.
- April 2022 – A fire at Velaro Meraux (Chalmette, LA) severely burned two workers and injured six others.
- April 2020 – A Valero Meraux explosion seriously injured one worker.
- August 2018 – A depropanizer tower explosion at Valero Texas City ignited a massive fire.
- September 2017 – A fire at Valero Port Arthur forced a shelter-in-place order and spewed over 1 million pounds of toxic emissions into the air.
In 2021, Valero paid $47,357 in fines to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to follow federally mandated safety procedures, which contributed to a previous accident.
And since 2020, Valero has been hit with 39 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety violations, including:
- More than a dozen serious citations
- Hundreds of thousands in penalties
- One single fine of nearly $540,000
What To Know If You’ve Been Injured in a Refinery Explosion
1. Your Employer and Insurers Are Not on Your Side
After an explosion, your employer may promise to “make things right.” But make no mistake—their priority is protecting the company, not you. From the moment the accident occurs, insurance companies and corporate lawyers go into defense mode, working to:
- Limit you to workers’ compensation which will never cover all of your damages
- Minimize your injuries to avoid paying full compensation
- Delay your claim in hopes you’ll accept less than you deserve
- Destroy or hide critical evidence that proves their negligence
- Undermine your credibility by questioning the cause and severity of your injuries
The longer you wait, the stronger their defense becomes. That’s why it’s critical to take immediate action to protect yourself and your future.
2. Your Actions Now Will Determine Your Future
The hours, days, and weeks following a refinery explosion can mean the difference between recovering millions or close to nothing at all.
Insurance companies count on injured workers not knowing their rights. Don’t fall into their trap.
To protect yourself and your financial future:
- See the doctor of your choice: You do not have to see the company doctor! Company-approved doctors often downplay injuries to protect the employer. Get examined by an independent physician who prioritizes your health.
- DO NOT limit yourself to workers’ comp: Many injured workers are entitled to far more than workers’ comp benefits, but only if they act quickly by speaking to an experienced lawyer.
- Preserve all evidence: If possible, take photos/videos of the scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions that may have contributed to the explosion.
- Get witness statements: Coworkers who saw the explosion may be critical to proving negligence.
- NEVER give recorded statements to the company or insurance adjusters: Anything you say can be used against you to discredit your injuries and minimize your recovery.
- Contact an experienced refinery explosion lawyer immediately: Oil companies and insurers will do everything possible to avoid responsibility. Only an experienced lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and pursue justice on your behalf. And only the best can ensure you recover the maximum compensation possible for all of your injuries and losses — and have the track record to prove it.
3. You Can’t Rely on Workers Comp — Protect Your Rights With an Experienced Refinery Explosion Lawyer
Many refinery workers are entitled to far more than workers’ comp—but only if they act quickly. Workers’ compensation limits what you can recover and will never fully cover your:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost future earnings
- Punitive damages for employer negligence
- Lifelong medical care for severe injuries
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is the only way you will be able to recover the full compensation you deserve for all of your injuries and losses. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an experienced refinery accident attorney as soon as possible to determine your best options forward.
Why Hire Zehl & Associates?
Oil companies and refineries have teams of lawyers fighting to pay you as little as possible.
Level the playing field by hiring a law firm with the resources, experience, and proven track record of not only winning against them — but setting records.
At Zehl & Associates, our Undefeated Texas Refinery Explosion Lawyers have won Billions, including record-breaking verdicts and settlements for workers and families after the most devastating plant, refinery, and pipeline explosions in recent history.
And, most importantly, our clients are our top priority. We go above and beyond from the minute you hire our firm to make sure you have access to the best doctors in the country, that your medical bills and reasonable living expenses are covered while your case is pending, and offering the around-the-clock support your family needs and deserves every step of the way.
While every case is unique, our goal is always the same: to hold reckless companies accountable and ensure that our clients and their families are fully and fairly compensated for all their injuries and financial losses.
Undefeated Refinery Explosion Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
If you or someone you love were injured in connection with the Valero Three Rivers refinery explosion, please call 1-888-603-3636 or click here to fill out our confidential contact form.
We’ll answer your questions, go over your rights, and provide the information you need to make the best decision for your family.
All consultations are free, and because we only represent clients for a contingency fee, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
29.73890263937774, -95.4612824423294
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
31.99827039117601, -102.07752974593966
Open 24 hours