Victims of last month’s massive explosion at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing in northwest Houston, Texas are facing even more uncertainty today, following the company’s decision to file for bankruptcy protection.
2 Dead, Dozens Injured, Hundreds of Homes Damaged in Watson Grinding Explosion
The January 24th explosion killed two Watson Grinding employees, injured dozens of people living near the plant, and damaged more than 450 homes and business in the surrounding neighborhoods.
While Watson Grinding’s CEO initially told ABC13 that he would cover repairs for all damaged homes, he later backed off that statement. Unfortunately, the company’s voluntary petition for Chapter 11 reorganization likely means proceedings in dozens of lawsuits filed on behalf of the explosion’s victims will now be delayed until the bankruptcy concludes.
The first hearing to address the matter will be convened this coming Monday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Top Houston Plant Explosion Lawyer Addresses Watson Grinding Bankruptcy
Ryan Zehl, a top Houston Plant Explosion Lawyer with Zehl & Associates, calls Watson Grinding’s decision to file bankruptcy after promising to take responsibility “cowardly” and “egregious.”
“The real victims are the families, because even if the bankruptcy courts were to liquidate assets that created some amount of money for these families, it’s going to take years,” he told The Houston Chronicle.
“What are these people supposed to do the meantime?”
Mr. Zehl and his firm represent the family of two children, ages 3 and 7, who were seriously injured when their ceilings collapsed on them while sleeping. The impact of the Watson Grinding explosion blew out the home’s windows and caused the roof to cave in. The children were hospitalized with injuries to their back and neck.
“I suspect that once the investigation is complete, it will become clear that this catastrophic explosion – which caused widespread property damage, numerous injuries, and two tragic deaths – could have been prevented,” Mr. Zehl said in a statement issued by the firm. “We believe that Watson and the other companies involved in its operations were aware of the extreme risks associated with the storage and use of propylene, natural gas and the other highly hazardous and combustible materials utilized at the plant, but chose not to take the precautions and safeguards needed to prevent them from igniting and exploding”
Where Watson Grinding Explosion Victims Can Find Help
Watson Grinding’s bankruptcy petition also drew the ire of Houston Mayer Sylvester Turner, who said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the move.
“The company’s decision must not slow the pace of the recovery or the investigation,” the mayor said in a statement. “It is important that authorities determine both the cause of the blast and hold the responsible party accountable.”
Fortunately, many others in Houston have stepped up to aid those impacted by the Watson Grinding explosion.
Several organizations, including the Brenda and John Duncan YMCA, the City of Houston, and The Red Cross, are collecting money and gift cards.
Earlier this week, it was announced that homeowners would be able to apply for a low interest loan through the Small Business Association. Houston’s Department of Housing and Community Development also has a home repair program for eligible low to moderate income homeowners.
Contact our Undefeated Plant Explosion Lawyers for a Free Consult at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here
Our Undefeated Plant Explosions Lawyers are devoting our full resources to determining how the Watson Grinding explosion could (and should) have been prevented and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable for the loss of lives, catastrophic injuries, and devastating property damage that resulted from the January 24th tragedy.
We will continue to post updates as new information becomes available.
If you or a loved one were injured as a result of the Watson Grinding explosion, please call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to submit a confidential email through our “Contact Us” form.