Chemical plant explosions happen far too often in Texas. Major incidents in recent years include:
- ExxonMobil Baytown refinery explosion on December 23, 2021: Four refinery workers were severely injured.
- Wendland 1H Well Burleson County explosion on January 29, 2020: Three fatalities occurred at the gas well.
- Watson Grinding Houston explosion on January 24, 2020: Two people were killed, and extensive damage was done to nearby property.
- TPC Group Port Neches explosion in November 2019: This incident released more than 500 pounds of particulate matter and more than 1,000 pounds of butadiene, a flammable compound, into the atmosphere.
- KMCO LLC Crosby fire and explosion on April 2, 2019: Fire and explosion at the chemical processing and manufacturing facility caused one death and multiple injuries.
- Tri-Chem Industries Fort Worth explosion and fire in March 2018: One person was killed and two were injured.
How Lax Chemical Storage and Exposure Laws Put People at Risk
Environmental advocates say that lax chemical storage and disclosure laws in Texas make disasters more likely to happen and worsen their impact. Legislation is needed to impose stricter rules regarding the structural integrity of above-ground tanks at chemical plants, refineries, and power plants. This is particularly important in areas prone to hurricanes, flooding, and storm surges. Although industry standards already exist for above-ground storage tanks, there is no penalty for not following standards. In addition, industry rules do not account for more extreme weather patterns in recent years.
Types of Chemical Processing Plants
A chemical processing plant is an industrial environment in which chemicals can be manufactured or processed into new materials. Different types of chemical processing plants include:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities
- Chemical factories producing synthetic rubber, resin, and synthetic fibers and filaments
- Fertilizer, pesticide, and agricultural chemical manufacturing facilities
- Paint, adhesive, and coating manufacturing facilities
- Cleaning compound, soap, and toilet preparation (perfumes, shaving creams, lotions, etc.) manufacturing facilities
Common Causes of Chemical Plant Explosions in Texas
Chemical plant explosions often occur when safety rules and regulations are violated. Common causes include:
- Manufacturing defects: Defective equipment that fails to function properly can cause explosions.
- Lack of safety training: Chemical plants have a responsibility to properly train employees on safety guidelines and safe equipment operation. When they fail to do so, it can lead to industrial accidents and serious injuries.
- Employee mistakes: Many chemical plant explosions result from human error.
- Improper maintenance: Equipment in chemical plants must be properly maintained for safety. This includes regular inspections, immediate repairs when needed, and regular cleaning of equipment.
Why You Need a Dallas Attorney After a Chemical Plant Explosion
Explosions at chemical plants can cause fatal or catastrophic injuries. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a chemical plant explosion, it is in your best interests to speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You may have a claim for compensation against the responsible parties.
Claims involving chemical plant explosions can be complicated cases, and insurance companies are primarily interested in their own bottom line. You need a legal team with the resources and experience to investigate a chemical factory explosion and get you the compensation you deserve.
Our Dallas workplace accident lawyers at The Lenahan Law Firm are dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation for our clients who have been seriously hurt through the negligence of others. We have built our reputation on fighting large companies and achieving excellent results. Our firm can handle every aspect of your case, including all communications with at-fault parties and insurance companies.
We offer a free consultation with no time limit. Call us at (214) 295-1008.