Unfortunately, workers sometimes suffer injuries in Texas plant explosion accidents. Several types of chemical plants are at a significantly increased risk of explosions and fires. For this reason, there are very clear safety regulations in place. If an incident occurs and workers suffer injuries, they have rights.
An industrial accident lawyer in Waxahachie can assess these cases and determine the injured party’s options. You should not have to pay for your medical care or missed income if your injuries occurred at work or on someone else’s property.
Texas Plant Explosions and Fatal Accidents
Texas has a long history of deadly chemical plant explosions and workplace accidents. Even as regulations have tightened and safety should have improved, these fatal accidents have continued to occur. These incidents often affect those who work in and around flammable liquids and volatile chemicals in chemical treatment, recycling, rebottling, and production plants.
Some examples of Texas plant explosion accidents include:
1947, Texas City, Texas
The 1947 Texas City plant explosion occurred on April 16, 1947. This is considered the deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history. At least 581 people died, and thousands of others suffered harm.
According to the official report filed by Texas authorities, an ammonium nitrate explosion occurred aboard a vessel docked at port, triggering numerous other fires and explosions on nearby ships, oil storage facilities, and plants. Plants affected included Monsanto and Union Carbide.
2005, Texas City, Texas
This March 23, 2005, explosion occurred at a BP America refinery in Texas City, Texas. The explosion caused 15 fatalities and 180 injuries. It led to $3 billion in damages and legal settlements.
The issue that led to this explosion involved an over-pressurized distillation tower. During the restart of a hydrocarbon isomerization unit, the over-pressurization led to an explosion of an atmospheric vent stack. This caused fatal and catastrophic injuries to many workers nearby.
2013, West, Texas
On April 17, 2013, an explosion occurred at the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution plant in West, Texas. This occurred when ammonium nitrate exploded due to a fire at the plant.
According to a USA Today report, firefighters and other first responders were already on the scene when the plant explosion accident occurred, and many suffered grave injuries. According to reports, 15 people died and 260 suffered injuries. The massive explosion damaged or destroyed dozens of buildings, including many nearby homes.
2023, Shepherd, Texas
One of the most recent Texas plant explosions occurred in a chemical processing plant in Shepherd, Texas, on November 8, 2023. The explosion at Sound Resource Solutions caused a large fire and excessive smoke, leading local authorities to ask residents within a one-mile radius of the facility to shelter in place.
An Associated Press report noted that the explosion occurred after a worker noticed a container leaking chemicals. One worker suffered injuries in the explosion.
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What Are the Common Causes of Texas Plant Explosion Accidents?
When plant explosions occur, it is often due to the materials used there. Many plants handle caustic chemicals and solvents that are flammable and/or reactive under the wrong circumstances.
For example, fertilizer plants frequently handle ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive compound. If there is a fire or another ignition source, ammonium nitrate is very unstable. This is why it is often used to make explosives or even bombs, such as the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995.
Many of these explosions are preventable with the right safety precautions in place. Plant owners must take the necessary steps to protect employees in the workplace as well as others nearby. However, this does not always happen.
When an explosion occurs, those nearby could suffer serious burns and other catastrophic injuries. Those injured may seek compensation based on Texas’ workplace injury or premises liability laws.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Texas Plant Explosion Accidents?
When any fire or explosion occurs, you should expect victims to suffer burns on their skin, from inhaling smoke and hazardous chemicals, and other respiratory difficulties. However, a wide range of injuries are possible.
Researchers looked at the injuries suffered in the 2013 West Fertilizer Company explosion and published their findings in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. They found the most common injuries included:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Serious lacerations and penetrating trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Tinnitus and other hearing damage
- Eye injuries
- Inhalational injuries
Unfortunately, 15 people—including 12 first responders—lost their lives in this incident. Fatal injuries are possible in almost any Texas chemical plant accident. This could support a wrongful death lawsuit or other legal action brought by the victim’s surviving family members.
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What Should I Do After a Texas Plant Explosion Accident Injury?
If you were hurt in a Texas plant explosion accident, you should discuss your options with an attorney familiar with these cases as soon as possible. You want a lawyer who can handle your workplace injury case or file a personal injury case if you were hurt but did not work for the plant.
The attorney can assess your legal options and offer advice and guidance before proceeding with your case on your behalf. Your legal options could include:
- Seeking workers’ compensation benefits
- Pursuing a case against a non-subscriber employer
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the plant owner
You could receive compensation or benefits for your medical treatment, missed work, disability, and other damages. If your employer does not work with you to file your workers’ compensation claim or is a non-subscriber employer, you want to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a plant explosion injury.
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Discuss Your Plant Accident Injuries With an Attorney for Free
Clay Jenkins & Associates provides free consultations for injured victims and their families across Texas. If you were hurt in a Texas plant explosion accident, we are here to help you fight for fair compensation for your injuries. We handle personal injury cases filings.
Contact us today to learn more about your options.
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