2018 Kuraray Plant Explosion Injures Over 20 Workers
In May 2018, a defective valve caused a massive explosion at a Kuraray America plant in Pasadena, Texas. The explosion injured nearly two dozen people; two of the injured received serious burn injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital. Other people were injured while attempting to escape the explosion, resulting in six people total requiring off-site treatment.
Within days, four investigators from the Chemical Safety Board were sent to determine the cause of the accident. While no findings have been released as of this writing, there is reason to believe that the valve malfunctioned due to excessive pressure. Kuraray America released a statement an hour after the explosion, saying they would cooperate with local authorities and provide information as it was confirmed.
To date, the cause of the explosion is still unknown.
About Kuraray America
Kuraray America, Inc. is the American subsidiary of a Japan-based chemical manufacturer. Founded in 1926, Kuraray manufactures “performance-based polymer” and “synthetic chemistry technologies” like resins, chemicals, fibers, and textiles. Kuraray has 22 subsidiaries around the world; Kuraray America is based in Houston, Texas.
Plant Explosion Injuries
Explosions cause some of the worst injuries any worker anywhere can suffer. In our experience, no one walks away from an explosion without some kind of life-altering harm or trauma, either of which can affect their ability to work, provide for their families, and live independently. Our hope is to ensure that our client’s injuries from a plant explosion are fully investigated so we can claim the appropriate amount of money for their losses.
Injuries from a plant explosion include:
Each of these injuries is debilitating and potentially permanent. They all incur incredible costs, both personally and financially. At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve helped clients suffering from these exact injuries (and others) get the money they needed for hospitalization, lost earning capacity, ongoing treatment, long-term care, lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. We may be able to help you get compensation for the same.
One of the Most Successful Plant Injury Law Firms in the Country
Since our firm’s founding, Arnold & Itkin has been going up against enormous companies on behalf of our clients. In 2005, we represented workers injured in the BP plant explosion in Texas City. In 2010, we represented a third of the crew members of the Deepwater Horizon, winning record-setting settlements on their behalf. In 2013, we represented numerous workers who were injured in the Williams Olefin plant explosion in Geismar, winning multiple eight-figure verdicts back-to-back. In other words, our firm knows how to investigate plant explosions, get answers about what happened, and hold companies accountable for their negligence.
Our results for those injured or killed by plant explosions include:
- $97 million settlement for people injured in a refinery fire
- $87 million settlement for a worker who suffered life-threatening burn injuries
- $39.7 million verdict won for a man injured in a dust fire explosion at a plywood plant
- $15 million verdict for Geismar explosion victims
- $18.5 million verdict for a second group of Geismar explosion victims
If you’re looking for an advocate who knows plant explosions, who knows the industry inside and out, and knows how to get results, call Arnold & Itkin LLP. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk to calling and learning your options. Additionally, our Kuraray plant explosion lawyers never take a fee unless we win your case, so there’s no upfront cost to hiring us. While you focus on getting better, our firm will be working around the clock to get you answers and ensure your future is as secure as possible.
Call (888) 493-1629 today to get your free consultation or use our short online form.
