Get Answers & Accountability After Lafayette Explosions
While Lafayette and Louisiana are major parts of the oil and gas industry, it doesn't make explosions that harm workers acceptable. Explosions are often as physically catastrophic as they are visibly terrifying. Workers in the path of explosions face serious injuries that can have life-altering implications. Often, these injuries are so severe that they result in death, forcing grieving families to wonder what to do next.
Louisiana explosions often happen because of:
- Improper gas well maintenance
- Unsafe oil rig drilling practices
- Inadequately maintained refineries
- Pipeline accidents
No matter what the cause of an explosion is, one thing is certain: workers should never suffer from them. Companies are responsible for making sure workers are trained, facilities are maintained, and that every step to prevent explosions is taken. When they fail to do this, our Lafayette explosions lawyers are ready to hold them accountable.
The St. Mary Parish Well Explosion
In May 2021, a gas well exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in St. Mary's Parish, approximately 70 miles from Lafayette. The explosion occurred as Wild Well Control, a contractor, was attempting to cap a well owned by Texas Petroleum Investment Company. Texas Petroleum initially tried to cap the well and called Wild Well Control after failing to do so. Officials remain uncertain where the spark came from that ignited the well came from. The incident injured eight people, sending four of them to the burn units in local hospitals. Notably, the explosion was the second explosion involving a Texas Petroleum Investment Company property in less than a year. In August of 2020, a platform owned by the company exploded, igniting a fire near 15,000 gallons of oil.
Sulphur Chemical Plant Explosion at Westlake Chemical
At least five people were injured by a chemical plant explosion in Sulphur, Louisiana in September 2021. Residents in nearby Lake Charles and Hammond reported feeling the explosion from miles away. As of this writing, we’re happy to report that there were no fatalities. However, one of the workers in the explosion was left with severe burns over half of his body. The cause of the explosion at Westlake Chemical hasn’t been uncovered. However, we do know that the plant was going through a turnaround when the explosion ignited. In our experience, explosions are tied to turnarounds because shutdown operations puts pressure on the system where there’s been corner-cutting or serious neglect.
Speak with Lafayette Plant & Refinery Accident Lawyers for Help
When our firm takes a case, we fight to win. No matter how big the defendant, how complex the accident, or how costly the investigation, we pour everything we have into making sure our clients get what they need. It’s why people have turned to us for help after some of the worst industrial accidents in recent history.
Our past and current clients include survivors of:
Our Lafayette refinery and plant accident lawyers have the resources, experience, and reputation to hold your employer accountable for what they did to your family. By leveraging our past results and our reputation for relentless advocacy, we’ll fight to make them pay for your medical care, long-term treatment, current and future lost wages, and anything else your family needs to rebuild. We’ll do whatever it takes to get your life back.
No matter what.
Call (888) 493-1629 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Let’s discuss your options and figure out how we can get what you need.
