Although cutting costs is important, it should not be more important than employee safety. We have seen how frequently plant and refinery explosions could have been avoided, as well as how often companies fail to help their employees. Some oil and gas companies seem primarily invested in protecting their own assets, instead of their workers' well-being. We have helped hundreds of injured workers receive the compensation they deserve to secure their future—and we will continue to do so for all our clients.
Learn if you have a case: contact our Calcasieu Refining accident attorneys to review your options. Call (888) 493-1629 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
2006 Calcasieu Parish Oil Spill in Lake Charles, LA
In 2006, a severe Calcasieu Parish storm caused the Citgo Petroleum Refinery's storage system to overflow, resulting in a major oil spill. Experts described the spill as being “catastrophic”. The storm caused 21 million gallons of waste to escape, including 17 million gallons of contaminated wastewater and 4.2 million gallons of slop oil. Louisiana is very familiar with these severe storms and it is the refinery’s job to be prepared and try to prevent these tragic incidents. Instead, Calcasieu tasks employees to clean-up after these disastrous events. However, clean-up efforts can be extremely dangerous. The clean-up efforts for this case resulted in workers injured.
Examples of Plant & Refinery Accidents in Texas
Refineries like Blue Dolphin have been involved in catastrophic incidents that have harmed many workers and their families, leaving them to face seemingly insurmountable challenges and altogether uncertain futures.
- Phillips Petroleum Company Plant (October 1980)
In 1989, a chain of explosions was sparked by an ethylene leak at a Phillips Petroleum Company plant in Pasadena, TX. An improperly-secured valve released 85,000 pounds of highly flammable ethylene-isobutane gas into the plant. There were no warning alarms, so within 2 minutes the gas ignited with the power of two-and-a-half tons of dynamite. As a result, 23 people were killed. - BP Texas City Refinery (March 2005)
The Texas City refinery had been recently inspected and BP knew it contained multiple serious explosion hazards. Regardless, BP went ahead with production, which led to the formation of huge hydrocarbon cloud due to a faulty valve. The cloud was ignited by a running engine and caused a massive explosion. The owners and managers failed to keep the work environment safe and as a result, 170 workers were severely injured and 15 were killed. Our Calcasieu refinery accident lawyers represented several of those injured in the blast. - West Fertilizer Company Explosion (April 2013)
An explosion occurred at a fertilizer storage and distribution center located in West, Texas. The incident injured more than 250 people and killed 15 others. It was later discovered that the explosion was due to a fire that was set deliberately.
Calcasieu Refining Accident Attorneys Have Won Billions for Clients
At Arnold & Itkin, we have helped injured accident victims win billions of dollars to help them take care of themselves and their families. We have won hundreds of cases worth $1 million or more, and we have set records on local, state, and national levels. We focus on helping our clients through every step of the way because we understand how overwhelming the time is after an accident. We do everything possible to protect your interests.
- $97 Million Secured for Refinery Workers: Our firm was able to secure a huge settlement for clients who were injured in a refinery fire. Arnold & Itkin attorneys fought for justice against some of the largest corporations in the world. This settlement helped our clients receive the medical attention need and financial security for their future.
- $39.7 Million Received for Industrial Accident: Our refinery accident attorneys recovered a record-setting verdict of $39.7 million on behalf of a worker who was severely burned in a dust fire and explosion at a Georgia-Pacific plywood plant in Carrigan, TX. Arnold & Itkin LLP was able to prove that the client was innocent and helped him get compensated for medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, mental anguish, and more.
Contact Our Calcasieu Refining Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in a Calcasieu accident, it is advisable that you speak with a Calcasieu Refining accident attorney as soon as possible. The fact is that an alarming amount of accidents are caused by human negligence or error. The company’s negligence may not be clear, but an experienced attorney will be able to investigate what caused the accident and your injuries or loss.
Contact our Calcasieu Refining accident attorneys at (888) 493-1629. We’re here to help.
