LyondellBasell Accident Lawyers
Helping Victims of LyondellBasell Chemical Plant Accidents Nationwide
LyondellBasell is one of the largest plastic, chemical, and refining companies in the world. With over 13,000 employees and 55 manufacturing sites in 17 countries, it is one of the leading oil companies in the industry. Since its establishment in 1953, LyondellBasell has become the largest global licensor of polyolefin technologies.
LyondellBasell also operates one of the largest refineries in the United States. This refinery is located in the Houston Ship Channel and refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oil at a capacity of about 268,000 barrels-per-day. The facility produces gasoline and fuel components, low-sulfur diesel, jet fuel, and lubricants. Refinery and plant workers have one of the most dangerous jobs because handling these gasoline and fuel components can be risky if the proper equipment and safety procedures aren’t employed.
Common causes of industrial plant and refinery accidents include:
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Chemical spills
- Poor training of refinery employees
- Unseen corrosion
- Dirty and impure chemicals
- Poor facility maintenance
- Failure to follow OSHA Guidelines
- Understaffing
July 2021 LyondellBasell Chemical Leak in La Porte
In July 2021, there were reports of multiple chemical-related problems at numerous LyondellBasell plants in the area. On July 13, a power outage caused heavy flaring—the release of flammable gas via safety valves—and resulted in thick black smoke rising over the community of Sulphur, Louisiana. A few days later, on July 16, a pungent smell caused by chemical pollution enveloped the community of Galena Park. Officials determined that the chemical emissions came from the LyondellBasell refinery in Houston after residents reported headache and nausea symptoms. LyondellBasell admitted that the odor came from a leak in one of their storage tanks.
Then, on the evening of Tuesday, July 27, yet another chemical leak at a LyondellBasell plant killed two workers and hospitalized 30 others in La Porte, not far from Galena Park. At least two of those employees were in serious condition immediately following the leak, according to the site manager. One reportedly had a serious burn injury and the other had respiratory issues due to toxic exposure.
The sheer frequency of chemical spills and leaks at LyondellBasell plants is notable. This company is responsible for handling hundreds of thousands of tons of toxic chemicals, often right next to residential communities. If they fail to manage dangerous chemicals safely, they need to be investigated and held accountable.
Our La Porte injury lawyers are investigating the LyondellBasell chemical plant accident. If you have any questions about what happened, speak with our LyondellBasell attorneys in a free consultation.
Local Media Coverage of the AI LyondellBasell Investigation
- Two lawsuits in deadly La Porte chemical leak accuse LyondellBasell of 'gross negligence'
- Nearly two dozen lawsuits filed against LyondellBasell following deadly acid leak
- 2 workers killed in La Porte chemical leak were 'true family men'
Investigating Plant Accidents at LyondellBasell & Elsewhere
Time and time again, our attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have represented plant and refinery workers that that were severely injured due to unsafe working conditions and a lack of safety equipment or training. If you or a loved one have been injured in a refinery accident, contact our LyondellBasell accident attorneys. We refuse to stand by and let companies neglect their duty to their workers. Our firm has helped hundreds of workers recover what they needed to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and more—winning billions in results.
Learn more about how a LyondellBasell injury attorney at Arnold & Itkin can fight to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Contact us today: (888) 493-1629.