Fighting for Victims of Catastrophic Explosions in Texas & Nationwide
People use the word “catastrophic” when the unthinkable happens: catastrophic injuries, catastrophic accidents. Explosions are catastrophic.
They leave survivors with physical and emotional wounds that last a lifetime. They leave families with losses no amount of time may heal. Healing from the aftermath of an explosion takes more than perseverance or well-wishes—it takes support. It takes money. It costs money to get specialists for burns, one of the most costly injuries in all of medicine. It costs money to support a family while their loved one spends weeks in bed and months in physical therapy and counseling for post-traumatic stress. It costs money to afford prosthetic limbs for amputation injuries, and it costs money to ensure a home accommodates a survivor’s new limitations.
Meanwhile, an explosion survivor (or a grieving family) has just lost their largest source of income. In an ideal world, their employer would step in to cover the cost of recovery—would provide them with stability in the wake of a life-shaking tragedy. Employers often do the opposite, unfortunately. Despite many industrial employers making billions of dollars every year, none of these companies will voluntarily provide for your care after an explosion or similar incident.
Explosions are extremely dangerous and can result in death or injury. By definition, an explosion is a rapid increase in volume and a release of energy in an extreme manner. Most explosions generate high temperatures and will cause the release of gases into the air. Explosions can fall into two broad categories: supersonic and subsonic. Supersonic explosions are created by high explosives and travel through shock waves. Subsonic explosions react through a slow burning process called deflagration. Both types of explosions can be catastrophic. Industrial workers or those who work near flammable sources are at an increased risk of injury from these explosions.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an explosion, fill out our free case evaluation form. Our Texas explosion injury attorneys can review your case and offer sound insight.
“What Can We Do Next?”
Call the Houston personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Itkin so we can review your case together. Our firm is one of the leading firms in the country for the victims of plant explosions, factory explosions, gas pipeline explosions, oil rig explosions, and offshore explosions. Our firm has beaten the largest companies in the world at trial, securing billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. People turned to us for help after the BP Texas City refinery explosion in 2005, and we secured millions for their families. Workers turned to us after the 2013 Williams Olefin plant explosion in 2013, and we won more than $33 million total on their behalf—despite facing an army of litigants and corporate executives. Nearly one-third of the Deepwater Horizon crew turned to us after the oil rig exploded in 2010, and we secured massive confidential settlements to help get them back on their feet.
Our explosion accident attorneys have investigated nearly every kind of industrial explosion that occurs on land and at sea. Our understanding of these events is backed not only by research and expert testimony but by action. Arnold & Itkin has won real results for explosion victims—securing them the money they need to keep their homes, put food on the table, get medical care, and provide for their families.
Call (888) 493-1629contact us online to review your options with a top-rated explosion attorney. If we take your case, you pay us nothing unless we win.
Plant Explosions, Oil Rig Explosions, & More
Explosions on rigs, refineries, and industrial plants can devastate entire communities in an instant, leaving survivors with life-changing injuries and families mourning unthinkable losses. These catastrophes often trace back to preventable failures: neglected equipment, inadequate safety measures, or rushed operations that cut corners at every turn. Our Texas explosion accident firm is committed to holding negligent companies accountable when their mistakes lead to tragedy. By fighting for major results, we aim to protect future workers from harm, compel meaningful corporate reforms, and secure the medical and financial resources survivors need to reclaim their lives.
When our firm wins a massive result for a family, it serves two purposes:
One, it forces companies to make themselves safer. By putting a heavy price tag on incompetence, old equipment, and poor safety practices, companies feel the financial pressure to change their ways. This helps ensure that no one else is hurt in another explosion in the future.
Two, it provides for the long-term well-being of explosion survivors and their families. The size of these results is appropriate for the losses suffered by survivors and families. Explosion victims have the right to claim their medical expenses, lost wages, diminished lifetime earnings, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and even punitive damages in some cases. Grieving families can claim the same, as well as funeral expenses and the emotional losses.
Case Results We’ve Secured for Explosion Victims
We’re proud of our record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of people who have endured the unimaginable aftermath of plant and rig explosions. Each of these victories reflects our unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and fighting for every dollar our clients deserve. While no amount of compensation can reverse the harm caused by such catastrophic events, fair compensation can help survivors and families recover lost income, pay for ongoing medical treatment, and safeguard their financial future.
Below are just a few examples of the explosion case results we have obtained for survivors and families:
$97 Million - Settlement won for refinery employees who were burned when their plant caught fire.
$39.7 Million -Verdict won for the victim of a plywood plant explosion in Corrigan, TX.
$18.5 Million - Second of two verdicts won on behalf of the victims of a 2013 Williams Olefin plant explosion.
$15.45 Million - The first of two verdicts won for the victims of the 2013 Williams Olefin plant explosion.
Billions More - Our firm has secured more than 100 results in excess of $1 million each or more.
Read more about our firm’s victories on our case results page.
Chemical Explosions
Chemical explosions are common, especially concerning plant explosions where the liquids or gases are manufactured or mixed. Most of the time, these explosions occur when there is rapid oxidation that produces large amounts of hot gas.
Some dangerously explosive chemicals include the following:
Forms of chlorine
Ammonium permanganate and chlorate
Forms of fluorine
Forms of lead
Mercury
Nitrogen
Nitroglycerin
Silicon tetraazide
Forms of silver
Titanium
Forms of xenon
Peroxy acids
In addition to primary chemical explosives, there are secondary explosives and tertiary explosives. Secondary explosives are less sensitive than primary explosives are and require more energy. TNT and RDX are both considered secondary explosives. Tertiary explosives involve blasting agents that are often used in large-scale mining and construction operations but have also been used in terrorist attacks.
Understanding the handling and storage requirements of chemicals is necessary to prevent explosions. Regulatory bodies have developed strict guidelines for businesses involved in the manufacture, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials to mitigate the risks of chemical explosions. It is the responsibility of these businesses to ensure full compliance and protect employees and the surrounding communities from devastating explosions. Unfortunately, some companies choose to put safety on the back burner in an attempt to protect production and profits.
The LyondellBasell Chemical Leak in La Porte
On July 27, 2021, there was a serious chemical release at the LyondellBasell plant in La Porte, Texas. Two workers lost their lives. Since the accident involved a pressurized line that burst, it was initially reported as an explosion. The line released a hazardous cloud of acetic acid vapor, a substance that causes burns and respiratory injuries. At the time of the incident, the La Porte chemical plant was partially shut down for maintenance; the two workers were contractors.
Just weeks before this accident, another LyondellBasell plant made headlines for a leak that sent a garlic-like odor over nearby homes. While the leak wasn’t determined to be hazardous, residents reported having headaches and feeling nauseous after encountering the odor.
These incidents and others at chemical plants like LyondellBasell in La Porte don't “just happen.” There are inherent risks in industrial operations, but all can be minimized when plant owners and operators prioritize safety. Explosions and other catastrophic events can be avoided by regularly maintaining equipment, conducting thorough safety audits, and ensuring workers receive comprehensive training.
Our Texas explosion lawyers know through experience that events like these can always be traced to specific acts of negligence and wrongdoing.
Electrical Explosions in Texas
Electrical explosions can result when high-current faults interact with metal or insulation materials, creating the sudden release of intense heat and energy. In places like Houston, where industrial facilities rely heavily on electrical systems to power machinery and processes, these arc hazards pose a serious risk to electricians, switchgear operators, and maintenance crews. Even minor oversights—such as a defective cable, poor insulation, or a lack of proper grounding—can set the stage for an electrical blast capable of sparking a fire and inflicting severe injuries.
Expanding power infrastructure in Texas intensifies the need for rigorous safety measures. Employers must routinely inspect switchgear and cables, enforce lockout/tagout procedures, and provide detailed training on electrical hazard recognition. Proper planning not only protects employees and contractors but also helps prevent tragic losses across Houston’s industrial sectors.
Houston, TX Propane / Petroleum Explosions
Propane explosions typically happen in tanks, pipelines, or other containment units when a leak comes into contact with an ignition source, such as a pilot light or even a static spark. In energy-rich states like Texas—where many families and businesses use propane for cooking, heating, and industrial processes—these incidents can occur in residential settings and major facilities alike. Petroleum explosions are similarly dangerous, often taking place in refineries, vehicles, generators, gas stations, or any setting where fuel is stored or transferred.
Propane and petroleum explosions may be caused by:
Corroded or Aging Equipment: Rusted pipelines or poorly maintained tanks can create vulnerabilities that allow propane or petroleum gases to escape, increasing the risk of a catastrophic leak or explosion.
Improper Storage Conditions: Storing gas cylinders near heat sources or in cramped, poorly ventilated areas raises the likelihood of an explosion, which can put all workers at risk of serious injury or death.
Lack of Gas Detection Systems: Early-detection alarms and proper ventilation can help identify a petroleum or propane leak before it becomes significant and serious enough to cause an explosion.
Poorly Trained Personnel: Workers who handle propane or petroleum must know how to perform safe transfers, detect leaks, and respond to emergencies effectively. It is on employers to ensure this training is in place.
By prioritizing inspections, investing in technology, and enforcing strict protocols, property owners and employers across Houston can significantly reduce the risk of devastating propane or petroleum explosions. These measures not only protect workers and customers but also uphold the high safety standards demanded by Texas’ industries.
Injuries Caused by Explosions
Explosion injuries are generally divided into four separate categories: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Any injury caused by an explosion may warrant compensation, so you should discuss your case with a Houston explosion injury attorney as soon as possible.
Primary Injuries
These injuries are caused by the over-pressurization wave hitting the body. In most cases, the gas-filled structures of the body like the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and middle ear are most affected, creating a painful pressure differential that causes internal damage.
Primary injuries from explosions can include:
Abdominal hemorrhages
Middle ear damage
TM ruptures
Concussions without blunt force trauma
Blast lung
Globe eye rupture
Secondary Injuries
Secondary injuries are those that result from flying debris or fragments at the blast site.
Some individuals also suffer tertiary injuries. These injuries result from being thrown in an explosion due to the blast wind. Any part of the body can be affected by these injuries.
Finally, some individuals can be injured by quaternary injuries in an explosion. These involve all explosion-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases that are not covered in the first three categories. Most of the time, quaternary injuries are those that result after the explosion occurs or the exacerbation of previously existing medical conditions.
No matter which category an explosion injury falls under, the consequences can be life-changing. Many victims face long-term medical expenses, extensive rehabilitation, and a permanent loss of earning potential. When an explosion injury in Houston disrupts your health, career, and financial stability, you deserve legal advocates who can help secure the resources needed for your long-term care. By working with an experienced explosion accident attorney, you stand a better chance of holding negligent parties responsible and recovering compensation for costly medical treatments, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Explosions Have a Consistent Cause in Common
The company might have told you your explosion was a freak accident. They might have implied no one could have seen it coming, that the explosion was spontaneous and unpreventable. Your company wants you to believe that because it lets them off the hook. Here’s the truth: the company is responsible for making sure their factories, plants, refineries, rigs, and vessels are all properly maintained and operate as safely as possible.
When they fail, it’s on them—not on you, not on “the odds,” and not on nature.
The practical causes of explosions often come down to:
However, the common cause of all explosions is company culture. When we investigated the Deepwater Horizon explosion, we found a history of problems that predicted an explosion might take place. Why didn’t the company do anything? Because they were behind schedule, and rig engineers were under pressure to keep drilling instead of stopping operations to fix a major safety flaw. The same devotion to productivity over safety led to the Texas City refinery explosion and the Geismar plant explosion.
Comprehensive safety programs and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks can significantly reduce the likelihood of explosions. Companies must cultivate an environment where safety is prioritized over productivity, ensuring employees feel comfortable reporting potential hazards without fear of reprisal. This cultural shift can lead to improved morale, reduced incidence of work-related injuries, and increased trust between management and employees.
What Clients Have to Say About Arnold & Itkin
“I was able to actually witness them in court. They went in there like straight bulldogs and they won. They’re unstoppable! They definitely have the experience you need. They're fighting for these little people that can’t handle themselves when a giant comes. Almost like David and Goliath. It’s amazing thing to see. I would recommend them to anybody, I mean anybody.” - Shawn Thomas
“I felt like family because they were there to listen and hear—not just brush you off because ‘you're just a client.’ They let me know when I met them that everything was going be all right. Ever since the day I met them until today that I'm sitting here, they have always had my back.” - Veronica Sowell
“They're very professional. They didn't back down. That's why I like my lawyers. Even when I had to do my testimony in court, they didn't let those lawyers run over me. They fought hard. You have some lions with Arnold & Itkin. They not going to back down.” - Maurice Dilworth
After an Explosion: Your Next Steps
After an explosion accident, it is crucial to prioritize safety and seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Immediate medical evaluation can catch complications that might not be apparent and provide a clear record of injuries for any future legal considerations. Once immediate medical needs are addressed, contacting an explosion injury attorney should be a priority. An experienced lawyer can help navigate complex legal landscapes and protect your rights. It is also important to document everything related to the incident, including eyewitness accounts, photographs of the accident scene, and any communications with employers or insurance companies.
An explosion can forever change the course of a life, and no individual or family should shoulder that burden alone. At Arnold & Itkin, we believe every survivor and grieving loved one deserves strong advocacy and concrete answers. Our team stands ready to uncover the truth behind these catastrophic events, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure the maximum compensation our clients need to rebuild. When lives and futures are at stake, our Houston explosion lawyers fight with everything we have—no matter what.
Review your case for free with Arnold & Itkin LLP—it costs nothing upfront, and our clients only pay if they win their case. Call (888) 493-1629 or use our short online form below.
CommonQuestions
What Should I Do if Injured in an Explosion?
If you were injured in an explosion, the first thing to do is seek medical attention. You will also need to inform your employer (if the incident occurred while you were at work). Now, you should talk to a lawyer. Most firms, including ours, offer free consultations to talk to you about what occurred. We can help you understand what rights and options you have at this point, and even who could be held responsible. You probably have a lot of questions, and we can answer them all. Instead of wondering how you’ll pay for medical care and living expenses while you can’t work, trust a team of proven attorneys to handle everything.
I Lost Someone I Love in an Explosion. Who’s to Blame?
Every explosion is different. All are catastrophic, but they have various causes, and it is the cause that will determine who can be held responsible. If you lost someone you love in an explosion, whether it was a plant or refinery explosion, pipeline explosion, oil rig explosion, or any incident involving a forceful blast, fault may lie in the owner of the property, the manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment or other product, a worker, or a large corporation. Lax implementation of safety standards, old equipment, and untrained or careless work can all contribute to explosions. Our team can help you determine what caused your loss and who is legally responsible.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for Explosion-Related Injuries?
If you survived an explosion, you may have sustained catastrophic injuries like severe burns, broken bones, disfigurement, or head trauma. You deserve to receive full compensation for all of your injuries. An explosion injury settlement or award may include money for medical care, future treatment, emotional trauma, lost income, future loss of income, property damage, and possibly more. This can help you start to get your life together again.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Explosion Accident?
Figuring out who’s truly at fault in an explosion requires a thorough investigation that looks beyond the obvious. Employers, equipment manufacturers, and even outside contractors may all share responsibility if they ignored warning signs or broke safety rules. Because every situation is different, our team examines each detail—uncovering product defects, site mismanagement, or other forms of negligence—to determine exactly who’s accountable. By confronting every negligent party, we increase the chances of securing the full compensation survivors need to recover and move forward.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Legal Claim After an Explosion?
Yes, there are legal time limits, known as statutes of limitations, which set the deadline for filing a case. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims generally extends to two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances could alter this timeline, making it essential to seek legal guidance as soon as possible after an incident to avoid missing critical deadlines and losing the right to pursue compensation.
