ExxonMobil Baytown Accident Leads to 66 Injured Workers
On Wednesday, July 31st, at approximately 11:07 a.m., a large explosion occurred at the ExxonMobil oil refinery in Baytown, TX. The incident resulted in 66 employees being medically evacuated, while 37 of them had to receive treatment for injuries.
Baytown officials issued a shelter-in-place order for residents that live west of the plant for a period of three hours before it was lifted.
The actual cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
At Lapeze & Johns , we recognize that oil refinery and oilfield work can be some of the most hazardous occupations. An accident in this industry can lead to catastrophic injuries which can have a permanent effect on your life – or even result in a loss of life.
If you suffered serious injuries at the recent ExxonMobile accident, or have suffered an oilfield injury elsewhere, do not hesitate to contact our Houston oilfield accident attorneys right now to learn more about your rights and legal options.
A Brief History of ExxonMobil Baytown Incidents
While all the workers that were evaluated were cleared to go back to work, the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant has a history of serious accidents, including a fire in March 2019 which led to the release of toxic pollutants into the surrounding area for eight days. The county sued ExxonMobile as a result of the incident, alleging that the company had violated the federal Clean Air Act.
Other incidents throughout the years include:
- A pipeline leak exposing dilute propylene causing Baytown residents to shelter-in-place in 2016.
- Local residents and employees were exposed to 57 tons of sulfur dioxide for 18 hours, as well as being exposed to benzene and butadiene between 2012-2013.
- A U.S. District Judge found that Exxon had violated the Clean Air Act approximately 16,386 times between October 2005 and September 2013, spilling an estimated 10 million pounds of pollutants into the atmosphere during that period.
- The Texas Commission on Environment Quality has fined the Olefins Plant 22 times in the last 10 years.
Types of Oil Refinery and Oil Field Accidents
Texas is known for its booming petroleum industry and has more than 25 refineries scattered across the state. In Texas, approximately 325,000 people work in the oil and gas industries, which means there are plenty of opportunities for serious accidents to take place.
From minor lacerations to severe first-degree burns, oil field and/or oil refinery injuries can include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Amputations
- Bone fractures/breaks
- Burns (including chemical burns)
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Slip and falls
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Wrongful death injuries
Oil Field Accident Claims in Texas
Some individuals may be able to secure workers’ compensation, while other employers may not offer these benefits. If your employer does NOT offer workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for damages that include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Should your loved one lose their life as the result of an oil field accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit. Our Texas oilfield accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns can help you to file a wrongful death claim .
Trust in the dependable oil field accident attorneys of Lapeze and Johns to help you secure the justice and financial recovery you need for the injuries you have suffered. Contact us today at (713) 766-4855 to start a claim against the party that caused you harm.
Source: ABC13
