Plant Explosion Attorney

Industrial plants are a common sight in this day and age—and are a sign of the ever-growing industrial sector. While this constant production is typically viewed as a good thing, it does not come without a price. Plant explosions are unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence and have happened throughout the nation. From the Kleen Energy plant explosion that occurred in Connecticut in 2010 to the El Dorado Chemical CO. Fire that occurred in July of 2009 in Bryan, TX these explosions occur all too often and can leave the victims suffering from life-threatening or even fatal injuries.

Do I have a claim after a plant explosion?

If you or a loved one were working during the time of the plant explosion or if you lived in the city in which it occurred, you most likely have a lot of questions. You're probably considering your own injuries and wondering whether or not you have a valid claim. In some cases, it is easy to feel that because so many people were injured in the explosion that you cannot personally seek a claim. This is not the case!

There are sometimes over 15,000 people who will have a claim following an industrial accident of this nature - you have rights and you deserve to have them protected. Don't let yourself slip through the cracks! Get the involvement of a knowledgeable attorney who will be able to help explain the process and how you can be defended. At Arnold & Itkin, we are well-versed in industrial injury claims and we are prepared to help invest the necessary time and energy to getting you the assistance that you deserve.

History of Plant Explosions in the U.S.

As stated above, this is not the first time that a plant or refinery has exploded in the United States, and, unfortunately, it will most likely not be the last. There are countless causes of these types of explosions, many of which can be attributed to human behavior. Below, we explain just some of the largest plant explosions and accident that have happened just in the last few years:

• January 2003: On January 29, 2003 the West Pharmaceutical Plant in Kinston, North Carolina exploded—resulting in the death of six people and thirty six others. Subsequent investigations determined that most likely the cause of the incident was a large rubber dust explosion. The plant was highly criticized in following reports for inadequate safety policies, procedures, and communication.


• March 2005: On March 23, 2005, a massive explosion occurred at BP's refiner in Texas City, TX. The blow-out was believed to have been caused by hydrocarbon vapors contacting the ignition source, which some believe was a running work truck. The explosion resulted in more than 15 people losing their lives and caused injuries to more than 170 other individuals.


• November 2012: On November 6, 2012, an Ameri Gas plant suffered from a propane explosion in Montgomery County, just east of Conroe, Texas. Reports stated that the primary cause of the incident was someone stepping on the line while propane tanks were being filled, which caused a kink. The incident resulted in at least two employees suffering severe burn injuries.


• February 2013: On February 9, 2013, an Air Liquide cylinder plant exploded in La Porte, Texas. It is believed that the explosion was triggered during the course of chemicals being mixed, which was the primary function of the plant. Around 20 employees were assigned to that facility; however, it was originally unclear how many were present. Later reports stated one was killed & one was injured.


• March 2013: There were two separate explosions which occurred in March of 2013. On March 4, an Akzo Nobel polymer chemical plant in Deer Park, TX went up in flames after a spontaneous combustion—resulting in at least one work suffering serious injuries. Then, on March 7, the American Steel Foundries plant in Granite City, Illinois exploded, which was caused by gas catching on fire near a grinding machine. 10 people were taken to hospitals for medical treatment.


• April 2013: On April 17, 2013, tragedy struck West, TX—a small city just north of Waco, TX with a population of only 2,800. The West Fertilizer Co. plant exploded, causing injuries to more than 100 people and leaving an undetermined amount of people dead and missing. The explosion also left a four-block radius around the plant completely destroyed, with 50-75 houses demolished.

What are common causes of plant explosions?

At Arnold & Itkin, whenever we take on a case, the first thing that we do is immediately spring into action to determine the cause of the incident. "We have gone on numerous on-site inspections," said Attorney Kurt Arnold. "Where we actually go out with our own eyes and our own ears and see exactly how it is that the plant equipment works or should work and how the operating procedures work or should work." During these inspections, we will often hire engineers and experts to come with us so that we have an even greater understanding of what we're looking at, the documents we're seeing, and what it all means in the grand scheme of things.

On-site inspections such as these are invaluable to helping determine what actually happened, because the official reports do not always tell the true story. All too often, we have seen how the causes of plant explosions could have been entirely avoided. For example, many companies will continue to use outdated equipment and technology, even though it has clearly aged. This refusal to update plants or build new ones entirely unjustly puts workers at risk, because corroding metal, useless technology, and malfunctioning equipment can all be the cause of severe and even fatal industrial accidents.

Helping the Victims of Plant Explosion Protect Their Rights

At our firm, we recognize that there is likely a lot of confusion regarding the process that you are facing. We want you to know that we are here to help you through it. We have a history of representing the victims of explosions; we were involved with cases that involved the 2005 plant explosion at the BP Amoco petrochemical plant in Texas City, TX as well as the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon. This is the type of hands-on experience you can trust.

Some of the different areas that we will be able to help explain to you should you choose to work with our firm include:

Science Behind Plant Explosions
The chemical industry consists of procedures which combine different chemical elements to product new compounds and desired chemical reactions. Unfortunately, these reactions are either accelerated or uncontrolled, which can lead to an explosion on the plant and cause damage to the surrounding community.

Plant Explosion Health Risks
Any explosion is expected to cause serious injuries to those within the perimeter of its destruction. Injuries and health risks from the action blast and the explosion aftermath can put workers involved and the residents surrounding the plant at high risk of disease, contamination and even death. Risks are heighted by the initial blast, the disbursement of explosion debris and chemical exposure through the air and water.

Chemical Plant Safety
Safety in the chemical industry is a high priority for federal authorities and environmental organizations alike. The risks of the industry do not go unnoticed, which is why plant operators are held to meticulously compiled standards for maintaining the protection of their workers and the people at risk in the event of an industrial accident. Violation of the safety laws in the operation or design of the plant can mean devastating results for the victims of an accident and severe discipline for those responsible.

Types of Plant Explosion Injuries
When a plant explosion occurs, the injuries that are sustained are nothing to take likely. From severe burns to amputations, broken bones and even fatal injuries, the ramifications can be extreme. In some cases, the injuries will be mental instead of physical, such as in the case of post traumatic stress disorder; however, this does not mean that they are any less serious.

Living Near an Industrial Plant
The assumed risks of living near an industrial plant do not leave residents without the option for seeking legal recourse. As members of the community who have no part in causing an industrial accident, you and your family have the right to pursue compensation for any health or property damage from a chemical accident at the plant near your home. For more information about how you can take action, contact a plant explosion attorney at Arnold & Itkin, LLP.

Plant Explosion Liability
What caused the explosion and who can be held responsible? The answers to this question can give direction to those negatively impacted by a plant explosion. Industrial operators, plant supervisors and equipment manufacturers contribute to the safety and effectiveness of an industrial plant. One small shortfall by any of these parties can result in injury to unsuspecting victims who have the right to claim damages from those responsible.

Plant Explosion Property Damage
The physical injuries that are sustained from a plant explosion are severe, but so is the property damage that can be sustained. In these cases, a person may suffer from damage to their vehicle, their home or even their business. At our firm, we are here to help you get the compensation that you need to help make all necessary permanent repairs, as well as cover all lost income.

Causes of Explosions
The causes of plant explosions are extreme and can range from a simple fire to malfunctioning equipment, the use of impure chemicals and even the improper training of an employee. In many cases, it can be led back to the negligence of an employer or the failure to follow property safety protocol. When this occurs, it is the right of the injured to seek just compensation.

History of Plant & Refinery Explosions
The development of the chemical industry has not been without its troubles. Industrial accidents date back to the beginning of the 20^th century, just as the industrial revolution was beginning. Throughout the years, efforts to reduce the risks of industrial explosions have been improved but recent events still pose a shocking reality of the inescapable dangers associated with the industry.

Plant Explosion FAQ
At our firm, we recognize that you likely have a lot of questions regarding what you're facing. Do I have to hire the lawyer that the union recommends to me? Do I have to file my claim right away? How do you even determine who is at fault? We are here to provide you with accessible answers.

Talk to a plant explosion attorney from our firm!

If you have been injured in a plant explosion or even if you have had a loved one who has suffered fatal injuries, it is important to remember that you are not without hope. By getting the involvement of an experienced attorney, you will be able to seek the necessary compensation that you deserve. While you may be eligible to be covered under workers' compensation, sometimes this is not enough to provide comprehensive coverage. Don't sell yourself short. Contact a firm that will be willing to step up to bat for you and help you fight for the maximum recovery that you deserve.

At Arnold & Itkin, LLP we have been successful in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. We are here to help guide you through this process. You need to protect yourself at a time such as this so do not hesitate to give us a call. Companies don't have your best interests in mind so make sure to get us involved before investigations start and interviews begin. We will be there to help protect your legal rights.

If you or a loved one have suffered, do not hesitate to contact a plant explosion lawyer from our firm.