Baker Hughes Incident History
Baker Hughes has a history of accidents and violations. This is not surprising for a company that’s been around for over 100 years. The following are a few notable incidents from recent years.
Acetylene Tank Explosion in Texas
In August of 2007, a Baker Hughes acetylene tank exploded, resulting in the closure of surrounding streets in The Woodlands, Texas. Acetylene is a highly flammable gas used in welding. No injuries were reported because of the accident, but all 800 employees were evacuated from the Baker Hughes facility. Damage to the plant was minimal, as the tanks were located outside of the building. Because all the tanks were connected, however, the tank failure could have resulted in a much larger explosion that could have harmed or even killed numerous plant workers. Baker Hughes got lucky—that time.
Employee Injured in Pipeline Connection Explosion
In September of 2008, a worker was drilling between a Baker Hughes trailer and another company’s trailer when a pipeline connection failed. As a result, it exploded. Fragments and shrapnel flew through the trailer and hit the worker, causing him severe injuries to the chest and arm. He was airlifted to the hospital.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Baker Hughes in Forklift Death
In 2012, a forklift accident at a Casper, Wyoming warehouse owned by a Baker Hughes subsidiary claimed a worker’s life. The employee was working alone when a forklift tipped over and crushed him underneath. After the accident, concerns quickly arose about forklift safety and whether Baker Hughes had taken proper measures to train and protect its workers. The worker’s family filed a wrongful death suit against Baker Hughes.
Baker Hughes Indicted for Exposing Workers to Toxic Chemicals
In September of 2019, a grand jury indicted Baker Hughes, two of its subsidiaries, and an employee for 25 felony assault charges related to toxic exposure at a construction site in Kenai, Alaska in 2014. According to the charges, workers at the site were repeatedly exposed to toxic chemicals, but the defendants failed to respond to their complaints until several had to be taken to the hospital after a “large exposure event” that left five workers with serious and lasting injuries.
If convicted, Baker Hughes could face $2.5 million in fines. The employee, a manager at Baker Hughes, could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Contact Our Baker Hughes Injury Law Firm
After a plant accident, pipeline explosion, chemical spill, or other catastrophe, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You might run into problems trying to get the medical treatment you need. You may be pressured to return to work or told that you’ll be fired if you don’t sign paperwork that limits your right to recover compensation. You might be offered a settlement that will not cover all of your expenses and losses.
In the face of these problems, our team at Arnold & Itkin is ready to find the answers and support you need. Our Baker Hughes injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and options so you can take the necessary steps toward recovery. We can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. In all, our trial lawyers have won over $20 billion in compensation for our clients.
To find out how we can help you, call (888) 493-1629.
