Chemical Spill & Plant Leak Attorneys
Over $10 Billion Won by Our Team of Chemical Leak Lawyers
Oil and gas companies all over the country are responsible for millions of pounds of dangerous chemicals. Without proper storage or equipment maintenance, these chemicals could cause serious and fatal injuries to workers and communities nationwide. Unfortunately, every year companies end up causing chemical spills or chemical releases that cause untold and permanent damage to innocent people.
For chemical plant workers, your employer is 100% responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. It’s their responsibility to prevent chemical releases and equip their workers to deal with chemical spills to avoid toxic exposure—and when workers end up getting hurt or killed by chemical spills, they have a responsibility to provide for that worker or their family. At minimum, that means providing for medical costs and lost income.
The chemical plant leak attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have investigated dozens of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, including British Petroleum, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, and others. We’ve won more than $10 billion in results for our clients, helping them rebuild their lives after life-changing accidents. If you or a loved one were exposed to toxins due to a chemical spill, speak with our plant leak lawyers.
Our chemical leak attorneys represent clients throughout Texas and nationwide, including cities such as La Porte, Baytown, Pasadena, Houston, Pearland, League City, and beyond. Call (888) 493-1629 today for a free consultation!
Numerous Chemical Spills at LyondellBasell Plants in July 2021
In July 2021, multiple LyondellBasell facilities had issues with uncontrolled chemical releases or chemical spills. On July 13, a facility in Sulphur, LA had a power outage that led to heavy flaring and thick black smoke that covered the area. Only a few days later, the Houston LyondellBasell refinery (one of the largest in the country) had a chemical leak that triggered headaches and nausea in the nearby community of Galena Park. Then, on July 27, a massive chemical leak at the LyondellBasell plant in La Porte killed 2 workers and hospitalized 30 others.
The chemical leak included acetic acid, the vapor of which is extremely dangerous. Our acid leak lawyers are currently investigating the LyondellBasell acid spill as of this writing.
What to Do After a Chemical Release at a Plant or Refinery
Following a spill, workers must immediately alert coworkers and supervisors. If clothing was contaminated, they must be removed, and skin must be flushed for at least 15 minutes. This will ensure workers do not sustain chemical burns. When the flammable material is spilled, there is also an increased risk of fire.
In this case, it may be necessary to contact the fire department and a hazardous material team so they can contain the spill. Serious chemical spills can cause serious injury as well as property damage in nearby communities. These spills may also cause explosions and fires at plants and refineries.
Chemical Spill FAQ
Why do chemical spills happen?
Spills at chemical plants are often caused by cutting corners on safety regulations, equipment maintenance, or proper training. Workers must be thoroughly trained and provided with the right safety equipment for their protection and to prevent spills from occurring in the first place. If chemical plant owners allow inexperienced employees to handle dangerous chemicals or operate complex machinery, if they push their workers to meet unrealistic production deadlines, or if they fail to inspect and maintain aging equipment, everyone at the plant and in nearby communities will pay the price.
Our firm is committed to helping people whose lives have been adversely impacted by chemical spills—including plant workers and people who live or work near chemical plants or refineries where spills have occurred.
How do chemical spills affect nearby communities?
Depending on the type of chemical, where the spill occurred, and how far it spread until it was contained, chemical spills can affect the environment in many ways. It can affect groundwater or other water sources. It can release dangerous toxins into the air. It can cause fires that are nearly impossible to put out. People in the community may need to be evacuated and may experience various damages. Individuals and businesses in the area affected by a chemical spill may experience property damage, respiratory problems, and financial losses.
What are my rights after a chemical spill accident?
If you were working at a chemical plant, live nearby, or own a business in the area, and you were injured or otherwise affected by a spill, you have the right to pursue compensation that will help set things right. The damages awarded in a chemical spill lawsuit are meant to help you rebuild your life by paying for medical care, property damage, lost income, and all other expenses or losses you have experienced. If you are a plant worker who was injured in a chemical spill, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits on a no-fault basis. We can talk to you about your case to determine whether you have a workers’ compensation claim or another form of legal action that can help you recoup your losses, heal, and move on with your life.
Get Help from a Chemical Leak Attorney. Call (888) 493-1629 Today.
If you have been injured by a chemical spill, you should speak with a chemical plant accident lawyer from our law firm as soon as you can. Chemical plant accidents of this nature are incredibly serious, so don’t let your employer try to dissuade you from seeking legal help. At Arnold & Itkin, we have helped hundreds of people who have been injured by chemical plant accidents recover what they needed to rebuild their lives. We’ve beaten the largest companies in the world because we refuse to back down—no matter what.
If you want help from skilled attorneys with proven results representing victims of plant and refinery accidents, contact us today. Your consultation is free and private.