Serving Injured Factory Workers in Texas, Louisiana & Nationwide
Over 100 years ago, manufacturing transformed America into a world power. We mobilized our citizens into a skilled workforce and built factories to feed the nation's insatiable appetite for consumer and commercial products. But the manufacturing boom came at a cost: factory workers were losing limbs and lives at an alarming rate. So, our great-grandparents fought for legal regulations that prioritized human lives over productivity.
Today, the legacy of those early advocates is evident in the safety standards, processes, and laws that protect factory employees across Houston, Texas, and the nation. Modern factories employ thousands in the Greater Houston area, from chemical plants in Pasadena to manufacturing centers near the Port of Houston, but the risk of serious injury remains, especially as new technologies and faster production methods are adopted.
Far too often, shortcuts are taken in the pursuit of efficiency and profit—and workers pay the price. Arnold & Itkin carries on the work started by our forebears. When factories explode, when injuries are catastrophic and life-changing, when families lose their loved ones, our top-rated Houston factory accident attorneys are there to hold employers accountable. More importantly, we're there to make sure our clients get everything they need to put their lives back together.
Call (888) 493-1629 or use our short online form to learn how our factory injury attorneys in Houston can help you rebuild and recover after a serious factory accident. One phone call could change your life forever.
From metal fabrication shops along U.S. 290 and Highway 249 to plastics, food processing, and distribution centers serving the Houston Ship Channel and Port of Houston, thousands of Houstonians work around heavy machinery, powered industrial trucks, chemicals, and heat—often on tight deadlines. When employers decide to push production by delaying maintenance, pushing workers too hard, or ignoring key safety measures, preventable injuries follow.
The most common drivers we see behind Texas factory accidents include:
Unsafe machine guarding and lockout/tagout failures. Unguarded pinch points, energized equipment during maintenance, or missing interlocks lead to amputations and crush injuries.
Forklift and yard truck collisions. Congested aisles, blind corners, unmarked pedestrian lanes, and overworked or undertrained operators can cause struck-by and tip-over incidents in warehouses and fabrication plants.
Combustible dust and ignition sources. Wood, plastic, sugar, grain, metal, or resin dust can explode when ventilation, housekeeping, and spark control are neglected, especially during cleaning or maintenance.
Chemical handling and process upsets. Mixing, coating, cleaning, and parts washing introduce solvents and flammables; poor ventilation, bad labeling, or bypassed sensors can create fire, explosion, and toxic exposure risks.
Maintenance backlogs and aging equipment. Worn valves, cracked hoses, and failing bearings can turn routine operations into serious hazards. In Houston factories, “run to failure” culture is a recipe for disaster.
Inadequate training and supervision. Rushed onboarding, rotating temp workers, and understaffed teams leave factory workers unprepared for non-routine tasks, cleaning, and changeovers, when many factory injuries occur.
Incident Spotlight: Watson Grinding Explosion in Houston, TX
At about 4:30 a.m. on January 24, 2020, an explosion at Watson Grinding in Houston claimed three lives: two workers and one nearby resident. At least 20 others were injured, and hundreds of homes in the area were damaged.
A resulting U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigation revealed three primary causes:
A degraded and poorly crimped rubber welding hose.
A failure to close the manual shutoff valve at the propylene storage tank the night before.
An inoperative gas detection alarm, exhaust fan, and gas shutoff system.
The CSB also identified a “lack of a comprehensive process safety management program” and the “lack of an effective emergency response plan" that could have not only prevented the propylene leak and subsequent explosion in the first place, but that could have ensured proper evacuation of the area and early involvement of emergency responders.
The Watson Grinding tragedy is not an isolated event. It's a reminder of how multiple safety failures can converge with catastrophic results. In this case, aging and poorly maintained equipment, gaps in chemical handling and process safety, and inoperative detection systems combined to create a situation that claimed the lives of three innocent people and harmed many others. These align directly with several of the leading causes our Houston factory accident attorneys see today. And until employers choose to prioritize workers' lives, they'll continue.
The Deadliest Factory Accidents in U.S. History
The Falk Corporation Explosion (December 2006): An explosion triggered by a gas leak at a gear factory killed 3 workers and injured 47 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The explosion leveled multiple buildings.
The PEPCON Disaster (May 1988): A chemical factory in Henderson, Nevada caught fire and triggered multiple explosions that killed 2 and injured more than 300 people.
The Benton Fireworks Disaster (May 1983): An illegal fireworks-making operation exploded in Benton, Tennessee, killing 11 and injuring 1. It caused damage for several miles around the makeshift factory.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (March 1911): A garment factory caught fire while the doors were locked, killing 145 workers—most of them young girls. This factory accident inspired public action on behalf of all U.S. workers.
Factory Accidents We've Investigated
The 2014 Georgia-Pacific Plywood Plant Explosion
Three different companies were responsible for a massive explosion that rocked a factory near Corrigan, Texas, killing two workers and seriously injuring others. The plant owners, the suppression system company, and the air filtration manufacturer were all found legally at fault for the severe burns our client suffered after the blast, which left him in need of multiple surgeries and other care. The jury awarded our client $39 million.
The 2013 Williams Olefins Explosion
In the early 2000s, Williams Olefins was warned that their reboiler system had a fatal flaw that would make it easy for the reboiler tanks to become pressurized bombs. The company ignored the warnings and didn't spend the few dollars it would have taken to fix it. In June 2013, the warnings came true—the reboiler exploded, killing 2 and injuring 167. We represented several workers, securing $15.45 million in an initial trial and $18.5 million in a second trial only weeks later.
The 2005 BP Refinery Explosion
Eight weeks before the second-largest oil refinery in the United States exploded, BP received a report about its facility. The report, which was privately commissioned, outlined the grievous safety issues workers at the plant were facing. Rather than stop production to fix these problems, however, BP elected to continue. The exact problems brought up in the report caused an explosion that killed 15 and injured hundreds. Our factory injury law firm helped ensure that the victims of this explosion received enough money to recover from their serious injuries.
$171 Million Awarded in Confidential Settlements After a Massive Factory Fire
In one of our most heart-wrenching cases, Arnold & Itkin represented a group of refinery workers who were severely burned when their workplace caught fire. In addition to being one of the most painful types of trauma, burns are the costliest injuries anyone can suffer, but their employer wasn't helping with the recovery at all. The employer refused to settle for years, dragging out the litigation process. Our attorneys continued relentlessly gathering information.
Finally, our factory burn attorneys developed a case that proved the fire was the employer's fault. They finally took their workers' claims seriously, settling for $171 million. Thanks to our guidance and resources, we compelled one of the largest companies in the world to take worker safety seriously and do the right thing by our clients.
“Ever since the day I met them until today that I'm sitting here, they have always had my back.”
The hours, days, and weeks after a factory accident may be chaotic, but the steps you take in the aftermath can make a difference for your health, your recovery, and your ability to hold at-fault parties responsible.
1. Seek Emergency Medical Care
Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional right away. Many serious injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or chemical exposure, may not be immediately apparent. Houston is home to world-class trauma centers, including Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Hospital, both of which are equipped to treat severe factory accident injuries.
2. Report the Accident Promptly
Be sure to report your injuries to your employer, in writing, as soon as possible. In Texas, most workplace injuries must be reported within 30 days of the incident. Failing to report in time can jeopardize your ability to seek workers' comp or other benefits. Be clear and detailed when describing what happened, and make sure the incident is documented.
3. Preserve All Evidence
If it's safe to do so, take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any equipment or substances involved. Keep copies of reports, medical records, and correspondence with your employer or insurance company. This evidence is critical in proving fault—especially in cases involving defective machinery, unsafe conditions, or OSHA violations.
4. Know the Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This may seem like a long time, but claims involving workplace safety violations, third-party negligence, or defective equipment should be handled as soon as possible to preserve witness statements and other key evidence.
5. Speak to a Houston Factory Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies and employers often move quickly to limit their liability. They have investigators and lawyers of their own to counter claims and avoid accountability. Having an experienced local attorney means you'll have someone who understands Texas labor laws, Houston's industrial landscape, and the tactics used to deny or reduce claims.
At Arnold & Itkin, we've represented injured workers across Houston—from the East End's manufacturing plants to the petrochemical facilities along the Ship Channel—recovering life-changing compensation for clients whose employers put their safety second to profits.
Burn Injuries Sustained in Factory Accidents
When it comes to factory accidents, burns are a real risk. They can occur as a result of a fire or explosion at the facility or from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Burn injuries can cause scarring and disfigurement, plus loss of muscle function and control. They are extremely painful, particularly during recovery, which may require multiple surgeries and skin grafts.
One of the worst industrial accidents in U.S. history was a factory fire. The incident took place on March 25, 1911, at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in Manhattan, New York. While the exact cause of the fire was never officially determined, it broke out on the 8th floor of the building in a scrap bin that held about two months' of accumulated cuttings. There was no fire alarm and no way to contact workers on the 9th floor of the building, and several of the exits were locked (a practice used to keep workers from taking unauthorized breaks or from stealing factory property).
146 garment workers at the factory were killed, including 123 women and girls and 23 men. The factory owners were criminally charged with manslaughter but were acquitted. In 1913, they were found liable in a civil wrongful death suit, and the plaintiffs were awarded $75 per deceased victim.
When factory workers are burned, they need aggressive representation to ensure they receive the best treatment and complete financial compensation for their injuries. That's where our Houston burn injury attorneys can make all the difference. When workers are burned in fires or other incidents at factories, we help them recover.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits for Fatal Factory Accidents
Some factory accidents, like the tragedy at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, claim workers' lives. When this happens, their families have the right to come forward with wrongful death lawsuits to hold negligent parties accountable. A wrongful death case for a factory accident may be linked to faulty equipment, improper worker training, poor implementation of safety practices and policies, and other forms of carelessness or wrongdoing.
At Arnold & Itkin, we believe in helping families om Texas and nationwide find answers after fatal factory accidents. Our Houston wrongful death attorneys fight tirelessly to uncover the true cause of a worker's death so we can bring the responsible parties to justice. We know we can't bring back a lost spouse or other loved one, but we can can find answers and bring families peace of mind and the financial support they need to rebuild.
Texas Factory Workers' Legal Rights & Options
Texas factory workers have key rights to protect their safety, livelihood, and future. Understanding these is critical, especially in a state where work injury laws operate differently.
Your Right to a Safe Workplace
Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), you have the right to work in an environment free from recognized hazards that could cause serious injury or death. This includes properly maintained machinery, adequate safety guards, hazard communication for chemicals, and appropriate protective gear. Employers must identify risks, train employees on safe practices, and take action to prevent accidents before they happen.
Your Right to Report Injuries & Unsafe Conditions
You can—and should—report workplace injuries and unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. Texas and federal law prohibit employers from firing, demoting, or otherwise punishing workers for making safety complaints, cooperating with OSHA investigations, or filing injury claims. If retaliation occurs, you may have the right to pursue additional legal action.
Texas Is a “Non-Subscriber” State
Unlike most states, Texas does not require all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. Some factory owners opt out of the system entirely—becoming what's known as “non-subscribers.” If your employer is a non-subscriber and you're injured on the job, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them to recover compensation. In these cases, Texas law removes certain defenses that employers can normally use, making it easier to prove your case.
Other Legal Options for Injured Factory Workers
Even if your employer does carry workers' compensation, you may still have additional claims against third parties such as equipment manufacturers, contractors, or chemical suppliers—if their negligence contributed to your injury. These third-party factory accident claims can help you recover damages beyond what workers' compensation offers, including full lost wages and earning potential, pain and suffering, future care costs, and more.
Why Local Representation Matters
Houston's strong industrial presence—ranging from petrochemical plants along the Ship Channel to food processing facilities in the East End—presents unique risks. Our Texas factory injury lawyers have handled cases in every corner of the city and state, holding employers and negligent third parties accountable when they fail to protect workers. We understand the laws, the local industries, and the strategies it takes to win for Texas factory workers.
Call (888) 493-1629 to Discuss Your Texas Factory Accident
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a work accident, call the Houston factory accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin. Our firm has the resources, experience, and tenacity to level the playing field between you and your employer. More importantly, our factory personal injury attorneys know how to fight for the amount that you need to survive—enough to pay for past and future medical care, provide for your family, and rebuild your life.
It all starts with a phone call. Here's how it works: you'll request a time to speak with a lawyer in a free review of your case—you can either call us or send us a message through our simple form. Together, you and your attorney will go over your options and the best way forward. If we can help you, we'll cover the cost of your case from beginning to end; our clients never receive an invoice or a bill. You can afford the best representation.
If you're ready to begin, we're ready to hear your story. Call (888) 493-1629 to talk to a factory accident lawyer in Houston.
CommonQuestions
Is Factory Work Dangerous?
Factory workers are responsible for constructing and manufacturing virtually every type of product on the market, from children’s toys to motor vehicles. They have one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and deaths in the U.S. They work around and with heavy machinery and may also be exposed to hazardous substances, extreme temperatures, and other potential dangers. When factory owners observe safety standards, maintain equipment, and properly train employees, however, the risk of injury is far lower. The truth is that the field may have inherent dangers, but nearly every factory accident could have been prevented if the right precautions had been taken.
Factory work becomes dangerous when companies care more about profits and production than their hard-working employees. At Arnold & Itkin, we stand up for injured factory workers and their families, exposing these injustices.
What Are Some Types of Factory Accidents?
Factory accidents may range from slip and fall accidents that cause minor injuries to explosions that claim multiple workers’ lives. The workers who are harmed in these accidents have the right to receive medical care and financial support for their work-related injuries, through workers’ compensation or personal injury lawsuits. Families can file wrongful death lawsuits against at-fault parties.
Arnold & Itkin handles factory accident cases involving fires and explosions, assembly line accidents, heavy machinery malfunction, slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, chemical spills, exposure to toxins, injuries caused by falling objects, and many others. Our factory personal injury attorneys fight to set things right.
What Should I Do if I Lost a Loved One in a Factory Accident?
If you lost a parent, spouse, child, or another family member in a factory accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if workers’ comp does not apply or a third party (someone other than your loved one’s employer or co-worker) was involved. Because workers’ comp provides limited benefits, it is important to determine whether a wrongful death case would be appropriate. Bringing responsible parties to justice in this way brings peace of mind and helps a family recover additional compensation to ensure they’re taken care of for life. That's the goal of our factory death lawyers.
