Plant & Refinery Accident Lawyers Serving the Injured in Texas & Nationwide
Plant explosions are occurring at an alarming rate. Virtually every year features 1 or 2 new disasters on a massive scale. We are headed for a crisis—a crisis that is still preventable if companies are willing to make the relatively small investment into improving their facilities.
Our first concern is for the workers who are hurt or killed in these explosions. The impact, the heat, and the volatile chemicals all virtually guarantee that someone will suffer a catastrophic injury—likely toxic exposure, burn injuries, or blunt force trauma. Many workers do not survive their injuries. The ones who do are facing a long road ahead—a path marked with post-traumatic stress, extensive medical care, and a prematurely finished career in plant work.
Many Texas plant explosion survivors live to see their savings waste away while companies who promised to protect them ignore their requests for relief. It's at this point that workers call Arnold & Itkin. With our help, our clients have received more than $20 billion to pay off their medical debt, provide for their children, and replace the income they lost.
Texas Has a History of Plant & Refinery Explosions
Texas is the industrial heart of America, home to more chemical plants, oil refineries, and petrochemical facilities than any other state in the nation. From the sprawling refineries along the Houston Ship Channel to massive petrochemical plants in Baytown, Pasadena, Texas City, Port Arthur, and La Porte, thousands of workers spend their days handling or working near highly flammable and toxic substances.
The state’s industrial dominance comes with a steep price: Texas consistently leads the nation in plant and refinery explosions, fires, and chemical leaks. Many of these incidents are preventable, caused by poor maintenance, outdated equipment, or companies cutting corners to keep production costs low. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong at these facilities, the results are catastrophic—workers are burned, toxic chemicals are released into surrounding communities, and families are left to pick up the pieces after tragedies that should never have happened.
Pemex Deer Park Refinery Hydrogen Sulfide Release – Deer Park, TX (October 10, 2024)
On June 8, 2022, a rupture in the piping system at the Freeport LNG terminal triggered an explosion and fire, forcing a complete shutdown of operations for months. Investigators determined that warming LNG and an improperly isolated pressure-relief valve caused dangerous over-pressurization, releasing LNG vapor that ignited and created a fireball.
Fire & Explosion at ExxonMobil Plant – Baytown, Texas (December 23, 2021)
Residents in Baytown, Texas, reported feeling an explosion at about 1:00 am on December 23, 2021. Authorities soon responded to a “major industrial accident” at the ExxonMobil plant about 25 miles outside of Houston. A fire had broken out in the part of the plant that produces gasoline, seriously injuring four workers. Three of the workers were transported by helicopter and one was transported by ambulance for emergency medical care. The facility houses a chemical plant, refinery, and olefins plant. It took emergency crews several hours to finally extinguish the fire.
This was not the first incident of its kind at the ExxonMobil refinery. On July 21, 2019, at least 66 workers were injured due to a fire at the olefins plant, which unleashed toxic chemicals into the air and millions of gallons of firefighting wastewater into the Houston Ship Channel. Our Texas plant explosion attorneys are helping multiple workers find justice.
The LyondellBasell Chemical Leak – La Porte (July 27, 2021)
A chemical leak at the LyondellBasell plant in La Porte claimed the lives of 2 workers and sent 30 more to the hospital for treatment on July 27, 2021. The incident was initially reported to be an explosion as it involved a burst cap on a pressurized line. That line contained acetic acid and sent a toxic vapor cloud around workers once it broke. It happened as the plant was partially shut down for routine maintenance. Acetic acid is a highly corrosive, flammable substance that’s used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning and food preparation. While safe if used properly, exposure to high quantities of it can cause serious burn injuries and respiratory damage.
Notably, LyondellBasell had received numerous citations for pollution in the years leading up to the chemical leak. Just weeks before the accident, its Galena Park facility—just 15 miles away—made headlines for spewing a garlic-like odor over nearby neighborhoods. While officials maintained that the leaking chemical that caused the scent wasn’t unsafe, those near the plant reported feeling nauseated and having headaches.
The Kuraray America Plant Explosion – Pasadena, TX (May 19, 2018)
On May 19, 2018, a powerful explosion and fire erupted at the Kuraray America EVAL plant in Pasadena, Texas, injuring 23 workers. According to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, the incident occurred when high-pressure ethylene vapor was released through a poorly designed emergency relief system during a reactor startup. The vapor was vented into an area where contractors were present and ignited—likely by welding activities. The CSB cited multiple failures, including flawed equipment design, inadequate hazard management, and allowing nonessential personnel near startup operations, all of which turned a routine process into a preventable disaster.
The Worst Plant Explosions in Texas
Even a little bit of research into refinery accidents will reveal a pattern about explosions: for the most part, they're the result of failed parts or lack of inspection. That's what makes them so preventable—all it would take is regular vigilance and a bit of preventative maintenance to keep explosions from happening.
In October 1989, a small valve adjustment created a gas release that ignited a massive plant explosion. The explosion itself registered on the Richter scale at a magnitude of 3.5—small for an earthquake, but massive for a man-made explosion. The key here was the chain reaction—the valve reversal released 85,000 pounds of flammable fumes, but it was the first explosion that led to a chain of explosions throughout the plant.
The disaster took the lives of 23 employees and injured 300+ others.
The Texas City Refinery Explosion (March 23, 2005)
In 2005, a report from a consulting firm hired to inspect the Texas City plant said, "We have never seen a site where the notion 'I could die today' was so real." The report listed broken alarms, thinning pipes, and crumbling concrete among the serious issues the plant was facing. Barely 8 weeks later, a pressure release led to an overflow of hydrocarbons in the air, which weren't detected due to a faulty alarm. The scale of the resulting explosion is hard to describe—it killed 15 people in the immediate vicinity and blew out windows over three-quarters of a mile away. The surrounding area (up to 200,000 square feet) was badly burned. The Texas plant accident shut down the facility for 2 years.
The West, Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion (April 17, 2013)
Before 2013, OSHA had last inspected the West Fertilizer facility in 1985. Prior to the explosion, the company had a record of improper security, unlawful storage of anhydrous ammonia, and not possessing a risk management plan. After the explosion, it was discovered that the plant didn't disclose how much ammonia it was storing on-site, breaking federal law. The explosion was the result of a fire in the facility. During firefighting efforts, the plant exploded with the force of 10 tons of TNT. The damage was so profound that there were conflicting reports of deaths or injuries, with dozens missing.
Eventually, authorities determined that 15 people were killed and 160-200 people were injured in this Texas plant accident. To learn more, see our article: The History of the West, Texas Fertilizer Plant.
The Largest Plants & Oil Refineries in Texas
There are at least 176 natural gas processing plants in Texas (Texas Comptroller). The state is the nation's top producer of crude oil and natural gas, accounting for 43% of crude oil production and with the most crude oil refineries in the country (U.S. Energy Information Administration). The largest refineries in Texas include:
Texas plant and refinery explosions don't happen by chance—they happen because of preventable failures. From the Houston Ship Channel to Port Arthur and La Porte, investigations by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) and OSHA consistently point to the same dangerous patterns: companies cutting corners, ignoring maintenance, and placing production ahead of worker safety. The most common causes include:
Poor Equipment Maintenance & Outdated Infrastructure Many Texas plants operate with aging equipment that is rarely inspected or replaced. The Texas City Refinery explosion of 2005 is a prime example, where thinning pipes, broken alarms, and outdated pressure-relief systems caused a catastrophic hydrocarbon release. Freeport LNG’s 2022 explosion also illustrates how a single failed pressure-relief valve can lead to over-pressurization and a massive fireball.
Improper Handling of Hazardous Chemicals Plants and refineries routinely handle volatile substances like hydrogen sulfide, acetic acid, and ethylene. The Pemex Deer Park disaster of 2024 involved a hydrogen sulfide release during routine maintenance, while LyondellBasell’s 2021 La Porte leak sent a toxic cloud of acetic acid into the air, killing two workers. Even small handling errors can trigger deadly chemical reactions or toxic gas exposure.
Flawed System Design & Safety Oversight Design flaws and ignored safety recommendations often play a key role. The 2018 Kuraray America explosion happened because a poorly designed emergency relief system vented high-pressure ethylene vapor directly into a populated work area, where it ignited. In many cases, critical alarms and automatic shutdown systems are either not installed or poorly maintained, making early intervention impossible.
Production Pressure Overworked crews and production quotas push workers into dangerous shortcuts. Investigations into incidents like the ExxonMobil Baytown plant fire (2021) and the Phillips 66 Goldsmith explosion (2024) show that companies often push to restart or keep production running, even when proper safety protocols are bypassed. Fatigue, rushed startups, and inadequate training enhance the risk.
Negligence in Safety Training & Emergency Response When explosions happen, lives are often lost not just because of the initial blast, but because workers aren’t properly trained to respond. Poor evacuation planning and untested emergency procedures allow fires, toxic gas releases, and secondary explosions to spread—endangering not only workers but surrounding communities.
Burns & Other Injuries at Chemical Plants, Oil Refineries & More
Explosions and fires at Texas plants and refineries often leave workers with catastrophic, life-changing injuries. These accidents typically involve extreme heat, toxic chemicals, or powerful shockwaves, which can cause both visible and internal trauma. Many victims face months or years of medical treatment, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and in some cases, permanent disability.
Texas plant and refinery explosions cause life-changing injuries such as:
Severe burns (second- and third-degree) and thermal injuries
Chemical burns from toxic or corrosive substances
Smoke inhalation and respiratory damage
Crush injuries and traumatic amputations
Fractures and orthopedic injuries from blast impact or falling debris
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions caused by blast waves
Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues
Hearing loss or internal organ damage from blast overpressure
If you or a loved one is dealing with the aftermath of an accident at a chemical plant, oil refinery, factory, or other industrial workplace that resulted in severe burn injuries or other trauma, do not hesitate to contact the industrial injury lawyers at Arnold & Itkin as soon as possible. Over the years, we have helped countless individuals and families—helping the victims of third-degree burns, scarring, and disfigurement demand justice.
We understand just how complex the recovery process can be; medical treatment for plant explosion injuries is not inexpensive or quick. You need to receive compensation that will not only help cover these medical costs—past, current, and future—but also help cover other associated expenses, such as lost income, mental anguish, pain, suffering, and more. At Arnold & Itkin, our Texas burn injury lawyers are proud to represent injured industrial workers and will stop at nothing to ensure our clients receive the compensation that they deserve.
Texas Wrongful Death Cases After Fatal Plant & Refinery Explosions
Nothing is as difficult as dealing with the loss of a loved one. If a fatal plant, refinery, or factory accident killed someone you love, it's important to know that you're not alone in this. At Arnold & Itkin, our Texas wrongful death lawyers have handled hundreds of similar cases. Our plant attorneys know what you're going through, and we're here to help you find justice. We know that no amount of money will ever truly compensate you for the loss of someone you love and it will never make the negligence or recklessness that caused it acceptable; however, we believe that you deserve to have a stable future. You deserve security—and you deserve to know that the responsible parties have been held accountable.
That's what our team of trial lawyers is here to do. We fight for justice, for answers, and for families across Texas. Let us fight for you.
Our Results: Helping After Texas Plant Explosions
As Texas plant accident lawyers, we've spent our careers investigating the worst examples of industrial negligence in U.S. history. Every time we investigate a new refinery explosion, we see the same old pattern over and over: neglected equipment, tuned-out executives, untrained workers, and poor emergency preparation. The only way to force companies to break their destructive pattern is to hire a plant accident attorney.
We have helped our clients win billions of dollars to rebuild their lives after serious injuries, including:
$97 Million – Our Texas plant burn lawyers negotiated a massive settlement for a group of refinery workers who survived a fire at their work site. The settlement helped them get the extensive medical care they needed.
$39.7 Million – Our lawyers won a massive verdict for a worker who was caught in an explosion at a plywood plant. Our client's skin was falling apart, requiring several surgeries before trial was even finished. We fought to help him pay for current and future medical care.
$30+ Million Won for Geismar Explosion Survivors
The Texas plant attorneys at Arnold & Itkin represented several survivors of the 2013 explosion that rocked Geismar, Louisiana. In two separate trials, our lawyers ensured that our clients won $15.45 million and $18.5 million, respectively. Despite the defendants' best efforts, the jury assigned 98% of the fault to the companies we sued—helping our clients get the care and resources they needed.
What Workers Believe About Our Texas Plant Accident Lawyers
Our clients come from every walk of life, every economic background, and come from all over Texas. As the backbone of our economy, it's our honor to protect them when they need their neighbors most. Knowing their stories and getting to know their lives and their families only commits us further to securing their future. The best thing any client can say about us is that we never quit fighting for them. As Texas plant accident lawyers, we refuse to let any company or insurance company outwork us, ever.
“What led me to hire Arnold & Itkin was that they don't back down. They stand up for what's right…They fought for me in the courtroom. They didn't quit.” - Chris, workplace explosion survivor
Contact Our Texas Plant Lawyers for a Free Consultation: (888) 493-1629
If you've been injured in a plant explosion, then you've been wronged. All you need to do is prove it—for that, you need an experienced plant explosion lawyer on your side. Arnold & Itkin has helped our clients obtain billions of dollars against their wrongdoers, helping them get medical care and provide for their families. It all begins with a free review of your options. Talk to a lawyer about what happened to you—we'll take it from there.
What Should I Do After Being Injured in a Plant or Refinery Explosion?
Your health comes first—seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Document everything, including photos of your injuries and the explosion site, if possible. Report the incident to your employer in writing and request copies of any reports filed. Avoid signing anything from your employer or their insurance company without legal guidance; they may try to minimize your claim. Contacting an experienced Texas plant explosion lawyer early is critical. A lawyer can investigate the incident, secure evidence before it disappears, and help you pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
Are Families Entitled to Compensation After Fatal Plant Explosions?
Surviving spouses, children, and other dependents can pursue wrongful death claims after a fatal plant or refinery explosion. Compensation can cover funeral costs, loss of income, medical expenses prior to death, and non-economic damages such as loss of companionship. In cases of gross negligence—such as ignoring known safety hazards—families may also seek punitive damages to hold the company accountable. Arnold & Itkin has successfully represented families after some of Texas’s worst plant disasters, helping them secure financial stability and, just as importantly, forcing companies to make safety a priority.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Plant Explosion in Texas?
Liability often extends beyond the plant owner. Depending on the investigation’s findings, responsible parties can include equipment manufacturers, third-party maintenance contractors, or chemical suppliers that failed to provide safe materials. In some cases, management companies are held accountable for cutting corners to reduce costs, while engineering firms may face liability for design flaws, as seen in the Kuraray America Pasadena explosion. Determining fault requires reviewing safety records, maintenance logs, and design specifications to show how negligence directly caused the disaster. Our skilled plant explosion attorneys in Texas know how to hold every responsible party accountable.
What Types of Injuries Do Plant & Refinery Explosions Cause?
Explosions at Texas plants and refineries often leave workers with life-changing injuries. Severe burns, including chemical and thermal injuries, are the most common. Blast-related trauma—such as fractures, crush injuries, or amputations—can occur from falling debris or structural collapses. Smoke inhalation and toxic exposure cause long-term respiratory damage, while blast overpressure can lead to hearing loss, internal bleeding, or organ damage. Workers are also at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis. These injuries often require years of costly medical treatment and can permanently end a worker’s industrial career.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Plant & Refinery Explosions in Texas?
Most Texas plant and refinery explosions are caused by preventable safety failures. Poor maintenance, outdated equipment, and ignored safety protocols are leading contributors, as seen in incidents like the Texas City Refinery explosion and the Freeport LNG fireball. Hazardous chemical handling mistakes, such as the Pemex Deer Park hydrogen sulfide release, are also common. Flawed system designs, untested emergency shutdowns, and pressure to meet production quotas push workers into unsafe shortcuts. Together, these failures create a chain reaction where a single valve malfunction, chemical leak, or ignition source can lead to catastrophic results.
