Texas Injury Lawyers Blog
Recently, two employees died, and 30 others suffered injuries after a chemical leak at a LyondellBasell Industries (LBI) plant in Texas. The company is one of the largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies in the world. The Texas company boasts that its chemicals have provided modern ways to enhance food and water safety worldwide.
According to a recent news report, the chemical leak involved acetic acid, which is a common food preservative used to make vinegar. The blast occurred around 7:30 in the evening when a cap burst on a line of acetic acid. Acetic acid is a clear, flammable liquid whose vapor can be corrosive to the eyes and skin. The burst released approximately 100,000 pounds of an acetic acid chemical mixture into the air. In addition to acetic acid, the burst released hydrogen iodide and acetate. The combination of these chemicals can be toxic and cause severe burns. Emergency responders and investigators are still investigating the accident; however, they do not believe that an explosion or fire caused the leak.
Chemical leaks such as the one at the Texas plant can be toxic and deadly to anyone in the vicinity. Chemical spills and leaks often occur because of negligence surrounding safety regulations, equipment, or employee training. Companies should make sure to properly train their employees and workers to ensure that they understand how to prevent spills and mitigate harm if a spill does occur. However, many companies prioritize economic gain over employee and community welfare. When this occurs, the companies may pressure workers to complete tasks in an unreasonable amount of time. This can naturally result in workers cutting corners to meet production deadlines.
Further, in addition to those on-site, chemical spills can affect nearby residents. Chemical spills can spread through air, ground, and water. The spills can release toxins and cause fires and harm to the nearby community. Moreover, victims can face life-long debilitating illnesses related to chemical exposure.
After a chemical spill, injury victims should consult an attorney to determine their rights and remedies. Economic recovery largely depends on the specific circumstances of the chemical spill and the status of the injury victim. For instance, in some cases, employees have limited remedies in collecting damages from their employer. However, an attorney can review the facts and circumstances of the incident to determine whether the victim or their loved one can recover compensation.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of a Chemical Exposure?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries because of a dangerous toxin, or other workplace accident, contact the injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw. The lawyers at our office have extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases on behalf of clients across Texas. We handle claims involving Texas motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, defective products, workplace accidents, and instances of medical malpractice. Our attorneys use their skills, knowledge, and resources to ensure that clients recover the compensation they deserve. Contact the Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw by calling 800-862-1260 to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation today.