Documents obtained and released on December 15, 2023, by an investigative news organization, Public Health Watch, revealed that an unincorporated Houston community has been exposed to dangerous levels of Benzene since at least 2005. Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical found in crude oil and products such as gasoline, solvents, plastics, and adhesives. Benzene exposure has been linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
The Houston community is near Channelview, Texas and is known for its refineries and industrial facilities. The residents of the Houston community have experienced higher than average levels of cancer, as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Whether caused by accident or lack of regulatory oversight, these incidents cause untold harm in the communities in which they occur.
There have been a number of incidents at industrial and manufacturing plants. There was a chemical explosion in Nashua, New Hampshire on November 30, 2023. There was a chemical release at the Altivia complex in La Porte, Texas on December 4, 2023. There was a fire at Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas on December 13, 2023.
Refineries and industrial facilities can pose significant dangers both to workers and to the general public. When dangerous work is involved, extra precautions must be taken, especially when fires and explosions can occur. Equipment must be properly inspected and maintained to ensure that accidents do not occur and that hardworking Americans are not hurt.
Those touched by an industrial accident should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving industrial and plant personal injury and wrongful death, including those caused by equipment malfunctioning. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of an explosion, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a plant or refinery. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 to learn more about your legal rights.