Did the TPC Plant Fire in Port Neches Impact You?
Our Texas attorneys can take on your claim and help you get results
If you were affected by the TPC plant fire and explosions that took place in Port Neches before Thanksgiving 2019, our Texas lawyers can answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you get the financial compensation you’re entitled to. The attorneys from Tracey Fox & Walters have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements, judgments and verdicts for clients located throughout Texas and have more than a century of combined legal experience. Take strong action and put your case in the hands of a trusted Texas law firm. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
What happened?
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, two massive explosions and an ensuing fire occurred at the TPC plant in Port Neches. The catastrophic blasts caused devastation to nearby buildings, and a cloud of black smoke containing harmful chemicals triggered a mandatory evacuation that impacted around 50,000 people in the area. No deaths were reported as a result of the early morning incident, though three plant workers were injured, and a handful of other people were treated after suffering cuts from shattered glass. Homes, businesses, and schools in the blast radius were also damaged. The cause of the explosions has not yet been determined.
The petrochemical plant, owned by the Houston-based TPC Group, produces 1,3-butadiene, a highly flammable colorless gas used to make synthetic rubber and plastics. Breathing in air contaminated with 1,3-butadiene may cause:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Lower blood pressure
- Decreased heart rate
- Central nervous system damage
- Fainting / Loss of consciousness
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have all classified 1,3-butadiene as a known human carcinogen, as research has shown an increased risk of cancer among workers exposed to the chemical.
A troubling trend
Southeast Texas is well-established as a hub for the oil refining and petrochemical industry – an industry that’s grown to become a key part of the local economy. While this most recent incident in Port Neches may have been caused by accident, the TPC Group does have a history of environmental violations worth noting.
According to records kept by the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the TPC Group has had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for violations at its plants, including the chemical plant located in Port Neches. Any time flammable chemicals are being processed, there’s a risk for a fire or explosion, which is why these corporations are held to such a high standard when it comes to safety.
In order to prevent similar incidents like the one that occurred in Port Neches, it’s critical that we find answers and hold irresponsible companies accountable for their negligence.
How can Tracey & Fox help?
If you live in Port Neches or any other area impacted by the TPC plant fire and explosions and think you may have been exposed to air contaminated with 1,3-butadiene, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You can never be too careful when it comes to your health, and even if you think your symptoms are mild, you should still see a doctor to make sure you get any necessary treatment. After you visit a doctor, contact our law firm to go over your legal options.
If your home or any other property sustained damage as a result of the plant fire or explosions, our Texas attorneys can also help you navigate the confusing claims process to ensure your rights are being protected and you’re getting the financial compensation you’re entitled to.
Whether you are interested in pursuing legal action or simply have questions about your rights in the wake of this disaster, our Texas lawyers are here to help. There’s no obligation, and we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win. Contact Tracey Fox & Walters today for your free case evaluation.