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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

PU, ExxonMobil reach settlements in suits over refinery blast

Refineryex

BEAUMONT – More than three years after a deadly explosion at its Beaumont, Texas, refinery, ExxonMobil has settled negligence lawsuits filed by the parents of two workers who were killed and six others who were injured in the April 17, 2013 blast.

The Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represents the plaintiffs.

"As a lifelong resident of the Southeast Texas community, I am no stranger to learning that many hardworking people are injured and killed while working within the refining industry,” said James Payne, PU’s lead attorney in the case.

“There are many products that could lead to dangerous and fatal conditions for all of the workers and the community as well, which is one reason that safety must be a top priority."

A court order signed May 10, 2016 resolves claims filed by the parents of the deceased and injured workers, according to a press release.

The initial lawsuits were filed following the explosion and fire that occurred at a heat exchanger unit inside the ExxonMobil refinery.

The injured workers and families of those who died argued that ExxonMobil did not take reasonable steps to warn the workers of the presence of hydrocarbons, inspect the equipment or adequately maintain the premises given the dangerous conditions that were present at the plant, which processes 344,500 barrels of oil a day.

"This was a horrific tragedy that has devastated all of the families involved," said PU attorney Matthew Matheny. “While the terms of the settlement are confidential, the families are pleased to have the litigation resolved although injuries sustained will continue for a lifetime."

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