HOUSTON – Two pipefitters have filed a lawsuit against Shell Oil Co. in response to a Fourth of July industrial accident at its Louisiana refinery, recent Harris County District Court records show.
Christopher Thomas and Henry Fisher claim in court papers filed on Aug. 1 in the Harris County 295th District Court that they were injured while trying to open a line inside the refinery.
Shell purportedly told the men that the line was “clean, clear, and safe to open” though it “actually contained hydrogen.”
“When the plaintiffs opened the line, it exploded, causing burns to their arms, elbows, and/or faces,” the lawsuit says. “The plaintiffs were forced to jump off 15 feet of scaffolding to avoid further serious injury.”
Court documents add that the complainants continue to be treated for their injuries.
Consequently, they seek unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
Anthony G. Buzbee of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston serves as the complainants’ lead counsel.
Harris County 295th District Court Case No. 2018-51047