HOUSTON — Several workers at an industrial chemical complex who suffered injuries after a hazardous leak are claiming negligence.
Juan Leal, James Medina, Eliseo Mendez, Jose Rojas and Jose Sanchez filed a complaint Dec. 16 in Harris County District Court against Lyondellbasell, Acetyls LLC, Lyondell Chemical Company and Equistar Chemicals LP alleging negligence.
The defendants were working at Lyondell's La Porte manufacturing and industrial chemical complex on July 27, 2021, according to their complaint. They allege that a leak was discovered inside one of the units and that Lyondell opted to have the leak only temporarily repaired.
They further alleged that over 100,000 pounds of various harmful chemicals such as catalyst, acetic acid, methyl iodide and hydrogen iodide suddenly released into the complex and caused them to choke on hazardous chemical fumes. The plaintiffs claim the defendants' negligence for failing to provide a safe workplace, failing to properly inspect and maintain the unit and not properly monitoring or overseeing the safety of the workplace.
They also claim the defendants did not ensure the safety systems in the unit to make sure they were adequate and functional and violated OHSA regulations and standards.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Benny Agosto, Jr., Lena Laurenzo, Edward Festeryga and Ben Agosto, III of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-81731