HOUSTON — Chemical plant workers who were injured in a tank explosion are claiming negligence.
Anthony Bailey, Jerod Bonin and Jonathan Tarver filed a complaint March 21 in Harris County District Court against Westlake Chemical Corporation, Westlake Management Services Inc., and Eagle US 2 LLC alleging negligence and premises liability.
The plaintiffs, according to their complaint were working at Westlake Chemical's Lake Charles facility in Louisiana on Jan. 26, 2022. They claim that as they were working, a ethylene dichloride tank exploded which caused them to be "blown off their feet and knocked to the ground."
The plaintiffs also claim the explosion caused them to be subjected to "intense" fire, heat and pressure which caused them to suffer burns and significant injuries to their heads, necks, backs, knees, shoulders and hearing.
They allege the defendants' negligence for failing to properly supervise the work site, have adequate training and for failing to keep a proper lookout. They further allege the defendants did not inspect, maintain, repair or service their equipment and failed to detect and monitor flammable gases at the site. The plaintiffs claim the defendants also violated OSHA regulations and standards.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Muhammad Aziz and David Baluk of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-16791