A catastrophic explosion at a chemical plant has led to a lawsuit filed by two injured workers. On August 27, 2024, Eladio Blanco and Nicanor Gonzales lodged a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Brock Services, LLC, Brock Industrial Services, LLC, and LyondellBasell Acetyls, LLC.
The plaintiffs allege that on August 22, 2024, they were severely injured while working on a pressure safety valve (PSV) at the LyondellBasell Acetyls chemical plant in La Porte, Texas. According to the petition, a massive explosion occurred due to the defendants' negligence and gross negligence. Blanco suffered severe burns from the steam release caused by the explosion, while Gonzales sustained serious physical injuries as he tried to escape.
The complaint asserts that Brock Services and Brock Industrial Services failed in their duty to ensure safe working conditions. The plaintiffs claim that these companies were responsible for evaluating work procedures and inspecting the PSV area but neglected these duties despite knowing the extreme risks involved. "Brock’s fire watch assigned to this job failed to do so," states the petition. Furthermore, it alleges that both companies did not develop or monitor a safe work plan.
Similarly, LyondellBasell Acetyls is accused of failing to control and supervise the work environment adequately. The plaintiffs argue that LyondellBasell had custody over the plant's equipment and infrastructure and was required to ensure safety protocols were followed. The complaint mentions that "LYB’s operator assigned to this job failed" in their responsibilities despite being aware of potential hazards.
Blanco and Gonzales are seeking substantial medical treatment costs already incurred and anticipated future expenses. They also demand compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of earnings capacity, disfigurement, and exemplary damages due to gross negligence. Additionally, they have requested a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent any alteration or destruction of evidence related to the incident until an inspection can be conducted.
Representing Blanco and Gonzales are attorneys from Kherkher Garcia LLP and Soto Law Firm PLLC. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-56940 in Harris County's 269th Judicial District Court under Judge Monica Jackson.