In a gripping legal battle unfolding in Harris County, Texas, three individuals have launched a lawsuit against several major companies, alleging negligence and gross negligence that led to severe injuries. The complaint was filed by Jose Villalobos, Luis Perez, and Trevor Stinson on January 17, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County against Austin Maintenance & Construction, Inc., Lyondell Chemical Company, Equistar Chemicals, LP, Refractory Construction Services Co., LLC, Specialty Welding and Turnarounds, LLC, and Turn2 Specialty Companies LLC.
The plaintiffs claim that on December 17, 2024, they suffered serious injuries while performing pipe work at Lyondell's Channelview South Plant. They allege that the defendants had assured them of safe working conditions but failed to prevent an explosion caused by fire and harmful chemicals erupting from a pipe. According to the lawsuit, this incident occurred after prior repairs were made following a fire that destroyed the heater they were working on. The plaintiffs accuse the defendants of failing to clean the system properly and allowing flammable materials to remain in place. As a result of these alleged oversights and misrepresentations about safety conditions, Villalobos, Perez, and Stinson were thrown back by the explosion's force and covered in burning chemicals.
The plaintiffs argue that each defendant played a role in creating these hazardous conditions through acts such as failing to isolate flammables or properly inspect equipment. They contend that these failures resulted in severe physical injuries including burns and head trauma which require ongoing treatment. Furthermore, they claim their ability to work has been compromised due to these injuries.
Seeking justice for their ordeal, the plaintiffs are demanding monetary relief exceeding $1 million. They are pursuing compensatory damages for past and future pain and suffering as well as exemplary damages due to what they describe as flagrant disregard for safety by the defendants. Additionally sought are costs related to medical expenses both past and future along with lost wages due to diminished earning capacity.
Representing the plaintiffs is Arnold & Itkin LLP with attorneys Kurt B. Arnold leading the charge alongside J. Kyle Findley and John G. Arsenault. The case is being presided over by Judge Gerardo Perez under Case ID 2025-03771 in Harris County's 11th Judicial District Court.