A group of workers has filed a lawsuit against two chemical companies, alleging negligence and gross negligence after being exposed to toxic gases at a plant. The complaint was filed by Bob Rodriguez and 14 other plaintiffs in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on March 13, 2025, targeting OQ Chemicals Corporation and Roehm America LLC.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on March 7, 2025, at a chemical plant owned and operated by the defendants. The plaintiffs claim they were exposed to hazardous gases due to the defendants' failure to maintain safe working conditions. According to the petition, "Plaintiffs—along with other workers at the plant—were exposed to toxic gases and suffered serious injuries during the exposure and while fleeing the released toxic gases." The complaint further states that some plaintiffs had to be airlifted for medical treatment following the incident.
The lawsuit accuses OQ Chemicals Corporation and Roehm America LLC of multiple safety violations leading up to the incident. It alleges that despite several leaks occurring in the days prior, operations continued without addressing these issues. A valve failure in a brine cooler is identified as one of the causes of the chemical release. The plaintiffs argue that "Defendants failed to properly address the issue," leading to another leak shortly thereafter.
In their petition, the plaintiffs outline various ways in which they believe the defendants were negligent. These include failing to conduct necessary repairs or maintenance, failing to properly inspect and monitor equipment, not addressing hazards adequately, and neglecting proper supervision and warning protocols. They assert that such negligence was a direct cause of their injuries.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, court costs, exemplary damages, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. They also demand a jury trial for their case.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Andrew Dao and Kaseem Malik An-Noor from Daly & Black P.C., based in Houston. The case is presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID 2025-17331 in Harris County's 152nd Judicial District Court.