On March 6, 2012 there was an explosion at the Valero Refinery in Memphis, TN. It occurred after workers were instructed to block off a flare line that was on a two-story platform. Flares act as safety devices and let out and burn pressurized gases. The workers took out the bolts from the flare flange when a large flash fire began.
The fire hit two of the workers and blew them 50 feet away from where they were working. Another man was blown off the platform and hit the ground still on fire. They tried to put out the flames, but the lawsuit stated it wasn’t until 10 minutes later before any assistance was given from trained personnel.
One of the subcontractors was killed and two others were severely burned after the explosion—one had burns over 70 percent of his body.
Two of the survivors filed a multimillion-dollar wrongful death and injury lawsuit in San Antonio, since the men worked for subcontractor JV Industrial of Pasadena, TX. The lawsuit alleges severe and gross negligence since the company did not ensure that there were no hazardous gases in the flare line, there was no timely firefighting assistance, and automatic firefighting equipment was not in place. The lawsuit also states that this fire was the third one in less than two years.
If you have been the victim of an oil workplace accident or an explosion, don’t let companies take advantage of you. We can help you get the justice you deserve after your crisis. Contact Crowe, Arnold & Majors today.
