Houston, Texas (May 12, 2023) — Houston-based law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner managing partner Benny Agosto Jr., attorney Ben Agosto III, and attorney Barney Dill have filed suit against Shell U.S.A. Inc and Shell Chemical, L.P. on behalf of 3 contactors and multiple other victims associated with the Friday, May 5, 2023, plant fire located in Deer Park, Tx.
Based on current information the explosion and subsequent fire occurred as a result of a leak of flammable hydrocarbons that occurred due to a heat exchange between heavy gas oils during maintenance. Shell was aware of the dangers of the heat exchange and subsequent leak in the area known as “OP2”, however, Shell failed to warn workers within the plant about the dangerous condition until it was too late. According to reports, one of Shell’s employees, an “operator”, was seen running from the area known as “OP2”, at which time a massive flash fire and explosion occurred.
As a result of the incident, employees and contractors were exposed to harmful hydrocarbons. They had to flee for their lives, during which they sustained ankle, knee, back, shoulder, and neck injuries all the while choking on chemical fumes. The lawsuit states negligence, gross
negligence, and premises liability against Shell U.S.A. Inc and Shell Chemical, L.P. The lawsuit is seeking damages of over $1,000,000 per person.
On February 10th, 2023, Mr. Agosto and his trial team won a $28.591 Million verdict at trial vs. ExxonMobil stemming from the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins plant explosion on July 31, 2019. And currently have over 3,000 plaintiffs in the 2019 ITC fire explosion, which subsequently took place a few blocks away from the May 5th Shell facility fire.
Attorney Benny Agosto Jr. added, “These workers were put in harm’s way because of yet another oil and gas company’s greed and prioritizing profits over worker safety. We intend to work the full discovery process and go to trial. We want to ensure all our clients and their families are justly compensated for their multiple injuries and lost wages that will undoubtedly take place due to them not being able to provide for their families.”
For questions regarding the lawsuit or interview requests, please contact Geoffrey Adkinson at [email protected] or 713-222-7211.
About Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner
Founded in 1951, Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is one of the longest-standing personal injury law firms in Texas. Our distinguished history and reputation work to the advantage of each of our clients. We represent injured individuals in personal injury lawsuits because we enjoy helping people. Our clients come from many walks of life: from national sports figures and artists to working-class families dealing with catastrophic accidents. We put our dedication and resources behind each case we handle with the mission of obtaining the best resolution possible. Our clients receive some of the most experienced and successful legal representation in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.abrahamwatkins.com