On the morning of Monday, July 14, a fire broke out at Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery in Mississippi, injuring four contract workers. According to Chevron, the refinery fire originated in the facility’s wastewater treatment area just after 8 a.m. While emergency crews on-site responded swiftly, three of the injured workers required hospitalization.
This incident is now under investigation as workers and their families seek answers. Industrial fires like this one are unfortunately not rare in the oil and gas industry, and the consequences can be devastating.
At Kherkher Garcia, we help injured workers and their families understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a refinery fire, our experienced Houston oil and gas injury attorneys are ready to help.
What Happened at the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery?
Initial reports state that a fire erupted in the wastewater treatment area of the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery around 8:15 a.m. on July 14. Four contract workers were injured – three of whom required transportation to a local hospital for further care. The extent of their injuries remains undisclosed.
Chevron’s emergency responders provided initial aid and quickly extinguished the fire. The company later stated that there was no danger to the surrounding community and that the cause of the incident is under investigation.
While Chevron has publicly emphasized that safety is its “top priority,” incidents like this raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of safety protocols and contractor protections at industrial sites.
Similar Refinery Incidents
Sadly, refinery fires and explosions occur far too often across the U.S., endangering workers and surrounding communities. Sadly, Texas has one of the highest rates of industrial incidents in the United States. Just a few recent examples include:
- Marathon Refinery, Texas City, TX (May 2023): A fire injured several workers and led to temporary shutdowns. Investigation revealed equipment failure and inadequate maintenance protocols.
- ExxonMobil Refinery, Baton Rouge, LA (February 2020): A massive fire broke out with flames visible for miles. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident exposed gaps in safety compliance.
- Philadelphia Energy Solutions Explosion (June 2019): A powerful explosion released a massive fireball, resulting in serious environmental damage and the eventual closure of the facility.
Each of these cases involved either safety system failures, delayed maintenance, or overlooked operational risks. In many instances, injured workers or bereaved families pursued legal action to hold companies accountable.
Causes of Refinery Fires
Refinery environments involve flammable chemicals, high-pressure systems, and complex machinery – all of which present risks. Common causes of industrial fires include:
- Equipment failure or corrosion
- Improper maintenance
- Electrical faults
- Chemical spills or leaks
- Lack of proper safety training or enforcement
- Human error or poor supervision
In the Chevron Pascagoula fire, the company has pointed to the wastewater treatment area as the site of the incident, but has not yet disclosed the specific cause. Wastewater systems at refineries often deal with flammable hydrocarbons and volatile compounds, which can ignite if containment or ventilation fails.
Common Injuries in Refinery Fires
When fires erupt in industrial settings, injuries can be catastrophic. Workers often face:
- Severe burns
- Smoke inhalation injuries
- Respiratory damage from chemical exposure
- Blast-related trauma
- Fractures or head injuries during evacuation
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Even when initial injuries seem minor, long-term complications – such as scarring, breathing issues, or chronic pain – can severely impact quality of life and employability. Fires that result from industrial explosions may cause catastrophic or disabling injuries, as well.
Who Is Liable for Refinery Injuries?
Multiple parties may be held responsible for injuries sustained during a refinery fire:
- The facility owner/operator (Chevron in this case) may be liable for failing to provide a safe working environment.
- Contracting companies could bear responsibility if their training or equipment was substandard.
- Equipment manufacturers may be accountable if faulty machinery contributed to the fire.
When injuries involve contract workers – as in this case – liability can become more complex. Contract workers may not be protected by the same workers’ compensation systems as full-time employees and may need to pursue personal injury or third-party claims to recover damages.
How a Skilled Attorney Can Help Injured Workers and Their Families
If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace fire, you may qualify for compensation via a third party claim. Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehab)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (for surviving family members)
An experienced industrial injury attorney can help you:
- Investigate the root cause of the incident
- Identify all liable parties
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence (incident reports, medical records, witness statements)
- Negotiate with insurance providers
- File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, if necessary
At Kherkher Garcia, we have a proven track record of holding major corporations accountable for unsafe working conditions. We understand the tactics large companies use to minimize their liability, and we fight aggressively to protect our clients’ rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m a contractor—not a full-time employee. Do I still have a case?
A: Yes. Contract workers have legal rights and may be eligible to file third-party claims, especially if negligence by the refinery or another contractor contributed to the incident.
Q: Chevron said the fire was quickly extinguished. Does that affect my ability to pursue compensation?
A: No. Even if the fire was contained quickly, injuries that occurred during the incident are valid grounds for legal action if negligence or unsafe conditions played a role.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Q: What compensation can I recover?
A: Injured workers may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost income, future care, pain and suffering, and more. Families who lost a loved one may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
A: At Kherkher Garcia, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Contact a Houston Oil and Gas Injury Attorney Today
The Chevron Pascagoula refinery fire is a tragic reminder of the risks workers face in the oil and gas industry. If you or a loved one was injured in this or any other industrial fire, don’t wait to get help.
The attorneys at Kherkher Garcia have decades of experience representing workers and their families in complex cases against some of the world’s largest corporations. We will help you understand your rights, investigate the incident, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 713-333-1030, or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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