A tragic industrial accident recently occurred at Golden Pass LNG, a liquefied natural gas facility located in Sabine Pass, Texas. A 50-year-old man from Odessa lost his life in the incident. While the specific details of the accident have not been released, officials have confirmed that the incident did not involve a fall. An autopsy has been ordered, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now leading the investigation into the cause of the incident.
This heartbreaking loss serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist within the natural gas and petrochemical industries. Facilities like Golden Pass LNG involve complex equipment, high-pressure systems, hazardous chemicals, and volatile materials – conditions that can be deadly when safety standards are not followed to the letter.
At Kherkher Garcia, our hearts go out to families who suffer injuries or loss due to incidents in the oil and gas industry. Our petrochemical injury attorneys believe that every victim and family deserves the opportunity to explore their rights and hold any negligent parties accountable.
The Dangers of Natural Gas Facilities and Refineries
Industrial facilities that process natural gas or refine petrochemicals are inherently hazardous environments. Workers in these facilities are regularly exposed to:
- High temperatures and extreme pressure
- Flammable and toxic gases
- Heavy machinery
- Confined spaces
- Electrical systems
- Chemical storage tanks and pipelines
When safety protocols fail – or when companies cut corners – these dangers can result in catastrophic incidents.
Common Types of Accidents at Natural Gas Facilities
- Explosions and Fires: Natural gas and petrochemicals are highly flammable. A single spark can ignite a deadly blaze or explosion. LNG vapor clouds are particularly dangerous.
- Toxic Gas Exposure: Gases like hydrogen sulfide or methane can cause respiratory failure, neurological damage, or death when inhaled.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty valves, cracked pipelines, or corroded tanks can release pressurized gases or chemicals without warning.
- Equipment-Related Injuries: Workers can be crushed, amputated, or struck by malfunctioning or improperly operated machinery.
- Confined Space Accidents: Workers entering tanks or underground spaces may be exposed to low oxygen levels or toxic gases.
- Electrocution: Electrical systems used in industrial processing may pose lethal risks if improperly maintained or grounded.
Serious Injuries Resulting from Natural Gas Incidents
Industrial accidents at LNG and refinery facilities often result in severe or fatal injuries, including:
- Burns (thermal or chemical)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Spinal cord damage
- Respiratory failure from gas exposure
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Fatal blunt-force trauma
These injuries frequently require long-term medical care, multiple surgeries, or lead to permanent disability or, in the worst cases, death.
Who May Be Liable After a Refinery or Natural Gas Accident?
When a worker is injured or killed in an industrial accident, one of the most important legal questions is who is responsible. Several parties may be held accountable:
- Facility Owners/Operators: If unsafe working conditions, lack of training, or neglected maintenance played a role, the operating company could be liable.
- Contractors/Subcontractors: Many facilities employ third-party contractors. These companies may be responsible for failing to follow safety protocols.
- Equipment Manufacturers: If a piece of equipment failed due to a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Maintenance Providers: Improper or negligent maintenance can lead to mechanical failures and dangerous conditions.
- Supervisors and Site Managers: If they failed to enforce safety protocols or ignored reported hazards, they may bear partial liability.
How OSHA Investigates Industrial Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a crucial role in investigating industrial accidents. When a fatal workplace incident occurs, OSHA typically:
- Secures the Scene: Investigators may shut down portions of the facility to prevent further danger.
- Interviews Witnesses: Co-workers and supervisors may be questioned to determine what happened.
- Reviews Safety Protocols: OSHA will examine whether the facility followed required safety procedures, training, and hazard assessments.
- Examines Equipment and Materials: Investigators will analyze whether any machinery malfunctioned or if hazardous substances were involved.
- Issues Citations or Fines: If violations are found, OSHA can impose penalties and mandate corrective actions.
While OSHA’s goal is to improve workplace safety, its findings can also play a critical role in supporting legal claims brought by injured workers or the families of those killed on the job.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a refinery, pipeline, or LNG facility accident, you should contact an experienced industrial injury attorney as soon as possible. Time is critical for securing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and protecting your rights before companies or insurers can shift blame or minimize their liability.
Legal representation is especially important when:
- The cause of the accident is unknown
- A third party (e.g., a contractor or equipment provider) is involved
- There are multiple victims
- You are being pressured to settle quickly
- You are unsure whether workers’ compensation is your only option
How an Attorney Can Help
A skilled industrial injury attorney can:
- Conduct an independent investigation
- Preserve critical evidence (e.g., maintenance logs, video footage)
- Retain expert witnesses in engineering, safety, and forensics
- Determine all liable parties
- Help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages
- File a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s family
In complex industrial cases, having a knowledgeable legal team is essential to fighting back against powerful corporations and insurers who are more concerned with profits than people.
Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Industrial Accidents
When a worker loses their life due to negligence, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Mental anguish and suffering
- Medical expenses incurred before death
In Texas, eligible family members typically include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. An attorney can guide the family through the process and ensure that their legal rights are fully protected.
FAQ: Industrial Accidents in Natural Gas Facilities
What causes most industrial accidents in LNG or refinery settings?
Most incidents are caused by equipment failure, human error, unsafe work conditions, or violations of safety regulations.
Can I file a lawsuit even if my loved one was employed as a contractor?
Yes. Contractors often have separate legal rights and may not be limited to workers’ compensation. A legal review is essential.
Is workers’ compensation my only option?
Not necessarily. If a third party contributed to the accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in addition to workers’ compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims, but early legal intervention is strongly advised.
Can Kherkher Garcia help if the accident is still under investigation?
Yes. We can begin an independent investigation right away and work alongside OSHA’s findings to build your case.
Call Kherkher Garcia Today
At Kherkher Garcia, we fight for injured workers and grieving families who have suffered unimaginable losses due to industrial negligence. If you or a loved one has been affected by an accident at a refinery, natural gas facility, or petrochemical plant, our experienced legal team is ready to help.
You have nothing to lose with Kherkher Garcia. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation at 713-333-1030. You can also request more information or schedule a consultation by submitting our online contact form.
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