On Saturday, a fire broke out at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Texas City, Texas, prompting a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. Though Marathon later reported no injuries and stated that the refinery fire was under control within an hour, the incident still left the local community shaken. Residents reported their homes shaking and vehicles coated in residue, raising serious concerns about air quality, chemical exposure, and transparency in emergency response efforts.
This incident is a stark reminder of the very real dangers of petroleum refinery fires and explosions – not just for workers inside the facility but also for families and individuals living nearby.
In this article, the petrochemical injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore the hazards of refinery work and the legal rights of both refinery employees and residents. We also explain what steps you should take if you were affected by a refinery fire.
The Hazards of Working in Petroleum Refineries
Petroleum refineries are among the most hazardous industrial environments in the United States. These facilities process crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel. In the process, they handle a vast array of flammable, explosive, and toxic chemicals under high pressures and extreme temperatures.
Workers in these environments face numerous risks, including:
- Exposure to flammable gases and vapors that can ignite with a spark.
- High-pressure systems and overheated machinery that can fail or explode.
- Chemical exposure that may lead to respiratory problems, skin burns, or long-term illness.
- Lack of proper safety protocols or malfunctioning safety equipment, which can increase the risk of injury or death.
Even with advanced safety systems and regulatory oversight, accidents still happen. When they do, the results can be catastrophic.
Causes of Fires and Explosions in Refineries
While the exact cause of the Texas City fire is still under investigation, many refinery fires are linked to preventable issues. Common causes include:
- Equipment failure such as leaking valves, ruptured pipes, or pump malfunctions.
- Improper maintenance of machinery or safety systems.
- Corrosion or wear and tear on old infrastructure.
- Human error, including improper procedures or oversight lapses.
- Failure to detect or contain leaks of volatile chemicals.
Because refineries operate around the clock and often handle substances that can ignite easily, even a small mistake can result in massive flames or explosions.
Injuries Commonly Reported in Refinery Accidents
Even when companies report that “no injuries occurred,” as Marathon did in this case, workers and residents may still suffer health consequences that surface later. Common injuries and medical complications from refinery fires and explosions include:
- Burn injuries, ranging from first-degree to severe third-degree burns.
- Respiratory issues due to inhalation of smoke, chemical fumes, or particulates.
- Chemical burns and exposure to toxic substances.
- Blast injuries such as hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries, or internal damage from pressure waves.
- Long-term illnesses, including cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, from repeated or acute exposure to hazardous chemicals.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifelong care. They can also lead to lost wages and reduced quality of life.
Legal Rights of Refinery Workers
If you are a refinery worker injured on the job or exposed to toxic substances, you have legal rights. These may include:
Workers’ Compensation
Most injured refinery workers are eligible for workers’ compensation, which can help cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
However, workers’ compensation may not be enough, especially if your injuries were caused by gross negligence or safety violations.
Third-Party Lawsuits
If a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or other third party contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim.
If your employer failed to maintain a safe working environment, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for negligence. This is especially true in cases involving:
- Failure to provide adequate training or protective gear
- Delayed maintenance
- Ignored safety warnings
- Improper emergency response
At Kherkher Garcia, we fight for injured refinery workers and hold negligent corporations accountable. Marathon is just one oil and gas company with a history of fires and explosions. We are not afraid to take on these petrochemical giants.
Legal Rights of Nearby Residents
Texas City residents were directly impacted by the Marathon refinery fire, with some reporting structural shaking and residue fallout. Even if you weren’t inside the refinery, you may still have legal recourse if your health, home, or property was affected.
Property Damage Claims
You may be able to recover costs related to:
- Contaminated vehicles or homes
- Damaged air conditioning or filtration systems
- Loss of property value
Medical Claims
If you experience respiratory problems, chemical exposure symptoms, or other health issues after a refinery incident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Toxic Tort Claims
In some cases, mass tort claims are filed against companies for exposing communities to harmful chemicals. These can result in significant compensation for affected residents.
Failure to Warn or Alert
Texas City officials claim sirens were activated, but residents say they heard no warnings. If a company or municipality fails to properly alert nearby residents, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
What to Do If You Were Affected by a Refinery Fire
If you or a loved one were impacted by a refinery fire – whether as a worker or nearby resident – it is important to act quickly:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t have visible injuries, get checked out by a doctor. Inhalation injuries or chemical exposure may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.
- Document Everything: Take photos of any property damage, ash or residue, and injuries. Save medical records, air quality reports, and news articles about the incident.
- Speak to Witnesses: Gather information from neighbors, coworkers, or others who were also affected. Their testimony can help support your legal claim.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney: Refinery accidents involve complex laws, corporate defense teams, and extensive investigation. You need a lawyer with experience in industrial injury and toxic exposure claims.
How Kherkher Garcia Can Help
At Kherkher Garcia, we have decades of experience representing workers and communities harmed by industrial negligence. We understand the science, the regulations, and the tactics corporations use to avoid responsibility. When you work with us, we will:
- Investigate the root cause of the fire or explosion
- Work with experts to assess air quality, chemical exposure, and safety violations
- File personal injury or wrongful death claims on your behalf
- Seek maximum compensation for medical costs, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress
You don’t have to take on oil companies alone. We are here to fight for your future.
Learn More about Your Rights after a Refinery Fire
The Marathon refinery fire in Texas City may have been brought under control quickly, but its effects are still rippling through the community. Whether you are a worker who risked your life or a resident worried about long-term exposure, you deserve answers and justice.
If you have been affected by a refinery fire, explosion, or chemical leak, don’t wait. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. We are here to hold those responsible accountable and help you rebuild your life. Get started right now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us via our website contact form.
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