A judge has granted a request to move a refinery explosion lawsuit back to federal court, providing hope for the plaintiff – a widow whose husband died in an explosion. Refineries are among the most dangerous industrial workplaces in the United States. Workers face constant exposure to flammable materials, volatile chemicals, heavy machinery, and high-pressure systems. When safety measures are neglected, the results can be catastrophic – sometimes deadly.
A tragic 2023 explosion at the Wynnewood CVR refinery claimed the life of Jonathan Foster. His widow, Lacy Foster, has since filed a lawsuit against the refinery and its managers, alleging negligence. Recently, an Oklahoma City federal judge granted her request to move the case back to Garvin County District Court, where it was originally filed.
Initially, the refinery moved the case to federal court. But U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick determined that Wynnewood’s arguments to keep the case in federal jurisdiction were “moot” and transferred the lawsuit back to Garvin County District Court in Pauls Valley.
At Kherkher Garcia, we have worked with numerous families affected by refinery explosions. Below, our oil and gas injury attorneys break down the Wynnewood incident, explain the broader risks of refinery explosions, discuss liability, and highlight why legal representation is so critical for those affected.
Summary of the Wynnewood CVR Refinery Incident
On May 22, 2023, Jonathan Foster and a co-worker were assigned to troubleshoot a valve at the Wynnewood CVR refinery. According to court filings, refinery managers failed to ensure the valve was properly isolated, bypassed, or locked out. The next day, Foster was again sent to work on the valve, but critical safety procedures were allegedly ignored.
When the valve exploded, Foster suffered severe thermal burns and smoke inhalation. Despite receiving medical treatment, he passed away three days later. His widow filed suit against the refinery, its safety manager, and its operations manager, claiming negligence for failing to follow established safety policies designed to protect workers from exactly this kind of hazard.
How Refinery Explosions Happen
Refineries are inherently hazardous, but proper safety protocols significantly reduce risks. Unfortunately, lapses in procedure or equipment maintenance can turn small issues into deadly disasters. Some of the most common causes of refinery explosions include:
- Improperly Isolated or Bypassed Valves – Valves control the flow of pressurized gases and chemicals. If not locked out or cleared, they can ignite or explode.
- Failure to Follow Lockout/Tagout Procedures – These OSHA-required safety measures ensure that hazardous machinery or valves are fully de-energized before workers perform maintenance.
- Hazardous Waste or Residue – If flammable substances are not cleared before work begins, the risk of explosion dramatically increases.
- Poor Equipment Maintenance – Corroded or malfunctioning equipment can lead to leaks, ruptures, or fires.
- Inadequate Training or Oversight – Managers who fail to properly supervise workers or enforce safety policies can put employees at extreme risk.
The lawsuit against Wynnewood alleges precisely these types of failures. When refinery leadership overlooks critical safety requirements, workers bear the consequences.
Common Injuries in Refinery Explosions
Refinery accidents are among the most devastating industrial incidents, often leading to severe and life-threatening injuries. Survivors may face:
- Thermal Burns – Direct exposure to flames or heated surfaces can cause third-degree burns, often requiring skin grafts and long-term care.
- Smoke Inhalation – Toxic gases can damage the lungs, leading to respiratory failure or long-term breathing problems.
- Blast Injuries – The force of an explosion can cause traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, or crushed limbs.
- Chemical Exposure – Hazardous chemicals may cause poisoning, nerve damage, or cancer over time.
- Fatalities – Sadly, as in Jonathan Foster’s case, refinery explosions often result in wrongful death.
These injuries don’t just affect workers physically – they also create emotional trauma for families and financial burdens from lost income, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
Who May Be Liable in Refinery Explosion Cases
Liability in refinery explosions can be complex, often involving multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances, those responsible may include:
- The Refinery Company – Employers are required to provide a safe workplace. When they fail to implement or enforce safety policies, they may be held accountable.
- Supervisors and Managers – Individuals who neglect to enforce safety measures can be personally liable for negligence.
- Contractors or Third Parties – If outside companies were responsible for equipment maintenance, training, or inspections, they may share responsibility.
- Manufacturers – Defective equipment or safety gear may give rise to product liability claims.
In the Wynnewood case, both the company and its managers are named as defendants. This reflects a broader trend in refinery litigation – lawsuits often hold both corporate entities and individuals accountable for their role in workplace safety failures.
Why Victims and Families Need an Attorney
Pursuing a refinery accident claim is not simple. Companies have legal teams prepared to defend against liability, and workers’ compensation laws sometimes limit what victims can recover. An experienced attorney can help families by:
- Investigating the accident to uncover the true cause.
- Identifying all responsible parties, including corporate defendants and individuals.
- Gathering evidence of negligence, such as safety violations or ignored procedures.
- Negotiating with insurance companies and corporate attorneys.
- Filing wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits to recover compensation.
Without skilled legal representation, victims and their families may struggle to obtain the justice and financial support they deserve.
Kherkher Garcia: Advocating for Explosion Victims
At Kherkher Garcia, our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of industrial accidents, including refinery explosions. We understand the immense toll these incidents take on families – physically, emotionally, and financially.
Our firm has built a strong track record of holding corporations accountable when they put profits over worker safety. We fight tirelessly to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and pain and suffering. Most importantly, we stand beside families throughout the legal process, ensuring their voices are heard.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a refinery explosion, our team is here to help you pursue justice.
FAQs About Refinery Explosion Lawsuits
What compensation can families recover after a refinery explosion?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The statute of limitations varies by state, but families generally have a limited time to bring wrongful death or personal injury claims. An attorney can ensure deadlines are met.
Can managers or supervisors be held personally liable?
Yes. If they failed to enforce safety procedures, they can be named in lawsuits along with the refinery.
Are refinery workers limited to workers’ compensation claims?
Not always. If negligence by third parties, contractors, or product manufacturers contributed, victims may pursue additional lawsuits.
What if my loved one survived but suffered severe burns or injuries?
Survivors can file personal injury claims to recover compensation for ongoing medical care, lost income, and long-term suffering.
How does an attorney prove negligence in refinery cases?
Lawyers investigate workplace records, safety policies, witness testimony, and maintenance logs to demonstrate that required safety measures were ignored.
Will my case go to trial?
Many cases settle out of court, but if the refinery refuses a fair settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take the case to trial.
How much does it cost to hire Kherkher Garcia?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Learn More about Refinery Explosion Lawsuits
The tragic death of Jonathan Foster at the Wynnewood CVR refinery is a stark reminder of the dangers refinery workers face every day. Families affected by similar accidents deserve accountability, justice, and financial support.
At Kherkher Garcia, we are committed to standing up for victims of refinery explosions and ensuring negligent companies are held responsible. If your family has suffered because of a refinery accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will answer your questions about refinery explosion lawsuits and your legal rights. If you have an actionable claim, we will help you determine the best course of action to pursue justice.
To get started, call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form.
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