Lubrizol Faces Significant Legal Challenge After Chemical Plant Leak Injures Children
The Lubrizol Corporation has faced considerable controversy in Texas recently, and the company is also facing at least one lawsuit. Originally founded in Ohio, Lubrizol employs thousands of people around the globe and has become an important part of the economy in Texas. However, recent chemical leaks and other issues have presented the company with considerable legal problems, and the organization is under increasing pressure.
In order to successfully protect their business and avoid serious legal consequences, Lubrizol must work with a qualified, experienced legal team in Texas. Ideally, they should choose attorneys who are familiar with corporate defense and the laws and regulations that are in place at a local level. Although the company faces significant challenges, a strong legal team can help them overcome the obstacles before them.
Lubrizol Sued by Injured Family
In early September of 2021, it was reported that a mother in Houston was suing Lubrizol for injuries sustained by her and her two children. This was after a chemical plant leak earlier in the year. The chemical in question was Mercaptan, and it was released into the air from a railcar in Lubrizol’s Deer Park chemical plant. This colorless gas has a strong, pungent odor. In addition, it is extremely flammable and toxic in high concentrations. Mercaptan has been linked to respiratory issues, coughing fits, shortness of breath, lung hemorrhage, comas, and even death.
The plaintiff claims that she and her two children continue to experience negative side effects due to their exposure, and they have been receiving medical treatment for a variety of issues. Her attorney is calling the chemical leak an act of “gross negligence.”
Lubrizol Has Been Dealing with Significant Issues as of Late
Lubrizol has been dealing with many controversies recently. In August of 2021, it was announced that Lubrizol had named a new CEO after two devastating chemical fires in two nations. One of these chemical fires occurred in Rockton, Illinois, and triggered a slew of lawsuits against the company. Many individuals had to be evacuated due to the fires.
At around the same time, Lubrizol’s Deer Park facility was leaking Mercaptan across the Houston area. This caused a number of people to complain of headaches, sore throats, and watery eyes. The incident became widely covered on social media. Houston has also been hit with a number of additional chemical incidents caused by other companies. Dow Chemical caused an evacuation order in La Porte after concerns about a possible explosion in July of 2021. A few weeks later, a chemical release at a LyondellBasell chemical plant in La Porte caused two deaths and 30 hospitalizations.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If your organization is facing legal challenges in Texas, reach out to the Brownsville commercial litigation attorneys at Colvin, Saenz, Rodriguez & Kennamer, L.L.P. We have considerable experience with corporate defense, and we can help companies in Texas fight back against lawsuits that threaten their business. While accidents such as chemical leaks are a serious concern, there is no reason to accept needless legal consequences for these mistakes. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately start working on an effective defense strategy.
Resource:
houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2021/07/27/404355/at-least-2-dead-after-leak-at-lyondellbasell-chemical-plant-in-la-porte/
