Texas Petroleum Chemical (TPC) Explosion Lawsuits

On November 27, 2019, a series of explosions and a chemical fire at the Texas Petroleum Chemical plant in Port Neches resulted in widespread evacuations, property damage, and the release of harmful toxins.

Since the incident, officials have confirmed the presence of asbestos in blast debris, and have taken action against TPC over numerous environmental and safety violations that may have led to the event.

Bailey Cowan Heckaman represent residents across Port Neches who were affected by the explosions, and our nationally recognized trial lawyers have been appointed by the Court to coordinate TPC litigation on behalf of all plaintiffs. We are available to discuss your potential claim.

BCH: Leading the Fight Against Texas Petroleum Chemical

Bailey Cowan Heckaman has deep ties to the Port Neches area – the same community our very own Aaron Heckaman’s familycalls home. All three of our Partners have also been appointed to lead roles in the TPC Group Litigation currently pending in Orange County District Court:

• Partner Aaron Heckaman – Co-Lead Counsel
• Partner Camp Bailey – Settlement Committee
• Partner Robert Cowan – Law & Briefing Committee

BCH is committed to moving the TPC Group litigation forward following delays caused by COVID-19 and Hurricane Laura, which caused damage to the local courthouse. While every case is different, those affected by the Port Neches explosions may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses.

If you were affected by the TPC explosions, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Direct explosion injuries
• Asbestos exposure injuries
• Gas exposure injuries
• Other serious injuries
• Medical bills and lost income
• Property damage and financial loss
• Displacement, loss of enjoyment, and hotel expenses
• Business interruption
• Insurance bad faith over claim delays or denials

If you have questions about your rights or whether you may have a potential TPC plant explosion lawsuit, call or contact us online to speak with an attorney.

TPC Faces Backlash Over Alarming Pattern of Violations

In the months following the explosions, state and federal regulators have made alarming discoveries about alleged violations at the TPC Port Neches plant, potential risks of toxic exposure, and TPC’s continued failures.

• In June 2020, OSHA cited TPC for nearly a dozen health and safety violations. This includes three of the most serious “willful” violations for failures to develop and implement shutdown procedures, and nine “serious” violations for issues that include failing to inspect and test process vessel and piping components.
• In February 2020, the Texas Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against TPC over alleged environmental violations of the Texas Clean Air Act and the Texas Water Code for dangerous emissions which may have played a role in the November explosions.
• In late 2019, public safety officials began voicing concerns about potential risks of toxic exposure related to the release of pressurized butadiene gas, which can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses with long-term exposure, as well as the significant amount of asbestos in blast debris. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer. It can also cause severe and incurable lung disease.
• Through 2020, TPC has also faced increasing backlash over its failures to do right by homeowners and business owners who suffered property damage as a result of flying debris, which has been found as far as four miles away from the plant. TPC has allegedly failed to fully and timely pay a number of property owners for needed repairs caused by the blast.

Discuss Your Case with an Award-Winning Attorney

Bailey Cowan Heckaman is an award-winning Texas-based civil trial law firm that has recovered millions in compensation for clients across the country. Our attorneys have extensive experience spearheading high-stakes litigation over toxic exposure, asbestos and mesothelioma, and industrial accidents, and are helping coordinate the multi-district litigation (MDL) against TPC.

If you would like more information about the TPC Group Litigation and your rights to file a civil lawsuit over damages caused by the November explosions, please contact us to request a FREE case review.