Special to The Leader

 

BEAUMONT – More than three years after a deadly explosion at its Beaumont, Texas, refinery, ExxonMobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) has settled negligence lawsuits filed by the parents of two workers who were killed and six others who were injured in the April 17, 2013 blast.

A court order signed May 10, 2016 resolves claims filed by the parents of the deceased and injured workers, attorneys with Beaumont-based Provost Umphrey Law Firm, LLP, announced. The initial lawsuits were filed following the explosion and fire that occurred at a heat exchanger unit inside the ExxonMobil refinery. The injured workers and families of those who died argued that ExxonMobil did not take reasonable steps to warn the workers of the presence of hydrocarbons, inspect the equipment or adequately maintain the premises given the dangerous conditions that were present at the plant, which processes 344,500 barrels of oil a day.

“As a lifelong resident of the Southeast Texas community, I am no stranger to learning that many hardworking people are injured and killed while working within the refining industry. There are many products that could lead to dangerous and fatal conditions for all of the workers and the community as well, which is one reason that safety must be a top priority,” Provost Umphrey lead attorney James E. Payne said.

“This was a horrific tragedy that has devastated all of the families involved,” Provost Umphrey attorney Matthew Matheny said.  “While the terms of the settlement are confidential, the families are pleased to have the litigation resolved although injuries sustained will continue for a lifetime.”

Founded in 1969, Provost Umphrey is well-known for representing plaintiffs in cases involving serious personal injury and wrongful death; motor vehicle and aviation accidents; worksite injuries; chemical exposure and toxic torts; dangerous pharmaceutical drugs; complex business disputes; high-stakes insurance claims; and wage-and-hour employment issues.  To learn more about the firm, visit: http://www.provostumphrey.com.