We know that serious accidents can happen in any workplace. But some jobs are clearly more dangerous than others. Chemical plant workers face risks such as chemical exposure.
San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) November 18, 2014
A chemical leak accident in La Porte, Texas, resulting in four deaths serves as a reminder that people working in chemical plants in Texas face dangerous on-the-job risks not found in many other workplaces, according to San Antonio accident attorney Jorge A. Herrera of The Herrera Law Firm.
Herrera today commented on a report about the accident in KENS 5 (“Brothers among 4 killed in chemical leak at Texas plant,” Nov. 16, 2014).
“We know that serious accidents can happen in any workplace,” said Herrera, an experienced workplace injury attorney in San Antonio. “But some jobs are clearly more dangerous than others. Chemical plant workers face risks such as chemical exposure. That’s why it’s critically important that companies have safety plans in place. Workers must be properly trained and understand what to do in case of an emergency. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the workers’ affected by the accident at the DuPont chemical plant.”
According to KENS 5, the four workers who died in the accident on Nov. 15 included two brothers who worked side-by-side at the chemical plant for six years. A fifth person was transported to an area hospital, according to the article.
Quoting a DuPont company spokesman, KENS 5 reported that a chemical leak started early Saturday morning after a valve failed on a container of methyl mercaptan, which is used to make insecticide.
According to KENS 5, the company spokesman stressed that employees go through “very extensive training” before working in a unit. The leak killed a supervisor who had been with DuPont for more than 40 years, according to the report.
Attorney Herrera said any workers who were at the plant at the time of the accident and suspect they were exposed should seek medical attention.
“Don’t take chances with your health,” Herrera said. “We’ve handled cases in which people felt OK in the hours after an accident, but their condition deteriorated with time. The effects of exposure to a chemical toxin, for example, may not become apparent until weeks, months or even years after an accident.”
According to KENS 5, the air testing was conducted in the area nearby the chemical plant, and the results revealed the quality of the air was normal. The leak produced a stench that could be detected as far away as Sugar Land and parts of south and southwest Houston, according to the article.
Herrera said while the report states the leak posed no threat to the community, people who live nearby and are worried about their health should talk to their doctors.
“In such cases, we believe it’s best to err on the side of caution,” Herrera said.
Herrera said anyone who is injured after being exposed to chemicals, whether on the job or elsewhere, should speak to an experienced attorney who can protect their rights.
“A lawyer can conduct a comprehensive investigation on behalf of the victim or the victim’s family to determine who caused the accident and hold that party accountable,” Herrera said. “A lawyer can help fight for the compensation and benefits victims and their families may need to get their lives back on track.”
About The Herrera Law Firm
Founded in 1983, The Herrera Law Firm has successfully represented thousands of individuals and families who have been dealt catastrophic blows due to personal injuries from nursing home abuse and neglect, oil field accidents, car accidents, tractor-trailer truck accidents, construction accidents, workplace injuries, dangerous drugs and defective medical device injuries. The law firm’s mission is to rectify the wrongs committed against its clients so that they can regain their dignity, rebuild their lives, and reclaim financial stability. The Herrera Law Firm is located at 111 Soledad St., Suite 1900, San Antonio, TX 78205. If you or a loved one was injured, or you lost a loved one in an accident and need legal help, call (210) 224-1054 or visit http://www.herreralaw.com.