ExxonMobil Settles Texas Refinery Blast Lawsuits

ExxonMobil Corporation XOM revealed that it settled negligence lawsuits filed by two workers' parents in respect of a refinery blast that took place on April 17 in 2013 in Texas. The resolution of the suit comes after three years of the deadly explosion.

ExxonMobil said a court order signed May 10 resolved claims filed by the parents of the deceased and injured workers, attorneys with Beaumont-based Provost Umphrey Law Firm, LLP. The company stated that the initial lawsuits were filed after the explosion and fire, which happened at a heat exchanger unit inside its refinery.

The plaintiff argued the oil firm did not take sufficient 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. Interestingly, the plant processed 344,500 barrels of oil a day.

Attorney James Payne reacted to the order and said, "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."

However, both ExxonMobil and the plaintiffs attorney said that the terms of the settlement were confidential and that the affected families were pleased to have the litigation resolved despite the injuries sustained would continue to hurt them throughout their life.

The stock gained 0.65 percent on Thursday.

Posted In: NewsLegal
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