Houston Port Chemical Release: Tankerman Files Suit Over Toxic Exposure
A Toxic Cloud Over the Houston Ship Channel: When Safety Systems Fail
The Houston Ship Channel, a vital artery for global commerce, has recently become the site of a concerning incident raising serious questions about safety protocols and corporate responsibility. On December 27, 2025, a catastrophic structural failure at a Houston port facility led to a significant sulfuric acid release, severely injuring a tankerman working nearby. This incident, which occurred at the BWC Terminals facility, highlights the dangers faced by maritime workers and the potential for devastating consequences when industrial facilities fail to prioritize safety. According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, approximately 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid were released as a result of the incident [6].
Negligence in the Petrochemical Industry
The injured tankerman, Jeffery Lee Lawson, has filed a lawsuit against BWC Terminals LLC and BWC Texas Terminals LLC, alleging negligence and gross negligence. The lawsuit claims that the companies failed to maintain their equipment properly, train and supervise employees, and warn of the hazardous conditions that led to the release. The suit also alleges that the company cut corners on maintenance at the expense of safety [2]. According to the lawsuit, Lawson experienced “burning lungs, shortness of breath, pain in his throat, nausea, dizziness and skin irritation” as a result of the chemical leak [6].
The Incident: A Chain of Failures
At approximately 2:00 a.m., an overhead walkway at the BWC Terminals facility broke free from a tank, puncturing a pipeline containing sulfuric acid. The falling walkway caused a massive release of the toxic substance into the surrounding area. Lawson, working on a vessel approximately 500 feet from the facility, heard a loud crash and observed a large gas cloud being released. Shockingly, no alarms, warnings, or notifications were provided by the facility operators [2].
Shortly after, Lawson was enveloped by the toxic substance, leading to immediate physical injuries, including burning lungs, shortness of breath, throat pain, nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation. He was later diagnosed with chemical exposure and inflammation of his lungs and continues to experience debilitating physical and mental injuries [2].
Legal Recourse for Maritime Workers Exposed to Toxic Chemicals
Maritime workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals have legal rights under federal maritime law. The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence if that negligence contributed to their injuries [5]. Additionally, claims of unseaworthiness can be made against shipowners if the vessel is unsafe for its intended use, including failure to protect against chemical exposure risks [5].
What Legal Options are Available?
- The Jones Act: This federal law allows seamen to sue their employers for negligence if the employer’s actions contributed to the injury.
- Unseaworthiness: Shipowners have a duty to maintain a safe vessel. If the vessel is unsafe due to chemical exposure risks, a claim can be made against the owner.
- Product Liability: If exposure was caused by defective products, such as improperly labeled chemicals or faulty safety equipment, a claim can be filed against the manufacturer.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): This act provides compensation to non-seamen, such as dock and shipyard workers, who are injured on the job [5].
The Role of Negligence and Gross Negligence
The lawsuit against BWC Terminals alleges both negligence and gross negligence. Negligence, in a legal context, refers to a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Gross negligence, on the other hand, involves a higher degree of carelessness, indicating a conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which is likely to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm to persons or property [2].
The lawsuit emphasizes that the worker received no advance warning despite the catastrophic nature of the failure and the extremely hazardous nature of the released substance. The petition alleges this lack of notification compounded the severity of his exposure and resulting injuries [2].
The Broader Implications for the Houston Ship Channel
This incident is not an isolated one. The Houston Ship Channel, a hub for petrochemical activity, has a history of environmental and safety concerns. A 2016 report highlighted the disproportionate risks faced by marginalized communities living near the channel due to acute and chronic chemical exposures [14].
Advice for Maritime Workers
If you’re a maritime worker, here’s some advice to help protect yourself:
- Know Your Rights: Understand your rights under the Jones Act and other maritime laws.
- Report Hazards: Immediately report any unsafe conditions or potential hazards to your supervisor.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you’re exposed to chemicals, seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel symptoms right away.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any incidents, injuries, and medical treatments.
- Consult an Attorney: If you’ve been injured due to chemical exposure, consult with a maritime attorney to understand your legal options.
Moving Forward: Accountability and Prevention
The lawsuit against BWC Terminals seeks damages for the alleged physical and mental harm caused by the leak, past and future medical expenses, and lost wages. Lawson is seeking over $1 million in damages [6]. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the petrochemical industry, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of safety practices and greater accountability for companies that fail to protect their workers and the environment.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust safety measures, proper training, and corporate accountability in the handling of hazardous chemicals. It also underscores the need for maritime workers to be aware of their rights and to take proactive steps to protect themselves from the dangers of toxic exposure.
Were you or someone you know injured in the Houston Port Chemical Release? Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.