A jury in New Orleans awarded $16 million to four workers injured in the deadly 2013 petrochemical plant explosion at an operation run by Tulsa-based Williams Cos.
It’s the second major award in the incident. In late September, a jury awarded four other workers $13.6 million for injuries they suffered at the Williams Olefins Geismar plant explosion that killed two workers in June 2013. The plant is located southeast of Baton Rouge and an investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board found 167 workers were injured.
The jury in the most recent verdict assigned more than 83 percent of the blame on Williams Co. Inc. and 16 percent to Sabic Petrochemicals, a Saudi energy company. Two plant officials wee assigned less than one percent of the fault.
“Williams has made too many reckless choices that led to this explosion,” said an attorney for a Houston firm that represents about 80 of the injured workers.
“Williams Olefins has admitted innumerous legal-related filings and ensuing reports, its responsibility for he accident. But, there was never any intent to injure anyone. we think the verdict does not comport with the law and will therefore appeal,” said the company after the verdict.