4 contract workers sue Chevron after refinery fire, alleging they have serious injuries
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (KABC) -- Just days after the massive Chevron refinery fire in El Segundo, a lawsuit was filed by four contract workers who say the fire left them with serious injuries.
According to the lawsuit, the four workers were forced to run for their lives when part of the refinery exploded in flames.
Their attorneys say Chevron failed to follow basic safety procedures, calling the fiery incident a preventable disaster.
As flames erupted from the Chevron refinery in El Segundo on Thursday, Oct. 2, four contract workers say they were frantically trying to escape the inferno.
The men -- who were just 50 feet from the source of the intense blaze -- are now suing Chevron for serious injuries.
"These contractors should be able to go into a plant, they leave their families, they're going to work, and trust that it's a safe environment to be in," said Victoria Alford, the plaintiffs' attorney.
The massive flames could be seen and felt for miles.
"Came outside and it was warm, you could feel heat from the actual fire here on the intersection," said El Segundo resident Justin Brandt.
The four men from Texas and Louisiana were brought in to work in specialty welding.
According to the lawsuit, the workers suffered severe physical injuries as they tried to flee the flames, as well as mental and emotional distress.
Their attorneys say the plant is to blame for the fiery accident, writing, "Chevron failed to maintain equipment in a manner to prevent a catastrophic release and explosion. Yet, Chevron authorized the work to go forward."
"This is a common theme that we're seeing. I think really what it comes down to is putting profits over safety," Alford said. "I think it's a lot of cutting corners to increase profits, and it's at the expense of the workers there."
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This wasn't the first major fire at the El Segundo refinery. In 2022, it took crews several hours to douse a major blaze at the plant.
Chevron had previously said there were no injuries in Thursday's explosion.
Attorneys for the injured workers say injuries are almost always under-reported in the initial aftermath of a chemical plant fire, and say, given the increasing rate of explosions and fires at facilities across the country, more workers are at risk.
"If they can continue to do maintenance while online, which is a risk to workers, then they'll do so, and I think that's why a lot of these incidents happen," Alford said.
The lawsuit is seeking $1 million in damages, which is the minimum figure used in the court. Actual damages, if awarded, would likely be much higher.
Eyewitness News reached out to Chevron for comment on the lawsuit, but has not heard back.
