Undefeated Louisiana Plant Accident Lawyers
A chemical accident at a refrigerant plant in eastern Iberville Parish, Louisiana — just south of Baton Rouge — left one worker dead and another seriously injured this week.
Worker Dies Following Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure
The incident occurred at approximately 7:08 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th, at the Mexichem Fluor plant (formerly known as the Koura Plant) along the Mississippi River in St. Gabriel. Two employees were exposed to highly dangerous hydrofluoric acid, suffering severe burns. Both were transported to a local hospital, but sadly, one worker later died during surgery.
According to authorities and the company, all other employees and contractors were accounted for, and there have been no reports of environmental impact on the surrounding community.
Deadly Chemical Exposure Now Under Investigation
The Louisiana State Police are actively investigating the cause of the accident. And authorities report that the conditions that led to the exposure have since been contained.
Hydrofluoric acid (also known as hydrogen fluoride) is a colorless, highly toxic chemical known for its pungent smell. Even small amounts can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, while higher concentrations can result in respiratory failure and death.
According to the CDC, hydrogen fluoride can rapidly penetrate the skin and enter body tissues. Once inside, it damages cells and disrupts their normal function, potentially causing serious injury.
About Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials
The Mexichem Fluor plant is operated by Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials, part of the billion dollar global corporation Orbia that has over 23,000 employees worldwide and headquarters in Boston, Mexico City, Tel Aviv, and Amsterdam. The plant uses hydrofluoric acid in refrigerant production.
While companies like Orbia have a legal duty to maintain safe working conditions, in our experience, accidents like these most often occur when safety protocols are neglected, corners are cut, and profits are prioritized over employee well-being.
What to do if Injured at the Mexichem Fluor Plant
In just the past five years alone, our Plant Explosion Lawyers have recovered Billions in settlements and verdicts for workers and families across the United States.
We’re currently representing multiple workers injured in the Smitty’s Supply explosion and fire, and have successfully represented hundreds of people injured in some of the largest industrial disasters in recent history, including:
- 65 contractors injured in the Williams Olefins refinery explosion
- 3 of the 4 workers tragically killed in the Williams Gibson pipeline explosion
- 150+ workers injured in the BP Texas City refinery explosion
- workers injured in the 2023 Shell Deer Park, Texas plant explosion
Our firm is committed to ensuring every worker harmed in preventable refinery and chemical plant accidents receives the maximum compensation possible for their injuries, losses, and future needs.
If you or a loved one were impacted by the Orbia refrigerant plant hydrofluoric acid exposure, it’s critical to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you don’t believe you’ve been injured, symptoms from toxic exposure may not appear immediately and can cause lasting or even permanent consequences.
Undefeated Chemical Plant Accident Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consultation
Our Undefeated Chemical Plant Injury Lawyers continue to monitor the situation in St. Gabriel.
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in the Koura chemical leak, call 1-888-603-3636 or click here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide you with the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free, and because we work on a contingency fee, you won’t pay us anything until we win your case.