Lawsuit Filed Against BWC Terminals After Toxic Chemical Incident at Houston Port

Lawsuit Filed Against BWC Terminals After Toxic Chemical Incident

On December 31, 2025, Houston-based Arnold & Itkin, a personal injury law firm, took legal action against BWC Terminals LLC and BWC Texas Terminals LLC. This lawsuit was initiated on behalf of a tankerman who endured severe injuries from toxic chemical exposure due to a catastrophic event at the BWC terminal facility in Houston, Texas.

Incident Details

At approximately 2:00 AM on December 27, 2025, a significant structural failure occurred when an overhead walkway detached from a tank at the facility located at 15627 San Jacinto Port Boulevard. This incident resulted in the walkway puncturing a pipeline filled with sulfuric acid, a highly dangerous substance, leading to a massive chemical release into the surroundings.

During the incident, the tankerman was stationed on a vessel in the Houston Ship Channel, only about 500 feet from the terminal location. Upon hearing a loud crash, he witnessed a large plume of gas discharging from the terminal. Alarmingly, no alerts or warnings were issued by the facility operators, leaving him unprepared for the ensuing exposure to the toxic fumes.

As a result, he experienced severe physical symptoms including burning in the lungs, difficulty breathing, throat pain, nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation. Later medical evaluations confirmed that he suffered from chemical exposure and lung inflammation. The lawsuit alleges that he continues to face chronic physical and mental health challenges impacting multiple aspects of his life.

Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuit outlines negligence and gross negligence claims against BWC Terminals LLC and BWC Texas Terminals LLC, holding them responsible for the release of sulfuric acid into the environment. It accuses the companies of failing to adequately train and supervise their employees, creating hazardous conditions on site, neglecting maintenance required for safety, and not providing any notifications regarding the impending danger.

The complaint states that this negligence not only violated various regulations including OSHA guidelines but also demonstrates a blatant disregard for the safety of workers and nearby individuals. It emphasizes the necessity of protecting those working in environments where dangerous chemicals are handled and maintaining systems that ensure safety measures are in place.

Seeking Accountability and Damages

The lawsuit seeks punitive damages, highlighting the defendants’ flagrant and malicious negligence concerning the health and safety of the impacted worker. Arnold & Itkin attorney Kurt Arnold remarked, "Industrial facilities handling dangerous chemicals must maintain their equipment and ensure the safety of all workers nearby. The absence of any warning signals reflects a monumental failure in safety protocols that could have prevented our client's suffering."

The legal team is firm in its commitment to holding the companies accountable for the repercussions of their negligence, stating that the lack of advance warning significantly exacerbated the injuries suffered. Attention to this case also underscores the critical need for stringent safety practices in industrial settings to protect workers from such grave risks.

About Arnold & Itkin

Arnold & Itkin LLP is a well-established personal injury law firm based in Houston, recognized for its advocacy on behalf of plaintiffs in various serious injury cases, including those arising from maritime disasters and industrial accidents. With over $20 billion secured in verdicts and settlements nationwide, they stand out as leaders in the field and continuously strive to achieve justice and compensation for those harmed due to negligence.

This recent case reiterates the firm’s longstanding commitment to defending injured workers and ensuring that corporate accountability is upheld, advocating for safer working environments across all industries.