A welder critically injured in a November explosion at the Port of Galveston has filed a negligence lawsuit against the facility's operator and a manufacturer, alleging unsafe conditions led to the incident. Arturo Arroyo, 31, seeks over $1 million in damages for injuries requiring lifelong treatment.
Arturo Arroyo, a welder badly burned in a flash fire at the Port of Galveston on November 21, has filed a lawsuit against Texas International Terminals and Industrial Thermal Services LLC, claiming negligence. The incident occurred as Arroyo was replacing a valve on a crude oil pipeline, resulting in an explosion and burns to 40% of his body.
The case, filed on Thursday, says that the defendants failed to maintain a safe working environment. Arroyo's attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP claim that the explosion was caused by insufficient safety procedures, including a faulty pipeline plug produced by Industrial Thermal Services.
"When welders like Arturo perform hot work, they rely on owners and operators to provide a safe environment," said Arroyo's lawyer, Kurt Arnold. "Instead, we see more fires and explosions."
The lawsuit wants more than $1 million in compensation for medical expenditures, lost income, and long-term care needs. Texas International Terminals and Industrial Thermal Services haven't responded.
According to a November statement from Texas International Terminals, the explosion injured five contractors but caused no chemical leaks or releases. Arroyo's injuries, on the other hand, have been regarded as life-altering, with further therapy expected.
The complaint raises recurring concerns about worker safety in industrial settings and calls for increased accountability from operators and producers.
