On This Page
Overview: Asbestos Exposure in Galveston County, Texas
Galveston County has a dual history of asbestos exposure: the massive petrochemical complex in Texas City and the historic shipyards along the Port of Galveston. Texas City alone contains some of the largest refineries and chemical plants on the Gulf Coast, where thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos-containing materials over decades of industrial operations.
Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm represents Galveston County workers and families affected by asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Key Facts: Galveston County Asbestos Exposure
- Communities Served
- 4
- Total Exposure Sites Documented
- 9
- Primary Industries
- Occupational
- Years of Exposure Activity
- 1917 - 2022
- State
- Texas
- Consultation Cost
- Free — No Fee Unless We Win
Communities We Serve in Galveston County
Select a community below to learn about local asbestos exposure sites, affected industries, and how our attorneys can help victims in that area.
Dickinson
2 known exposure sites
BP/Amoco Texas City Refinery, Valero Texas City Refinery
Learn more →Galveston
1 known exposure site
Todd Shipyards Galveston Division
Learn more →La Marque
2 known exposure sites
BP/Amoco Texas City Refinery, Marathon Petroleum Texas City Refinery
Learn more →Texas City
4 known exposure sites
BP/Amoco Texas City Refinery, Marathon Petroleum Texas City Refinery, …
Learn more →All Known Asbestos Exposure Sites in Galveston County, Texas
The following 9 facilities across Galveston County have been identified as locations where workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos. If you worked at or lived near any of these sites, you may be eligible for compensation.
BP/Amoco Texas City Refinery
The BP Texas City refinery was one of the largest oil refineries in the United States, processing over 400,000 barrels per day at peak capacity. Originally built by Pan American Oil Company in the 1930s and later operated by Amoco and BP, the refinery used massive quantities of asbestos-containing insulation throughout its process units. The facility was the site of the devastating 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers, and has a long history of occupational exposure claims including asbestos. BP announced the refinery's sale to Marathon in 2013, and operations wound down by 2022.
BP/Amoco Texas City Refinery
The BP Texas City refinery was one of the largest oil refineries in the United States, processing over 400,000 barrels per day at peak capacity. Originally built by Pan American Oil Company in the 1930s and later operated by Amoco and BP, the refinery used massive quantities of asbestos-containing insulation throughout its process units. The facility was the site of the devastating 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers, and has a long history of occupational exposure claims including asbestos. BP announced the refinery's sale to Marathon in 2013, and operations wound down by 2022.
BP/Amoco Texas City Refinery
The BP Texas City refinery was one of the largest oil refineries in the United States, processing over 400,000 barrels per day at peak capacity. Originally built by Pan American Oil Company in the 1930s and later operated by Amoco and BP, the refinery used massive quantities of asbestos-containing insulation throughout its process units. The facility was the site of the devastating 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers, and has a long history of occupational exposure claims including asbestos. BP announced the refinery's sale to Marathon in 2013, and operations wound down by 2022.
Marathon Petroleum Texas City Refinery
Marathon Petroleum's Texas City refinery has operated since 1931 and currently processes approximately 593,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest refineries in the United States. The facility expanded significantly after acquiring the adjacent BP refinery assets. Asbestos-containing materials were standard in the refinery's insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing systems for decades.
Marathon Petroleum Texas City Refinery
Marathon Petroleum's Texas City refinery has operated since 1931 and currently processes approximately 593,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest refineries in the United States. The facility expanded significantly after acquiring the adjacent BP refinery assets. Asbestos-containing materials were standard in the refinery's insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing systems for decades.
Todd Shipyards Galveston Division
Todd Shipyards' Galveston division built and repaired naval and commercial vessels from 1917 through 1985. During World War II, the shipyard operated at peak capacity building Liberty ships, destroyer escorts, and other military vessels. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction for boiler insulation, pipe lagging, bulkhead materials, and deck coverings. Shipyard workers — particularly those in confined spaces below deck — were exposed to extremely high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers.
Union Carbide Texas City Plant
Union Carbide's Texas City chemical plant has been a major producer of petrochemicals and plastics since the 1940s. The facility, now operated by Dow Chemical following the 2001 merger, used asbestos-containing materials extensively in its chemical processing equipment, insulation systems, and electrical components. The plant was also affected by the catastrophic Texas City disaster of 1947, after which reconstruction incorporated additional asbestos materials.
Valero Texas City Refinery
Valero's Texas City refinery processes approximately 260,000 barrels per day. While built later than some Texas City facilities, the refinery incorporated asbestos-containing materials in its original construction and early modifications, and workers who performed maintenance activities were exposed to residual asbestos in older equipment and insulation systems.
Valero Texas City Refinery
Valero's Texas City refinery processes approximately 260,000 barrels per day. While built later than some Texas City facilities, the refinery incorporated asbestos-containing materials in its original construction and early modifications, and workers who performed maintenance activities were exposed to residual asbestos in older equipment and insulation systems.
If you or a family member worked at any facility in Galveston County and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact our attorneys for a free case evaluation.
Your Legal Rights in Galveston County, Texas
Understanding the legal landscape is critical when pursuing an asbestos or mesothelioma claim. Below is a summary of relevant legal information for cases involving exposure in Galveston County.
Court Jurisdiction for Galveston County
Asbestos cases from Galveston County are filed in the Galveston County District Courts. Cases involving shipyard exposure at the Port of Galveston have a significant history in this venue.
Federal cases may be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division.
Legal Options for Galveston County Asbestos Victims
Mesothelioma victims and their families in Galveston County may be entitled to pursue compensation through several legal avenues:
- Personal injury lawsuits — filed against the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure
- Asbestos trust fund claims — over $30 billion remains in trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos companies
- Wrongful death claims — filed by surviving family members when a loved one has passed from mesothelioma
- Veterans benefits — additional compensation for veterans exposed to asbestos during military service
- Workers' compensation — benefits for occupational asbestos exposure, which may be pursued alongside other claims
Our attorneys handle cases involving Galveston County exposure sites and have the experience to identify all available sources of compensation. Call 1-800-400-1805 to discuss your case.
Next Steps for Galveston County Mesothelioma Victims
You have options. Our attorneys are ready to help you understand them.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
This website is attorney advertising.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Content Reviewed & Updated: