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Overview: Asbestos Exposure in Texas City, Texas
Texas City is one of the most significant asbestos exposure locations in the entire United States. Home to some of the nation's largest oil refineries and chemical plants — including BP/Amoco, Marathon, Valero, and Union Carbide — Texas City's industrial complex exposed tens of thousands of workers to asbestos over decades of operations.
The city's industrial history is also marked by the devastating Texas City Disaster of 1947, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in American history, which killed nearly 600 people. The reconstruction that followed incorporated massive amounts of asbestos-containing materials in new and rebuilt facilities.
Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm represents Texas City refinery and chemical plant workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Key Facts: Texas City Asbestos Exposure
- Known Exposure Sites
- 4
- Primary Industries
- Occupational
- Years of Exposure Activity
- 1931 - 2022
- State
- Texas
- Consultation Cost
- Free — No Fee Unless We Win
Known Asbestos Exposure Sites in Texas City, Texas
The following facilities 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.
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.
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.
If you or a family member worked at any facility in Texas City and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact our attorneys for a free case evaluation.
About Texas City & Asbestos Exposure History
Texas City's Refining and Chemical Complex
Texas City's industrial area along Galveston Bay contains one of the highest concentrations of petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing capacity in the world. The major facilities include:
- Marathon Petroleum — 593,000 barrels/day capacity (including former BP assets)
- Valero Energy — 260,000 barrels/day capacity
- Union Carbide/Dow Chemical — Major chemical production since the 1940s
These facilities used asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and refractory materials throughout their process units from the 1930s through the 1980s.
The 1947 Texas City Disaster and Asbestos
The April 16, 1947 explosion of the SS Grandcamp and SS High Flyer destroyed much of Texas City's industrial infrastructure. The massive reconstruction effort that followed relied heavily on asbestos-containing materials — the standard construction material of the era — for insulation, fireproofing, and equipment manufacturing. Workers who rebuilt the refineries and chemical plants were exposed to large quantities of asbestos.
Your Legal Rights in Texas City, 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 Texas City.
Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma and asbestos-related claims is two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the disease. For wrongful death claims, the statute runs two years from the date of death.
Because asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods (often 20-50 years), Texas applies the discovery rule, meaning the clock starts when you knew or should have known about the disease and its connection to asbestos exposure.
Do not delay. Contact our attorneys immediately after diagnosis to protect your legal rights.
Court Jurisdiction
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 Texas City Asbestos Victims
Mesothelioma victims and their families in Texas City 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 Texas City exposure sites and have the experience to identify all available sources of compensation. Call 1-800-400-1805 to discuss your case.
Do I Have a Mesothelioma Case?
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Next Steps for Texas City Mesothelioma Victims
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma in Texas City
How many refineries in Texas City used asbestos?
All of the major refineries and chemical plants in Texas City used asbestos-containing materials during their construction and operation from the 1930s through the 1980s. This includes the BP/Amoco refinery, Marathon refinery, Valero refinery, and Union Carbide chemical plant. Thousands of workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos in insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing materials.
Did the 1947 Texas City Disaster increase asbestos exposure?
Yes. The massive reconstruction of Texas City's industrial facilities after the 1947 disaster relied heavily on asbestos-containing materials, which were the standard construction and insulation materials of that era. Workers involved in rebuilding the refineries and chemical plants were exposed to significant amounts of asbestos.
I worked at the BP refinery in Texas City. Can I file a claim?
Yes. Workers at the BP/Amoco Texas City refinery who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for significant compensation. BP has been a defendant in numerous asbestos exposure cases. Contact Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
Have additional questions? Call 1-800-400-1805 to speak with an attorney, or submit a free case evaluation.
Free Asbestos Exposure Guide for Texas Workers
Download our comprehensive guide covering your legal rights, the claims process, and what compensation you may be entitled to after asbestos exposure in Texas City.
- Your legal rights after asbestos exposure
- Step-by-step claims process explained
- Compensation types available to you
- Statute of limitations by state
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