Houston is the energy capital of the world, but there’s a hidden cost to that title. The city’s sprawling Petrochemical Corridor is home to some of the largest oil refineries and chemical plants in the country. Along with jobs and economic growth comes a serious risk: benzene exposure. If you or a loved one has developed leukemia, lymphoma, or other health issues after long-term exposure, you may be wondering if you can sue.
The short answer is yes, but it’s complicated.
What Is Benzene, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Benzene is a clear, sweet-smelling chemical found in crude oil and used to make plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, and other common products. It is also recognized as a human carcinogen, according to the classifications of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
In Houston, benzene is frequently released into the air during refining and chemical production. Flares, leaks, spills, and explosions can all emit benzene. Workers at these plants and people living nearby face the highest risk.
Health Impacts of Benzene Exposure
Even short-term exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues. But the real concern lies in long-term exposure. Chronic inhalation or skin absorption of benzene has been linked to:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Aplastic anemia
- Immune system suppression
- Reproductive and developmental harm
These aren’t minor illnesses. They’re life-altering and sometimes life-ending.
Can You File a Lawsuit?
If you’ve been harmed by benzene exposure, whether as a worker or a resident, you may be able to sue the responsible parties. These could include:
- Chemical manufacturers
- Refinery operators
- Employers who failed to protect you
- Contractors or companies that caused spills or emissions
You’ll need to prove two key things:
- That you were exposed to benzene
- That the exposure directly caused your illness
This is where it gets complex. Medical records, environmental testing, expert witnesses, and employment histories all play a role. These cases are evidence-heavy and require experienced legal help.
What Kind of Compensation Is Available?
A successful benzene exposure lawsuit can result in compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death, in the event that a loved one passed due to a benzene-related illness
In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages if a company knowingly ignored safety rules or hid the risks of exposure.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury or from when you reasonably discovered it. But benzene-related illnesses often take years to show symptoms. That’s why courts may apply the discovery rule, which delays the clock until you knew or should have known that exposure was the cause of your condition.
Even so, it’s important to act quickly. Waiting too long can cost you your right to take legal action.
How a Houston Benzene Attorney Can Help
If you’re dealing with a serious illness, the legal process can feel overwhelming. A qualified benzene exposure attorney can help shoulder the burden. From tracking down decades-old employment records to working with doctors who understand toxic exposure, your legal team should focus on the details, so you can focus on healing.
An attorney who understands Houston’s Petrochemical Corridor isn’t just helpful. It’s essential. These cases often involve powerful companies with deep pockets and teams of defense lawyers. You need someone who knows how these industries operate, who has access to the right experts, and who’s ready to stand up for individuals, not corporations.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
Benzene exposure isn’t just a workplace hazard. It’s a serious public health issue. If you or someone you love has developed a serious illness after living or working near one of Houston’s industrial zones, you may have legal options.
Contact Parks Law PLLC today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.