HOUSTON, TX – Two separate lawsuits have been filed in Harris County District Court after a sulfuric acid release at a Houston port terminal, with each plaintiff seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Both lawsuits stem from an incident that occurred around 2:00 a.m. on December 27, 2025, at the BWC Terminals facility on San Jacinto Port Boulevard. According to the court filings, an overhead walkway at the terminal broke free and fell onto a pipeline carrying sulfuric acid, causing a large release of the toxic chemical into the surrounding area.
One lawsuit alleges the plaintiff was working aboard a vessel on the Houston Ship Channel about 500 feet from the facility when he heard a loud crash and saw a gas cloud coming from the terminal. The filing states there were no alarms or warnings before he was exposed to the chemical, resulting in lung irritation, throat pain, breathing issues, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation.
The second lawsuit claims another worker was exposed to the sulfuric acid for nearly three hours. According to the petition, he later sought emergency medical care and suffered injuries related to the chemical exposure.
Both lawsuits accuse BWC Terminals of negligence and gross negligence, alleging the company failed to properly maintain equipment, inspect the facility, warn workers and the public, and follow required safety regulations. The suits also claim the incident could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
The cases request jury trials and seek damages for medical costs, lost wages, physical pain, mental anguish, and other long-term health impacts. Both lawsuits remain pending in Harris County District Court.
