Do you need your rights protected after the Cstalyst Refiners chemical exposure?
If the Catalyst Refiners incident changed your life, we want to hear from you.
Two workers died, and twenty-one others were hospitalized, seven of them first responders. If you or your family were harmed, you don't have to face this alone. Our law firm is ready to help.
State and federal agencies have opened inquiries, and this is a developing story. Don’t hesitate to reach out about your legal options.
Deadly chemical spill in West Virginia — what happened at the Catalyst Refiners plant.
Authorities in Kanawha County confirm two workers died after a violent chemical reaction at Catalyst Refiners in Institute, WV. Over 30 people sought medical care, including seven first responders. Via NBC News / WSAZ.
01 · Who we're here for
If any of these describe you or your loved one, we'd like to hear from you.
Our consultations come with no obligations. Injury victims can rely on us for advice without a hard sell.
Plant workers & contractors
Decommissioning crews, cleaning teams, operators, and anyone on-site when nitric acid and M2000A were mixed.
Share your story →First responders
EMS, fire, and law enforcement personnel who entered without full knowledge of the chemicals released. Seven were hospitalized themselves.
Share your story →Residents in the zone
Anyone under the shelter-in-place order along Route 25 between Nitro and Institute, or downwind of the chemical plume.
Share your story →Families of the killed & injured
Spouses, children, and parents of the two workers who died, and of anyone hospitalized or in critical condition.
Share your story →02 · What happened
A reconstructed timeline of the Institute plant chemical leak.
Compiled from Kanawha County Emergency Management, WVPB, ABC News, WSAZ, and AP reporting.
Shutdown procedure begins
Crews were cleaning and decontaminating the Catalyst Refiners plant, which was already in the process of being shut down.
Nitric acid and M2000A mix
As workers were decommissioning a tank, nitric acid and M2000A (Bonderite) were mixed, producing hydrogen sulfide gas in a violent reaction.
Shelter-in-place issued
Route 25 closed from West Virginia State University to the Nitro/St. Albans Bridge. Residents were instructed to remain indoors.
EMS rushes in — and becomes victims
Emergency responders entered the scene at the facility. Seven responders were taken to area hospitals after being exposed to chemical fumes.
Toll confirmed
Two workers were confirmed dead, with 19 more hospitalized, including one patient in critical condition. State and federal investigations were opened.
03 · Results that speak
Verdicts and settlements from the same team taking on this case.
Prior results don't guarantee outcomes — but they tell you who you're working with.
$1.6B
$144M
$33M
$20M
04 · In their words
What clients and peers have said.
"Marion handled our case quickly and got us a fair settlement. She was kind and communicative with us, and firm with opposing counsel."
"Marion is one of the finest trial lawyers you will find in Texas. Dedicated, professional, and relentless in court."
"She is passionate about my civil rights case, keeps me informed, and always tries to find the way."
05 · What to do right now
Five things to do in the next seven days.
See a doctor within 72 hours
Even if symptoms feel mild, get a medical evaluation. Hydrogen sulfide and pulmonary irritants can cause delayed damage. Your medical record is essential for your case.
Document everything
Photos of symptoms, a written log of what you experienced, where you were, and when. Keep every discharge paper, prescription, and bill. Evidence and medical records matter most in the first 30 days
Do not sign releases from the company
Employers, insurers, or company reps may ask you to sign a quick statement or waiver. Do not. You can't unsign it later.
Preserve your phone records and texts
Any messages about the incident — from coworkers, supervisors, dispatch, and state agencies — may become evidence. Don't delete them.
Talk to a lawyer before the company does
The first 30 days shaped the next 900. Take advantage of a free, no-pressure conversation — we don't get paid unless you do.
06 · Questions people ask
Straight answers.
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of smell
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing, particularly for those with asthma
- Coughing
- Eye irritation
- Chest tightness
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of emotional support
When you're ready
You weren't supposed to get hurt at work, or in your own home, or on a call.
When you're ready to talk, we're here to listen.
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