Hundreds of concerned Deer Park residents turn out for legal advice

Firefighters arrive at the site where the Intercontinental Terminals Company petrochemical fire reignited as crews tried to clean out the chemicals that remained in the tanks Friday, March 22, 2019, in Deer Park, Texas. less Firefighters arrive at the site where the Intercontinental Terminals Company petrochemical fire reignited as crews tried to clean out the chemicals that remained in the tanks Friday, March 22, 2019, in Deer ... more Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff Photographer Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Hundreds of concerned Deer Park residents turn out for legal advice 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Gene Barton, 76, missed two days of work because of the Intercontinental Terminals Company fires. He would have gone, despite the shelter in place, if it was not for his wife’s protests.

Barton was among some 300 people who showed up to a town-hall meeting Saturday to discuss the legal ramifications of the ITC fires that began Sunday afternoon.

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He grew concerned when he started having symptoms that he worries may be caused by the chemicals. “I’ve been having headaches, extreme headaches and sore throat, coughing, and breathing,” he said “I don’t have asthma but I’ve had a hard time breathing.”

Residents could receive free legal advice at the meeting, held at Chicago Title Southeast office in Deer Park. Lawyers reminded those in attendance that they are not doctors, and could not speak on behalf of the city or ITC.

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“We are here to give people answers on what we know and what rights you may or may not have,” attorney Bill Ogden said. “That is it. I’m not a doctor; I’m not a specialist in the industry.”

Residents’ concerns ranged from questions about their health to concerns about how their home value would be affected. The lawyers advised residents to not sign any settlement-releases until seeking legal advice.

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“Yesterday a lawsuit was filed, we filed a lawsuit but we weren't the first ones. Some people in La Porte … Ken Paxton, the attorney general, filed a lawsuit against ITC,” said Chance McMillan, one of the lawyers who hosted the meeting. “There are things going on that we know and want to talk to you about.”

Ogden advised anyone who had been feeling sick to go to the doctor and get their symptoms documented.

Many in attendance just wanted to know how to be repaid for lost wages.

“I was not able to work all week,” said Carlos Flores, 42. “I’m a single father, I need to work just like everybody else.”

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