If the Catalyst Refiners incident changed your life, we want to hear from you.
Two workers died. Twenty-one were hospitalized — seven of them first responders. If you or your family were harmed, you don't have to face this alone. We listen first.
State and federal agencies have opened inquiries. Evidence and medical records matter most in the first 30 days. Call us now: 1-800-99-MRTRIAL
Deadly chemical spill in West Virginia — what happened at Catalyst Refiners.
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.
If any of this describes you or someone you love, we'd like to hear from you.
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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 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 →A reconstructed timeline.
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 instructed to remain indoors.
EMS rushes in — and becomes victims
First responders entered the scene. Seven were hospitalized themselves after being exposed to chemical fumes.
Toll confirmed
Two workers confirmed dead. 19 more hospitalized. One patient in critical condition. State and federal investigations opened.
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.
What clients and peers have said.
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Five things to do in the next seven days.
See a doctor within 72 hours
Even if symptoms feel mild. Hydrogen sulfide and pulmonary irritants can cause delayed damage. Your medical record becomes the spine of 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.
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 un-sign it later.
Preserve your phone records and texts
Any messages about the incident — from coworkers, supervisors, dispatch — may become evidence. Don't delete.
Talk to a lawyer before the company does
The Upton Assets verdict took 2.5 years. The first 30 days shaped the next 900. Free, no-pressure conversation — we don't get paid unless you do.
Straight answers.
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.