Claims, Lawsuits Mount from Texas Fertilizer Blast

Insurance claims from the deadly April 17 Central Texas fertilizer facility explosion are expected to reach the $100 million mark excluding any insurance payments that may be triggered by lawsuits that have been filed as a result of the blast.

As of the end of April, the fire and explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. in West, Texas had spawned six lawsuits, including one from the family of a volunteer firefighter killed in the explosion, according to the Associated Press. West is located about 20 miles north of Waco.

Fourteen people died, including 12 first responders — most working for volunteer fire services — and more than 200 were injured by explosion. Nearly 150 homes were destroyed — including the home of Mayor Tommy Muska, an independent insurance agent and member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) — and many more residential and commercial buildings were damaged.

“The insured losses should reach $100 million as soon adjusters are allowed to inspect all of the structures and vehicles that were damaged,” said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas. “As far as I can tell, every policyholder in West has been contacted by their insurance company and help has been offered.”

The IIAT has created a fund to help in the rebuilding of West, Texas. IIAT seeded the fund with $5,000 and has asked for contributions from its members and the insurance community. The money will be for Mayor Muska to use at his discretion to support the rebuilding of the city and its fire services.

Note: Contributions to the IIAT fund for West, Texas, may be made online at iiat.org or checks payable to IIAT/Trusted Choice Foundation may be sent to: IIAT/Trusted Choice Foundation, P.O. Box 684487, Austin, TX 78768.

Topics Lawsuits Texas Claims