BP PLC exposed nearby residents of its defective Texas City refinery to at least 500,000 pounds (227,000 kilograms) of harmful gases, a lawyer told a Texas jury of eight women and four men in his closing statements on the first three of almost 48,000 toxic-exposure claims on Tuesday, October 8.

The prosecutor added that the British multinational oil and gas company would have been backed by more than $20 million had it chosen to shut down its faulty unit to conduct repairs.

After four weeks of testimony, the jurors  began deliberating last Wednesday, October 9.

The plaintiffs are seeking almost  $200,000 in actual damages each, plus $10 billion in punitive damages, which they will donate to charity.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an oil field injury such as exposure to toxic gas, it may be wise to seek legal representation. Please contact our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys at Woodson Law Firm to discuss your case today.