A Harris County jury has awarded more than $118 million to seven victims of the 2020 Watson Grinding and Manufacturing explosion, finding 3M Company liable for its role in the catastrophic blast that killed three people and destroyed hundreds of homes in West Houston.
The verdict follows a two-week trial and three days of deliberation in a Harris County District Court.
Evidence at trial showed that 3M was paid to service and maintain gas detection equipment over a two-year period at the Watson Grinding facility but did not perform the work consistent with the standard of care. Multiple 3M representatives admitted on the stand that they failed to do what they promised, thereby breaking a promise not only to Watson Grinding, but to the surrounding community that relied on those safety systems.
“The lead service technician admitted on the stand that 3M broke its promise to the community. This verdict is a public indictment of corporate indifference. 3M built its reputation on safety, yet its own conduct contributed to one of Houston’s deadliest explosions. This jury made clear that even the most powerful corporations will be held accountable,” Will Moye of Moye Law Firm said, who represented the plaintiffs alongside Rob Kwok, founding partner of Kwok Daniel LLP, and Ryan Loya of Kwok Daniel LLP.
Jurors assigned 3M the same share of fault (49%) as Watson Grinding itself, which had invoked the Fifth Amendment during the trial.
Earlier this year, Moye, Kwok and Loya also secured a $37.9 million verdict against 3M and Teledyne-Detcon on behalf of five other residents affected by the same explosion. More than 900 additional claims remain pending.
The explosion occurred on January 24, 2020, when a propylene gas leak ignited at the Watson Grinding facility near Gessner and Clay Roads, leveling homes across northwest Houston. In 2023, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur approved a $52 million insurance settlement for some victims.
3M Company has not yet publicly commented on the verdict.
Background on the Watson Grinding explosion
The Watson Grinding and Manufacturing explosion occurred when a propylene gas leak ignited at the facility in northwest Houston, sending a massive fireball through the neighborhood. The blast killed three employees, injured many others, and caused an estimated $200 million in property damage.
About the plaintiffs’ legal team
Kwok Daniel LLP and Moye Law Firm are Houston-based trial law firms known for their work in catastrophic injury litigation, industrial explosion lawsuits, and product liability cases against major corporations. The firms have tried multiple high-profile cases involving industrial accidents, chemical plant explosions, and unsafe manufacturing products.
Q&A
What caused the Watson Grinding explosion?
Investigators determined that a propylene gas leak ignited at the facility, triggering a massive explosion that devastated West Houston.
Who was found responsible for the Houston explosion?
A Harris County jury found 3M Company 49% liable for designing and supplying products that contributed to the blast.
Who represented the victims in the 3M explosion lawsuit?
The victims were represented by Rob Kwok of Kwok Daniel LLP and Will Moye of Moye Law Firm, both experienced Houston personal injury lawyers specializing in industrial explosion cases.
How much was the Watson Grinding verdict?
The jury awarded $118 million to seven victims, one of the largest verdicts in recent Houston history involving an industrial accident.
Are more explosion lawsuits pending?
Yes. Nearly 1,000 additional Houston residents have pending claims awaiting trial in Harris County.
About Moye Law Firm
Moye Law Firm is a Houston-based personal injury law firm led by trial lawyer Will Moye. The firm represents plaintiffs in high-stakes cases involving refinery and plant explosions, 18-wheeler and trucking accidents, catastrophic injury, workplace negligence, and wrongful death litigation.
Moye began his career defending Fortune 500 companies and insurers at an Am Law 200 firm before moving to plaintiffs’ work, where he leverages insider defense knowledge to secure significant results for injured clients. He has trained industry leaders at Lloyd’s of London on high-exposure claims and now applies that experience to fighting for victims in Texas courtrooms.
Recent firm news includes:
- Jury Awards $37.9M to Residents Affected by Watson Grinding Explosion
- Houston Attorneys Oppose Bill Capping “Nuclear” Verdicts
- Texas Lawmakers Consider Bill to Limit Trucking Company Liability
- Will Moye Discusses Texas Senate Bill 30 on "The Chad Hasty Show"
For more information, visit moyefirm.com.
Media Contact
Amanda Orr
amanda@orrstrategygroup.com
