Worker dies of severe burns after explosion and fire at local oil refinery.
Related News Articles
Refinery Settles for Millions
Denis Cuff, Contra Costa Times, May 26, 2000
"There was a conscious disregard for safety,' said Stan Casper, attorney for the Enriquez family. 'While Tosco is refusing to acknowledge that any 'real' manager was involved in this incident, they would not have paid $21 million if they weren't worried about their exposure to punitive damages in a trial." [Complete article available at Contra Costa Times archives, 770 words ( $1.95 )]
Tosco Agrees to Pay $21 Million in Fatal Blast Suit
Bernadette Tansey, San Francisco Chronicle, May 26, 2000
"Stan Casper, the attorney representing the Enriquez family, said a trial could expose Tosco to a jury verdict many times greater than the $21 million settlement, which was reached May 15 and announced yesterday. The three families who settled were preparing a case the Tosco managers boosted profits by laying off experienced workers, increased workloads to unmanageable Levels, and kept the high-temperature distillation tower running during the pipe repairs despite the danger of fire. 'These top managers were indeed responsible, and Tosco knows it,' Casper said."
Families of Tosco Workers Can't Sue Over Deadly Fire
Bernadette Tansey, San Francisco Chronicle, March 12, 1999
"Kin of contract employees could collect millions"
