A laboratory technician at a synthetic butadiene rubber manufacturing plant alleged that his exposure to the probable carcinogen while collecting and analyzing product samples from reactors caused his blood disorder. Baker & O’Brien assessed his exposures based on his regular work activities by reviewing the reaction rate/product composition data and modeling near-air dispersion. Our expert report, which compared calculated exposures from empirical data to nationally recognized exposure studies, refuted the opposing expert’s opinions and facilitated the resolution of the dispute.

A large oxygen pipeline suddenly exploded with a massive fire, causing significant damage to a manufacturing facility. We were engaged to review process data, integrity management inspection data, and the subarctic ambient environmental conditions to opine on the origin and cause of the loss of primary containment. As a result, we identified a most likely cause based on a reasonable degree of engineering certainty that facilitated settlement discussions.

Class action lawsuits against a petrochemical plant and a petroleum refinery alleged that hurricane flooding was exacerbated by ongoing project work and poor coordination between the two integrated facilities. Baker & O’Brien reviewed project plans and execution records to evaluate project management compared to industry best practice, and assessed the working relationship and level of coordination between the facilities. Our expert report provided opinions on project governance and the degree of coordination between the facilities, including the effectiveness of the site’s emergency response plan.