Berniard Law Firm Files Suit: Holding Chalmette Refinery Accountable for Toxic Catalyst Release

When a St. Bernard Parish resident stepped outside on September 6, 2009, she didn’t just find her neighborhood covered in a mysterious white dust—she found herself the victim of corporate negligence. The Berniard Law Firm has officially filed suit against the operators of the Chalmette refinery following a massive release of spent catalyst and toxic gases that blanketed Arabi, Chalmette, and the Lower Ninth Ward.

The Incident: A Blanket of Toxic “White Dust”

The release involved a ton of spent catalyst—containing kaolin and titanium dioxide—which are known respiratory and skin irritants. In addition to the visible dust, the refinery allegedly discharged:

• 2,000 lbs of Sulfur Dioxide
• 1,000 lbs of Nitrogen Oxide
• Undisclosed amounts of Hydrogen Sulfide

Despite the severity of the leak, the refinery failed to provide timely notification to the public, depriving families of the chance to seek shelter or evacuate.

Why This 2009 Filing Matters for the 2026 Explosion

History is repeating itself in St. Bernard Parish. The negligence we alleged in this lawsuit—failure to maintain equipment and failure to warn the public—is exactly what we are investigating in the wake of the May 2026 refinery explosion. If you were impacted by the recent fire, our firm is using the evidence and expert networks built during this previous litigation to fast-track new claims. Explore our current 2026 investigation below:

• Breaking News: 2026 Chalmette Refinery Explosion Lawsuit Investigation
• Legal Rights: How to Sue the Chalmette Refinery for the 2026 Fire
• Health Risks: Toxic Inhalation & Medical Monitoring Claims

The High Stakes of Involuntary Exposure

Refinery chemicals aren’t just “nuisances”; they are dangerous toxins. Hydrogen Sulfide is a fast-acting poison that settles in low-lying areas, making children and pets especially vulnerable. Sulfur Dioxide can mix with moisture to create sulfuric acid in the lungs, leading to long-term respiratory scarring.

At the Berniard Law Firm, we specialize in the “Quantum”—calculating the true lifetime cost of these injuries. We don’t just look at the damage today; we look at the medical monitoring you may need for years to come.

Put a Proven Winner in Your Corner
Jeff Berniard has a 20-year track record of beating industrial giants. From the Orrill v. Louisiana Citizens $20 million settlement to our multiple filings against Chalmette Refining LLC, we know how to force insurance companies to pay.

Don’t let a corporate legal team minimize your suffering. Get the firm that has already sued—and won—against this refinery. Get Jeff.

Put a Proven Winner in Your Corner

Jeff Berniard has a 20-year track record of beating industrial giants. From the Orrill v. Louisiana Citizens $20 million settlement to our multiple filings against Chalmette Refining LLC, we know how to force insurance companies to pay.

Don’t let a corporate legal team minimize your suffering. Get the firm that has already sued—and won—against this refinery. Get Jeff.

Contact the law firm today or call 504-521-6000 right now to talk about your claims!