Seven nearby workers were severely injured, including 31-year-old Jeremy Schoon. His family is seeking $50 million in punitive damages.
"Jeremy was burned over 60 percent of his body, underwent numerous skin grafts, spent months in the hospital and rehabilitation and is scarred physically and emotionally for the rest of his life," said Kenneth J. Allen, Kenneth J. Allen & Associates.
"It's hard, every day is different, one day at a time," said Veronica Schoon, wife of victim.
The lawsuit claims company negligence was partly to blame for the fire and explosion. ABC7 was unable to reach officials with Arcelor-Mittal Steel for the company's reaction to the lawsuit.
