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Case Summaries

Oil Field Accident: Negligent Working Conditions Injure Employee

Hidalgo County, Texas: On or about April 5, 2010, a fiberglass pipe exploded at an injection well, propelling both the fiberglass and the attached hose into the air and striking Lorenzo Galan, knocking him off his feet and severely injuring him. Lorenzo was working as an employee for Petroleum Producing Services, Inc. at the injection well owned and maintained by Dewey Bellows Operating Company.

Wigington Rumley Dunn & Blair LLP filed a suit contending that Dewey Operating Company, Ltd. was negligent in failing to maintain a safe working condition, failing to properly inspect for any dangerous condition, failing to have adequate supervision at the well site and failing to take precautionary measures to prevent the explosion. Such negligence is a direct and proximate cause of the injuries and damages suffered by Lorenzo Galan.

Mr. Galan sustained serious injuries to his back, ribs and abdomen, which resulted in an emergency amputation of a seven-inch portion of his intestine, disfigurement to different parts of his body and immense shock to his entire nervous system. Mr. Galan sought to recover damages for physical pain and mental anguish, loss of earnings, necessary medical care and treatment, and physical impairment. This case settled for a confidential sum.