HOUSTON — A joint motion to continue trial was recently filed in litigation brought by a man claiming he fell out of a top bunk bed while working on Chevron and Noble Energy's offshore platform in Africa.
Richard Reggio filed a complaint Jan. 30, 2021 in Harris County District Court against Noble Energy Inc., Noble Energy Services Inc., and Chevron U.S.A., Inc., alleging negligence and premises liability.
The case is currently set for trial on Dec. 4, court records show.
The parties filed their motion to continue on Oct. 30, which states that they need more time to conduct discovery and prepare for trial.
“Equity and justice demand the parties be afforded a fair chance to conduct additional
discovery prior to trial,” the suit states. “Accordingly, the parties seek a continuance, not for the purpose of delay, but so that justice may be done.”
A hearing on the motion has been slated for tomorrow, court records show.
Case background
In his complaint, Reggio alleges that while working for Novetus Engineering on the defendants' offshore platform off the coast of Equatorial Guinea in Africa, he fell out of the top bunk bed he was assigned while sleeping and suffered severe injuries.
Reggio claims the bunk bed lacked "adequate safeguards" to protect him, and that the defendants were negligent for failing to hire, train and supervise competent employees and maintain their premises.
Reggio seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief.
He is represented by Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-05937