Worker trips over scaffolding, sues Exxon Mobil

A Jasper County resident brought suit against a large gas and oil company for alleged liability in a 2014 workplace accident.

Viola Becker, of Evadale, filed on March 4 in Jefferson County District Court against Exxon Mobil Corp., headquartered in New Jersey, as well as Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services Inc. and Brand Energy Solutions LLC, both headquartered in Delaware and registered to operate in Texas, claiming negligence in a work incident that allegedly left her severely injured.

According to court documents, Becker was employed by Heatex Industries Inc. and working at the Exxon Mobil plant in Beaumont. A complaint cites that on Oct. 21, 2014, she tripped over a piece of scaffolding left lying about 1-1/2 feet off the ground, fell, and injured her left shoulder, arm and wrist.

The plaintiff cites past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of earning capacity. Requesting between $200,000 and $1 million in damages, and alleging that any preexisting conditions were exacerbated by the accident and should be considered in the total award, the plaintiff seeks: compensation for medical expenses; front and back pay; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs.

She is represented by Richard Schechter of Houston.

Jefferson County District Court case no. B-196815