Louisiana resident sues after fall from drilling rig

MARSHALL-A Louisiana man has filed a lawsuit for more than $100,000 based on injuries he received from an alleged fall on a drilling rig.

George Steven Bruce and Sheila Bruce filed suit against Nomac Drilling and Chesapeake Energy Corp. on May 4, in the Harrison County District Court. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. filed a petition to intervene on May 13. Nomac Drilling removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division on June 17.

Bruce states that he fell while he was working under a drilling rig attempting to move a data cable. To move the cable, he attempted to cross boards that were covered in mud and the boards became dislodged and he fell.

The plaintiffs state that the defendants were negligent due to an unsafe drill floor and for failing to provide a reasonably safe environment in which to work.

Bruce states that the incident caused injuries to his back, shoulder, hand, wrist and fingers.
The Bruces are seeking actual, consequential, and exemplary damages for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of familial consortium, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, plus interest and attorney's fees.

Dallas attorney William Kenneth C. Dippel is representing the plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge David Folsom is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv00204