Boilmaker sues ExxonMobil for pinched hand

While working at ExxonMobil's Beaumont facility, Chad Messer had his hand pinched by a tube while removing it from a boiler.

Messer, a Zachary Construction employee, filed suit against ExxonMobil on Jan. 11 in Jefferson County District Court, alleging the oil giant failed to provide him with the proper equipment.

Court papers show that on Oct. 13 Messer was working as a contracted boilermaker for ExxonMobil. He was changing out intercooler tubes by hand when the tube ends "pinched together, pinching his left thumb and hand."

In his suit, Messer says he was following ExxonMobil procedures, which were "faulty."

He also accuses ExxonMobil of negligently failing to provide him with a safe place to work and proper equipment.

Messer is suing for his alleged past and future mental anguish, medical expenses, impairment and lost wages.

Attorney Tommy Yeates of the Beaumont law firm Moore Landrey is representing him.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. B189-098