Injured gas well worker sues Ballard Exploration

Louisiana resident Kenneth Poole is suing Ballard Exploration and two other companies for an injury he received while working a gas well.

Along with his wife, Carol, Poole filed the suit April 11 in Jefferson County District Court. The other defendants named in the suit include Frank's Casing Crew & Rental tools and the Schlumberger Co.

According to the petition, Poole, while working at a gas well near the city of Beaumont, was injured on May 4, 2010, when the tubing running into the well fell, causing a pipe to strike him.

The hook hoisting the tube did not have a safety keeper on it, causing it tome come loose, the suit alleges.

The suit further alleges that Poole's employer, Ballard Exploration, negligently failed to provide him with a safe workplace.

Poole is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

His wife is suing for loss of consortium damages.

Beaumont attorney Steven Barkley represents the plaintiffs.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. B189-750