Trial over pipeline worker's injury begins in Jefferson County

Jury selection in a personal injury trial against several corporate defendants began Monday, April 25.

Two days after falling through a hole in a storage tank, plaintiff Gregory Hollis filed suit against Colonial Pipeline Co. and Industrial Coatings Contractors on Oct. 31, 2008, in Jefferson County District Court.

Court papers show that on Oct. 29, 2008, Hollis, an Industrial Coatings employee, was on Colonial Pipeline's premises when he fell through an opening in a tank and was injured.

Since filing suit, Hollis' petition has been amended four times and now includes Integrity Inspection Services and Don Miller & Associates as defendants.

All of the suit's defendants will be on trial this week.

During the trial, Hollis will argue "one or more of the defendants were negligent in cutting the hole in the top of the tank instead of the side of the tank," according to his lawsuit.

"The defendants had actual or constructive knowledge that the hole ... was not adequately covered, barricaded and marked."

Attorney Curtis Leister of the Reaud, Morgan & Quinn law firm represents Hollis.

Houston attorney Knox Nunnally represents Colonial Pipeline.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the trial.

Case No. A182-648