MARSHALL - After suffering injuries from a sudden release of oil well pressure, a derrick hand has filed a lawsuit against an oil company man, claiming the contractor was responsible for the safety of the well site.
Adam Howell Bleckley filed suit against Steve Jolly on Oct. 7 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.
The incident occurred on March 8 while Bleckley was employed by Scandrill and assigned as a derrick hand on the Scan Eagle drilling rig. The rig was under contract with Samson Contour Energy and defendant Steve Jolly was working as an independent contractor for Samson Contour Energy.
According to the lawsuit, Jolly instructed Bleckley to open and remove the cement head. Jolly assured Bleckley that it was safe to conduct the activity and while Bleckley was undertaking the task, Jolly took cover in the "dog house" a protected structure on the drilling deck.
As Bleckley attempted to open the flange of the cement head, it released a large amount of pressure blowing the cement head off the well, causing injuries to Bleckley. Bleckley states he suffered a concussion, permanent hearing loss, a broken thumb, and injuries to his eye, the suit states.
The defendant is accused of negligence. Bleckley argues that Jolly was responsible for the safety of the well site and insuring that the work done was in a safe, reasonable and prudent manner.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, exemplary damages, interest and court costs.
Bleckley is represented by N. Eric Cooper of The Cooper Law Firm in Longview and Longview attorney G.R. (Randy) Akin.
A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge David Folsom is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-00449