MARSHALL - Claiming a crane operator and a flagger’s negligence resulted in permanent injuries to his leg when it became pinned between oil drilling equipment, Michael Shelton filed suit against Fowler Transportation Inc. on Sept. 13 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.
The incident occurred on Aug. 12, 2011, while Shelton was employed by Big E. Drilling and working on an oil and gas well for Petrohawk Energy Corp. In order to set up a roof over a mud tank at the drill site, Shelton and several other employees were standing on the mud tank about eight feet off of the ground.
The roof of the mud tank was being lowered by a crane operator, who is accused of failing to maintain a proper lookout and failing to operate the crane in a safe manner.
The crane operator allegedly pinned Shelton’s leg and caused permanent injuries.
Defendant Fowler’s flagger failed to properly signal the crane operator, the lawsuit states.
The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages, interest and court costs.
Shelton is represented by Fort Worth attorney John David Hart, Houston attorney Harold Eisenman and Pineville, La., attorney Wilbert J. Saucier Jr.
A jury trial is requested.
Case No. 2:12-cv-00594
Suit filed after man’s leg pinned by oil drilling equipment
